Dear Editor,
Growing up I always heard, “Keep your own nose clean and keep your own backyard clean.” Reading a story, the other day I came across “Mind your own business,” with a Bible quote. Naturally I had to look it up, sure enough that is what it said. (1 Thessalonians 4 :11.)
Sometimes it helps to read surrounding verses. It continues to say “work with your hands, as not to be dependent on anyone.” In looking at some cross references I found Eph 4:28 “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.” Another version states “but must work, doing something useful with his own hands”. In 2 Thessalonians 3 :10 Paul writes, “We gave this rule, if a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
There has been a reference that the Bible was not only for the individual but also for the nation. Israel was to be an example to the other nations. How many times did they turn away from God and suffer the consequences?
I am also reminded of another verse, “Take the log out of your own eye before trying to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.» (Matt 7: 5) 2 Thessalonians 3:11 goes on to say «some are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.» Minding our own business could refer to one of the commandments, not bearing false witness, telling half-truths or not the whole story, sound bites and headlines can lead to assumptions, which may not be true. Read the whole story, do some research, read any and all versions. Question all stories, check it out for yourself. Is it fake news or half-truth?
Lauris Byxbe
Pompeys Pillar, MT
