Category — Thomas Jefferson Quotes

I was going to post this tomorrow, but then I thought it better to do it today . Actually, this quote was submitted by Carl M Keating last week, and I kept putting it off until tomorrow, and then tomorrow again until tomorrow became today. Oh, the irony! So, thank you Carl for submitting a quote, this is a good one, it’s finally posted!

The original quote comes from Thomas Jefferson and is clearly not from the Bible.

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” – Thomas Jefferson

Then there is the other side of this quote coin, which says:

“Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow.” – Aaron Burr

Now, you probably knew that Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States. But did you know that his Vice President was Aaron Burr? I think the contrast between these two quotes speaks volumes of their relationship – note that Burr was Jefferson’s vice president for one term and that Jefferson dropped him from the presidential ticket for his re-election campaign in favor of George Clinton.

Aaron Burr is most famous for his duel with founding father Alexander Hamilton in which he shot and killed Hamilton in Weehawken NJ along the Hudson river. You can read more about that here. Also, I found a full list of presidents and vice presidents on About.com that you may find interesting.

And today’s post wouldn’t be complete without a Bible quote about procrastination versus hard work. And yes, it is a Bible double.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.” – Proverbs 6:6 NKJV

More Thomas Jefferson Quotes.

Bravery and courage versus fear and cowardice. These qualities are inward attributes that are outwardly revealed by how we respond to the circumstances of life. And the type of person you are is determined by the spirit you carry.

A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit. – Bible or Not?

One would think that a coward would be much less exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit, thinking that a coward would avoid confrontation at all costs. But this quote is about exposure more than engagement, saying that the coward is more exposed, meaning that they are more likely to find themselves in situations that could lead to quarrel.

The difference between a coward and a man or woman of spirit is that the former is not likely to take a stand on anything while the latter stands on their principles. The one may shift his ideals from one situation to the next while the other is clear and firm on their ideals regardless of the situation. If we blow with the wind, no wonder we may get caught up in a hurricane.

The idea of taking a stand on principle, and being clear about where you stand, is taught by Jesus when he says, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37 New King James Version).

The author of the quote, “A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit”, was Thomas Jefferson. He was a man who understood that those who stand on principle and conviction, and are unwavering yet respectful of others, are less likely to be exposed to quarrels. This is the “Man of Spirit”. Taking it one step further, let that “spirit” be the Spirit of God.

And remember, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear (cowardice), but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Have you ever been injured by a friend, someone you trusted, and they hurt you? Or, have you ever been the cause of injury to a friend? Sometimes these things happen, and regardless of what side you are on, it never feels good. Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying:

“An injured friend is the bitterest of foes.” – Thomas Jefferson

Clearly he had experienced such a falling out, and from this quote I would imagine that it did not work out well for him.It also is clear that his conclusion that an injured friend not only becomes a foe, but the bitterest of foes, is worldly wisdom and not Biblical. It is true that a hurt friend may be hard to win back:

A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. – Proverbs 18:19 NKJV

But, a true friend loves at all times, and the Bible teaches us the way to deal with such an injury. We are to address it promptly and with full intent to reconcile.

Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him. – Luke 17:3-4

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. – Matthew 18:15

Yes, there are times when friends hurt each other, it does happen unfortunately. But with friends, and with the help of God, there is always a way back. Perhaps Jefferson’s friend turned foe was not a friend at all.