Lamentations 3:30

30 Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.

Lamentations 3:30 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 3:30

He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him
Either to God that afflicts him, and patiently bears it; see ( Isaiah 9:13 ) ; or rather to men. To be smitten on the cheek is always reckoned a very great affront; to turn the cheek to an injurious man is to give him an opportunity and leave to smite, and signifies the taking of it patiently, and agrees both with our Lord's advice and example, ( Matthew 5:39 ) ( Isaiah 50:6 ) ; he is filled full with reproach;
has many reproaches, and the reproaches of many upon him; as such must expect, that take Christ's yoke upon them; see ( Psalms 123:3 Psalms 123:4 ) ; and yet revile not again, but esteem reproaches for Christ's sake great riches, and wear them as crowns, and bind them about their necks as chains of gold; esteeming it an honour and a happiness to suffer shame for his name.

Lamentations 3:30 In-Context

28 When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
29 Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear.
30 Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.
31 Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return.
32 If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.