On the one hand, life is far too fleeting to devote your precious time and emotional energy to paying attention to individuals who regularly spew or propagate ugly, untrue, hateful words.
On the other hand, how will you be able to speak out against injustice, fight for truth, stand up for those who have no voice, if you’re unaware of the lies and uninformed as to what the haters are saying?
Is it more about this…
…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
~ Philippians 4:8
…or this…
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
~ The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
…or does it, perhaps, like so many other important issues in this life, come down to the need to learn to maintain a healthy balance?
I genuinely want to know.
What do you think?
Please share!
(Originally posted in March, 2012.)
{ 24 comments… add one }
Twitter: doreenb8
January 28, 2014
I struggled with this for years and decided to delete those people that are not for me from my life but I always keep tabs on them, always.
Doreen McGettigan recently posted… Stop Snowing Me, Saying Goodbye, Rude People and more…
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
Good call – sounds like a good balance!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Twitter: CorinneBlogs
January 28, 2014
Having been the type who ignored the ‘enemy’ or chose not to see them for what they are, I’ve now learned to be aware so as to protect myself from being taken advantage of. So I think too it’s all about finding a balance.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Compliments: Turn The Light Back On
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
I tend to agree with you, Corinne – balance is so often the answer.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
I have a tendency toward emotional fragility (anxiety disorders), so for myself personally I stand with Philippians. Too much anger and negativity can upset my own emotional balance. I much prefer to turn my energy toward the good things.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
Sounds like you know yourself well, Elaine, and have figured out what works best for you. Good for you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Twitter: lilianaonthenet
January 28, 2014
Actually I was one, till recently, the one that faced the enemy. I used to spend a lot of hours in FB debating politics and current affairs. Because I could debate and explain every single theory or belief, a group of people could not cope with it. I was persecuted, constantly searched for in the internet, when they could not find anything bad about me, they used to make things up. I stopped not because I was afraid of them. I stopped because I was wasting precious time with people that obviously did not want to debate, but people that want to silence other by bullying.
If I see or perceive an injustice online, I still defend the person involved.
I am so much happier now, I am finally taking action and getting my online business going and I truly can help people instead of debating with “deaf” people.
Liliana Marsden recently posted… Offer testimonials for the sales pages of products you enjoy
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
It’s the time wasting that’s one of the most unfortunate parts about getting wrapped up in unproductive discussions, especially online. Sounds like you’re in a good place now!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Twitter: gottgreen
January 28, 2014
Hi Laurel….I always tend to lean towards balance as the perfect approach. But then it all depends upon how you define balance. As an optimist, I don’t think it helps me whatsoever to focus on the evil or bad in the world (be the people, institutions or ideas) but that doesn’t mean that I would EVER hand over my wallet to anyone I suspected was in that camp. Being optimistic doesn’t mean being stupid! ~Kathy
Kathy recently posted… 10 Commandments For A SMART & Simple Life
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
I too tend to lean towards balance. So often it just seems like the best approach!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
I try to live positively and be as nice as possible. I also don’t need bad things to happen to m for me to learn I don’t need to interact with people.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
Good point!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Twitter: mommy_grrl
January 28, 2014
It IS all about striking a balance. These days, I have enough on my plate, so I tend to back away from those spewing hate or negative energies. I don’t need them in my life, and I don’t need to engage or encourage – unless it directly involves me and mine. I don’t want to bury my head in the sand, so it’s all about priorities, being informed about what’s going on around me.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 29, 2014
Sounds like a great balance to me! Thank you for sharing.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Twitter: onelifetowrite
January 29, 2014
Ignore them!! If someone is trying to irritate my children, I always tell my them: “ignore them and they’ll go away.” It’s no fun for a bully if they get no reaction to their antics.
On the other hand: You should always keep one eye on an enemy who can harm you behind your back. (Someone who makes inaccurate statements about you to your boss, for instance.
Susan Graham recently posted… Mom Speaks
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 29, 2014
Great points! Again, it does seem to be all about balance.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Often times once I really get to know my enemy, they are no longer an enemy. (First seek to understand…)
On the other hand, there is one toad, I never could like. I never see him, but I believe he will pee on me again if he gets the chance.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 29, 2014
Oh, interesting point… I never thought of it that way!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
I say be aware. Definitely know what is going on. But that doesn’t mean immerse. You can observe and maintain a little distance . . .
Diane recently posted… ‘Under’ Dressed
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 29, 2014
Yes! It’s all about taking a balanced approach, I think.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
Twitter: karenandwendy1
January 29, 2014
I’m with the “keep them a safe distance away, but keep an eye on ‘em” crowd, at least when it comes to people I know have malign intent. For those who are just plain pills, I delete and ignore.
Karen recently posted… Awesome Advice Central versus the Drama Queen
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 29, 2014
That sounds like a great plan to me!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Putting on the pressure
I love that Phillipians verse but if I see something that is wrong or someone who is hurting I just can’t ignore. If we think about the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy most of the time then in those moments of wrongdoing (whether to ourselves or others) we should have the strength and knowledge to step up and try to set things right.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
Very good perspective! I love it.
Laurel Regan recently posted… 12 reasons why YOU should sign up for NaBloPoMo in February!
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