When anger and bitterness are not quickly resolved, they may give rise to a cycle of violence. Our text captures the slaying of Abner by Joab. It was a retaliatory move for the killing of Asahel much earlier. “So Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face your brother Joab?” However, he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the blunt end of the spear, so that the spear came out of his back; and he fell down there and died on the spot. So it was that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, stood still.” 2 Samuel 2:22-23 NKJV.

When anger and bitterness are not quickly resolved, they may give rise to a cycle of violence.

Joab himself would later pay for his sin. Before David died, his handover note to Solomon included the fact that Joab must pay for his sin. He was found guilty of exacting the blood of war in peace time. The Bible does not contain any empty injunction. Whatever is written is to our advantage. Instead of pursuing vengeance because you are angry, commit your judgment to God. I love what the Bible says about Jesus. When He was treated unjustly and railed at, He did not rail back. Rather, He committed Himself to God who judges righteously. That is how believers ought to respond to unwarranted treatments.