What does it mean for a Christian to wink at wrong?

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When a guy risks a wink at a woman, he may garner a smile or a rebuff … or maybe even a slap!

Something seemingly as little as a wink can have stinging consequences!

Even (especially?) for the Christian …

“People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.” – Proverbs 10:10.

In this sentence of scripture, Solomon contrasts those who see something wrong and ignore it (“wink” at it) with those who take action against it. What does it mean for someone — let’s say a Christian — to “wink at wrong”? Rick Pina uses his military career as an insight into this text …

    I have been in the military for almost 19 years. The military culture is one of standards and values. We are to adhere to a certain way of life. If our conduct does not line up with written regulations and time-honored military traditions it is said that our conduct is “unbecoming” of an officer or non-commissioned officer. We are expected to live, act and perform a certain way. What I don’t like is when one solider sees another solider violating a standard and instead of making the correction, they go off and tell someone else about it. Solomon calls this “winking at wrong.” He explains to us that those who wink at wrong – who laugh at it and gossip about it, instead of confronting it – are guilty of causing trouble. Soldiers have an inherent responsibility to not only live up to the standards, but to enforce them.

    Now, you may be thinking, “Wait a minute Rick, I am not a solider.” I understand that, you may not be, but I would hope that you are a Christian. If you are, then you have an inherent responsibility to love your brothers and sisters in Christ enough to confront them (in love) when you see them doing wrong. Don’t talk about them behind their backs. Don’t laugh about their shortcomings …”

Solomon tells us winking at wrong actually causes trouble (it at least contributes to it by allowing it), while a bold reproof is a direct investment in the promotion of peace.

Is your conduct unbecoming of a Christian by being someone who winks at wrong? Or do you offer “bold reproof” as an act of love to promote peace?

Scotty