“Ne contendas adversus hominem frustra, cum ipse tibi nihil mali fecerit.”
“Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.”
“Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.”
“Don’t strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.”
“Strive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm.”
any thing injurious or hurtful. Having commanded doing of good, Pro 3:27,28, he here forbids doing or designing any evil. relying upon thine integrity: do not therefore betray thy trust, which is hateful even to heathens.
Cause. We may defend ourselves; but herein great discretion is necessary. (Calmet) — Cum pari contendere anceps est: cum superiore furiosum; cum inferiore sordidum. (Seneca, Prov.)
III. We must not be quarrelsome and litigious (v. 30): "Do not strive with a man without cause; contend not for that which thou hast no title to; resent not that as a provocation which peradventure was but an oversight. Never trouble thy neighbour with frivolous complaints and accusations, or vexatious law-suits, when either there is no harm done thee or none worth speaking of, or thou mightest right thyself in a friendly way." Law must be the last refuge; for it is not only our duty, but our interest, as much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men. When accounts are balanced, it will be found there is little got by striving.
Verses 27-35 Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to copy his example; to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness; to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife, and bearing evils, if possible, rather than seeking redress by law. It will be found there is little got by striving. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while Divine favour is shown to the humble believer.