Wisdom Makes Peace

How does wisdom handle conflict? By making peace, not by gossiping, tale bearing, or starting or feeding discord between people at work, at home, or in the church. In fact, these are all things that God’s Word says we need to avoid, because they all contribute to strife. I like the definition of strife that refers to it as an “angry undercurrent.”

Most of the time, strife is not out in the open; it is more often a quiet, underground movement of disgruntled people who talk to one another about the things they’re unhappy with, but never deal directly with the person they’re unhappy with. This is a great example of what NOT to do—we shouldn’t stir up strife, feed it, or keep fanning its flames by adding to it.

You might be wondering, Well, how can I make peace? Jesus says that if we have anything against our brother or sister, we should go to that person privately and try to settle the matter. If that doesn’t work, we should take two or three others with us. If all else fails, we are to go to the church with our complaint (Matthew 18:15-17). It’s sad to think about how often we talk to people who have no ability to solve our problem and never go the one person with whom we might work to find a solution. Let’s be purposeful in the way we handle conflict, and seek to make peace.

People who spend their time gossiping and feeding strife may think they’re getting away with it, but they’re sowing bad seed that will produce destruction for them in due time (Proverbs 6:15). The message wisdom wants us to learn in Proverbs is this: Do the right thing now, and you will love the results later.

Ask yourself: When I’m having a problem with someone, do I normally go to them privately to discuss it, or do I go to others and talk about the person who’s offended me?