Have you ever considered that the word “if” has no past tense? That’s because “if” never happens.
The word “if” is often vilified, as in this post, for being too “wishy washy”.
Certainly, there are times it is. We use it as a convenient preface to something we don’t really want to do. “If I do this… then that will happen.” – when we don’t want “that” to happen. Other times, we use it in a question to clarify someone else’s feelings about something we’re considering. “What if I did this? What would that do?”
So, what about the fact that there’s no past tense of “if”. As a subordinating conjunction clause, not only is it grammatically impossible to have a tense at all, “if’s” very nature is that of an imaginary future outcome that’s based on a imaginary past event. Does that complicate it enough for you?
The context of “if” in today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. quote; however, lies in its use when looking back with regret at something we did or didn’t do. It’s the old “What if I had done this?” or “What if I had done that?” scenario. Certainly, those are sometimes very legitimate and useful questions – provided they’re asked in a helpful way. On the other hand, they can sometimes rob you of fully grasping the benefit of the thing that actually did happen or prevent you from getting past the pain of a negative outcome.
In today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. Bible verse, King Solomon is talking about wisdom. Although there are several things he mentions as being unwise, the one about looking back with regret is the chapter’s shortest and most easily understood verse.
According to Solomon, it’s not wise to look back in a regretful manner, which is much different than looking back in a reflective manner. To reflect on something gives us a view of the outcome from a perspective that can lead to growth. A regretful view only produces anxiety and feelings of doubt and low self-esteem.
The Tiny Words. Big Life. “AHA!” moment is this: Pray for deliverance from the shadows of regret. Pray for acceptance of the negative outcome as the fuel for learning. Praise Him for taking you through the events and be grateful for the chains that have bound you. Finally, rejoice in the knowledge that God will deliver you.
One thing’s for sure if you do, God will help you and you’ll learn from it. Then, you’ll have more time to focus on beneficial and fun things – like studying what a “subordinating conjunction” actually is!
Ecclesiastes 7:10
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.