They call it sweet, but it sours quickly, leaving an aftertaste bitter as wormwood. Revenge is like Solomon’s description of a seductive temptress—lips as sweet as honey, but “in the end she is bitter as wormwood…” (Prov. 5:3-4).
Many have pursued the path of sweet revenge. Hot on the trail of getting even, life becomes so narrow in its focus as to eliminate joy and peace altogether. Everything good is put on hold until satisfaction has been met and justice served. But revenge is seldom just—at least when meted out by fallible human beings. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was a practical safeguard to keep the children of Israel away from ever-increasing escalation in personal conflict (Ex. 21:24). However, Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek (Mt. 5:39).
We are not equipped to exact revenge—in fact, it is forbidden. Paul said, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone” (Rm. 12:17). He says, “Never take your own revenge…” (vs. 19). Paul goes on to tell us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. In seeking revenge, many have awakened too late only to discover that the sword intended for another is the sword upon which they, themselves, have fallen.
Revenge does not have to be overt or life-threatening. It can take many shapes and forms. Sometimes it goes almost without notice, except in the heart of the one who initiates or rejoices in the pain of another (1 Cor. 13:6 cf. Rm. 12:15). Other times, it takes on an in-your-face, over-the-top attitude. We would do well to examine our hearts, sweeping away the least-bit residue of every vengeful thought, aggressive or passive.
Our pursuit of revenge might be illustrated on the highway. Aggressive revenge is called road rage. Repaying the poor and inconsiderate driving decisions of others by cutting them off in traffic or riding their bumper is an aggressive form of seeking revenge. It is getting even. It is habit-forming. It is addictive. It is self-destructive and dangerous.
On the other hand, passive revenge is for those who want to get even without necessarily calling attention to themselves. Driving slowly in the passing lane so as to keep speeders from quickly getting to their destinations. Creeping through intersections after the green, left-turn signal has lit up so that others will not be able to make a similar turn. These may be a forms of passive revenge, depending on a person’s motive.
These thoughts are not intended simply to make us better and safer drivers. Take time to consider the consequences of revenge in the home, in the church, and in society at large. Jesus said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Mt. 7:12). The Golden Rule is the antidote to the deadly problem of revenge. Its taste is sweet, leaving no bitterness in its wake.