Okay, so what are dignities?

Okay, so if dignities are not dignitaries in 2nd Peter 2, and in Jude, what are they?

Heh. The dictionary only helps a little on this one.

Let me ask you, what is an indignity? You know when you have suffered an indignity. Sometimes you think you are foolish for feeling indignant about it. Sometimes indignation is foolish.

Indeed, he who will not forgive his brother, especially when his brother really is trying to make up for the offence, "in him remains the greater sin".

But, "It is inevitable that offences must come, ..." Truth is a two-edged sword. "... but wo unto him by whom they come."

Making fun of people is only interesting for a moment. It comes at great cost to all involved -- lost friendships, lost confidence, loss of judgement by those who use it inappropriately, an so on.

A teasing word can go either way. It can stop at a playful jab, it can be followed by words of friendship, or it can decay quickly into making fun.

The bad side of irony and sarcasm is that what was intended to be ironic or a joke sometimes becomes all too real.


Dignities. I'm not talking about pompous behavior, although that can also be an attempt at dignity. I'm talking about our efforts to find or bring meaning into our lives, to do something meaningful.

Truth is two-edged sword. It cuts both ways. Be careful how you swing it or it will cut far more than you intend.