2Sa 19:43 | MHM | STEP | v. 43 : The men of Israel defended their complaint. They said, We have ten parts in the king , meaning most of the tribes belonged to Israel, while Judah only had the tribe of Simeon with them. They felt insulted that they were not asked for advice about bringing the king back. Just a short time before, these same people were fighting against the king. Now, they were competing to honor him the most. This shows that public opinion can change quickly. Often, arguments start because people feel ignored or insulted, even over small things. The men of Judah could have avoided this trouble by including Israel. Still, the Israelites should not have become so angry. If something good is done, we should not be upset just because we did not help do it (2 Samuel 19:43 ). Finally, the Bible notes that the men of Judah argued more fiercely than the men of Israel. Even if we are right, speaking with harshness and anger is wrong in God’s eyes. God notices when we speak with too much passion and is displeased by it.

‏ 2 Samuel 19:43

v. 43: The men of Israel defended their complaint. They said, We have ten parts in the king, meaning most of the tribes belonged to Israel, while Judah only had the tribe of Simeon with them. They felt insulted that they were not asked for advice about bringing the king back. Just a short time before, these same people were fighting against the king. Now, they were competing to honor him the most. This shows that public opinion can change quickly. Often, arguments start because people feel ignored or insulted, even over small things. The men of Judah could have avoided this trouble by including Israel. Still, the Israelites should not have become so angry. If something good is done, we should not be upset just because we did not help do it (2 Samuel 19:43 ^a).

Finally, the Bible notes that the men of Judah argued more fiercely than the men of Israel. Even if we are right, speaking with harshness and anger is wrong in God’s eyes. God notices when we speak with too much passion and is displeased by it.