A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The word “chip” is figuratively used in
English. “A chip off the old block,” “Let the
chips fall where they may,” and, “A chip on
one’s shoulder.”
“Chip” in the latter instance is defined as,
“…a disposition to quarrel” (RHCD, pg. 235).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
Cain appeared to have had a chip on his
shoulder:
“5: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not
respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his
countenance fell.
6: And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou
wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7: If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?
and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt
rule over him” (Gen. 4).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The “chip on the shoulder syndrome” seems
to involve some predisposition occasioned by
different things.
It involves a mindset already in place that
interprets a given action or circumstance with
prejudice and a disposition to find blame.
There is, as a rule, some perceived or actual
comparative inferiority matter that often
manifests itself in irrational anger and
resentment towards others.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
As indicated, the chip on the shoulder
problem can disrupt the unity of a local
church and result in needless
alienation:
Philippians 4: 2; Romans 12: 16;
Philippians 2: 2-7; Galatians 5: 13-15.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The sinner’s chip on the
shoulder.
1. Cp. John 8: 41 (see
vs. 32-37).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The minority chip on the
shoulder.
1. Cp. John 4: 7, 9.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The female chip on the
shoulder.
1. Cp. I Tim. 2: 12-15, I
Tim. 5: 14, I Cor. 11: 3.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The lack of secular
education chip on the
shoulder.
1. Cp. Acts 17: 17, 18.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The young person chip
on the shoulder.
1. Cp. Tit. 2: 6, I Tim. 4:
12, I Tim. 5: 1, 2.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The older person chip on
the shoulder.
1. Cp. I John 2: 13, 14.
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
Those who are in relative
poverty (cp. Mark 14: 39).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
A chip on the shoulder
complex can result in
troubled relationships
(Eph. 5: 22ff.).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
A chip on the shoulder
problem can result in
paranoia (cp. Prov. 28:
1).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
A chip on the shoulder
promotes slavery and
addiction (cp. 2 Pet. 2:
19).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
A chip on the shoulder
tends to end up in much
sadness and unhappiness
(cp. Matt. 5: 12).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
A chip on the shoulder
complex can result in
confusion (cp. Rom. 12:
2).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
A chip on the shoulder
promotes frustration and
wasted energy (cp. Phili.
4: 8).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The chip on the shoulder
fixation can result in
general despair (cp.
Phili. 4: 6).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
Christians are to be examples of mental and spiritual
hygiene, clear thinking, and a sound mind - they should
promote and experience good, healthy relationships.
“13: I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me” (Phili. 4).
“37: Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom. 8).
A Chip On One’s Shoulder
The solution: As is the case with most sin, an
excessive interest in self is the root cause.
 We must deny self (Luke 9: 23).
 We must control self (I Cor. 9: 25-27).
 We must examine self (2 Cor. 13: 5).
 We must practice the “Golden Rule” (Matt. 7:
12).
 We must be loving, kind, and considerate (I
Pet. 3: 8).