To the degree you and I get offended reveals much about our level of maturity. The goal is to get to a point where we no longer get offended. I know that this is easier said than done, but at least, let’s be aware of the standard.  Proverbs 12:16 tells us,

The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult. 

Proverbs 12:16 (ESV)

The word Vexation is the Greek word, kaʿaś: meaning “Anger or provocation.”^[1] The word fool here means, “One who hates wisdom and walks in folly, despising wisdom and morality.”^[2] In other words, not only that a fool is easily offended, but it is easy for people to see that he/she is offended. Sadly, the last days will be known for many people getting offended and leaving local churches. In Matthew 24:10 Jesus tells us, 

And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. (KJV)

Do you see the sequence? 1) you get offended, 2) you betray your brothers and sisters and 3) you start hating your brothers and sisters. The word Offended here is the Greek Word skandalízō; meaning “A trap, stumbling block. To cause to stumble and fall. To give a cause of offense to someone. Generally, to offend, particularly to scandalize, to lead astray, to lead into sin.”^[3]

These offenses are going to come our way and we must recognize them for what they are…traps. Their goal is to scandalize a situation, to create the offense, to cause you and me to go astray and, to lead us straight into sin.  

Offenses are used by Satan very effectively to create disunity in the Body of Christ. Know this, if you are offended and people can easily notice, the Bible describe you as a fool. Our goal should be to be prudent people. The word Prudent in Proverbs 12:16 means “An individual who takes no offense at an insult.”^[4] May the Lord help us to mature and create in us unoffended hearts… In Jesus name… Amen! 

^[1] Warren Baker and Eugene E. Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament(Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003), 519.

^[2] Warren Baker and Eugene E. Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament(Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003), 24.

^[3] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).

^[4] Warren Baker and Eugene E. Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament(Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003), 870.