My Boss Doesn't Respect MeSample

Day 3. When Harsh Words Cut You Down

Sometimes disrespect doesn’t stop at being ignored—it cuts deep. A harsh word in front of others, a jab that belittles you. David felt that sting when his own brother mocked him on the battlefield.

“Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard David talking to the men. He became angry with David and said, ‘What are you doing here? Who is taking care of those sheep of yours out there in the wilderness? You smart aleck, you! You just came to watch the fighting!’ ‘Now what have I done?’ David asked. ‘Can't I even ask a question?’” (1 Samuel 17:28–29 GNT)

David’s courage was dismissed as arrogance. His brother tried to shut him down with insults. But David didn’t waste time fighting back—he kept moving toward what God had called him to do.

At work, a boss’s sharp words can feel the same. It’s unfair, it’s belittling, and it makes you want to defend yourself on the spot. But such arguments rarely fix anything. Like David, you don’t have to take the bait. You can choose to keep your focus on the work God puts in front of you.

Disrespect doesn’t erase your calling. Your value doesn’t shrink because someone talks down to you. God sees through the noise. He knows your heart, your effort, your faithfulness. Walking away from a pointless fight isn’t weakness—it’s strength that refuses to be dragged off course.

Prayer

Father, you know how much it hurts when words cut me down. I confess that I want to fire back and prove myself. Forgive me for letting pride drive my response. Teach me to stay steady when I’m belittled. Help me keep my eyes on the work you’ve given me and not on the insults of others. Give me the strength to answer with patience and courage. Amen.