Don't Burn Any Bridges

When YHWH does for my lord all the good He promised and appoints you ruler over Israel, there will not be remorse or a troubled conscience for my lord because of needless bloodshed or my lord’s revenge. And when YHWH does good things for my lord, may you remember me your servant. - 1 Samuel 25:30-31

One piece of advice that I received a long time ago has managed to stick with me. What was it?Don't burn any bridges.

When moving from one position or place of service to another, or just moving through life, it is often best to leave a bridge of communication (an open door or relationship) behind you. Who knows? For one reason or another, you may need to pass that way again.

This is the type of counsel that Abigail gave David as he sought to take revenge on Nabal for his selfish slight. She knew that God intended to use David for an exalted purpose and one little act of angry revenge could taint his future forever.

Wise advice, which is not always easy to heed, but aren't you thankful for those who help us hear it?

In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior. - Francis Bacon