Is the Bible a Manual of operations?

Should we be right or kind?

Legal literature approach

A reductionist method that results in you being in control. Both the when and what are justified. So, the text is just there to empowered you.

The New Revised Standard Version A Tree and Its Fruit

20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.

Wisdom literature approach

Then when is not established. It requires more than intelectual devotion.

in Prov 26:4-5 The Text is presenting a spectrum of tension, and the reader has to decide what to do.

the Text is presenting a spectrum of tension, and the reader has to decide what to do. Just like in Wisdom literature.

should we give to everyone or not ?

From Vine’s notes:

c. Whether or not to give to others when requested?

(i) ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you (Matt. 5:38-42);

(ii) ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you’ (Matt. 7:6).

Can we really judge by what we see?

Are we commanded to judge others or not?

The Text is presenting a spectrum of tension, and the reader has to decide what to do. Just like in Wisdom literature.

People reveal who they really are, but that usually takes time.

From C. Vine’s Notes:

f. Consistency between the internal and external: ‘if your eye is healthy, our whole body will be full of light’ (Matt. 6:22) ‘You will know them by their fruits’ (Matt. 7:16) Inconsistency between the internal and external: ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves’ (Matt. 7:15) ‘the hypocrites’ (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16)

Being right does not mean being righteous

The wise mean hears and acts on the words.