Wronged?

But they answered, "Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?" - Genesis 34:31

Have you ever been "wronged?"

In revenge for the rape of their sister, Dinah's brothers deceived the men of Sichem, ultimately killing them all, which made me wonder, "Were the sons of Israel angry because Hamor's son raped their sister or because his unrighteous act had injured their pride?" Consider their response when Israel (their father, Jacob) confronted them. They did not call Dinah by name, but instead referred to her as "our sister." Of course, I don't know the answer to my own question, but it does raise some issues.

Without a doubt, the crime against Dinah was horrible and deserved to be punished, but the anger of the sons does not seem to be about her. "Righteous" anger can never concern an offense to individual pride and while it is just to punish crime, and for all evil to be overcome, anger is only justified when the offense concerns God. Their anger seemed to be more personal (as seen in later manifestations of their pride).

Pride often escalates our anger and while anger is a natural response to an unjust offense, vengeance always belongs to God.

When critics sit in judgment it is hard to tell where justice leaves off and vengeance begins. - Chuck Jones