I used to hear this all the time as a young person. Indeed I was told to practice it in my daily living. It is rare to even hear it anymore. What are these rare words?

Give him the benefit of the doubt.

Mom would tell me this when others upset or angered me. “I doubt they mean it the way you think,” she would wisely instruct me. More times than not I would find she was right after putting my hackles down. Why am I so prone to think the worst in people?

Scripture knowledge is most rare today. Yet it is full of wisdom for a knee-jerk responder like myself and for all of mankind around the globe. I know the day goes better for me and my interaction with people when I follow these guidelines from God as written in the Bible.

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Prov 8:13

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Prov 16:18

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Prov 15:30

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he… Prov 23:7

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Prov 10:4

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. Prov 18:17

He who answers before listening–that is his folly and his shame. Prov 18:13

The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. Prov 14:1

These now rare instructions are life to our bones. Have you read them lately?