May 18 Various Proverbs - Assuming the Best of People

Proverbs are designed to make us think. Many of them have meanings at various levels. They often have multiple applications.

Proverbs 11:27 says, "He who seeks good finds good will, but evil comes to him who searches for it." Although there are many applications to this proverb, I use it often when I teach Biblical communication. This proverb is a huge help in our interactions with each other. This proverb is saying to assume that people are generally good willed. Their implementation of good speech and behavior may be flawed, but they aren't usually Satan-incarnate trying to wreak the depths of hell upon us.

I even have to stress this among married couples. Our human natures (sinful) causes us to think first that people are out to get us - that they are evil and trying to hurt us. This is generally not the case, though it sometimes is. If it is, then we are able to discern this rather easily. But if we assume people are generally good-willed, our conversations with them take on an entirely different tone and content than if we assume the opposite. If we are seeking good, generally we will find good will. However, if we begin with evil intent ourselves, we will find evil rather easily - we will bring out the worst in people, not their best.

So, don't be so afraid that you will be walking around getting duped moment by moment if you aren't suspicious of everyone and everything they do - assuming the worst. Evil is pretty evident, most of the time. Look for the good and good will will come to you - generally speaking - which is what proverbs are - generally speaking truths.