Be Not Vengeful

Do not be vengeful,
don’t try to get even
do not hold a grudge
for any kind of reason.

Do not be spiteful,
don’t be merciless
do not be cruel
or become heartless.

Do not be resentful,
don’t be envious
don’t be embroiled
in others pettiness.

Do not be hateful,
don’t be critical
do not be unforgiving
nor become cynical.

Do not be vengeful
don’t hold a grudge
for God one day . . .
every thought will judge!

Leviticus 19:18

“Thou shalt not avenge,
nor bear any grudge
against the children
of thy people,
but thou shalt
love thy neighbour
as thyself: I am the Lord.”

King James Version
Public Domain

This poem was a finalist in the August 2017 poetry contest