If you find yourself in a fight, you’ve probably done something wrong.

ADAGE

Fight Fair

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RESPONSE

If you find yourself in a fight, you’ve probably done something wrong. Your first priority is to make peace. If that is not possible, position yourself for your best possible outcome. Here is how it works. The likely outcome of any dispute or fight can be assessed by balancing the following factors:

1. The relative strength and force each adversary can bring to bear.

2. The relative positional advantage or disadvantage of each adversary.

3. Their relative strengths of will (the relative importance to each adversary of winning or losing— what each has to win, what each has to lose).

This simple equation has proven itself true and complete for thousands of years. It shows no sign of growing outdated soon. Lawsuits are Satan’s playground. There is a difference between the honorable mediation of a disagreement and lawfare. Lawsuits should be your last resort, and even then, weigh your potential gain with the requirements of the battle you’re about to fight. If you’re the target of a malicious lawsuit then faithfully select your response. Be careful, check your pride, and try to work things out without going to court. As far as it depends on you, you must be at peace with everyone. Don’t let people malign Christ because of your business practices.

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 25:8 Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

QUESTIONS

  1. How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?

  2. A smaller competitor enters your market and starts taking market share with a better product. Your lawyer says he can concoct a lawsuit against them that will probably put them out of business. Do you proceed with the lawsuit? Why or why not?

  3. A recently terminated employee files a lawsuit for unlawful dismissal and discrimination against a protected class, and is seeking significant monetary damages. The lawsuit is entirely without merit but your lawyers urge you to settle because they are not confident of the outcome in court. Do you fight or settle? How do you respond?

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Adages Worksheet 30
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