A Soft Answer
“A soft answer turneth away wrath:but grievous words stir up anger” (Pro 15:1).
The soft answer seeks to cover transgression in order to seek love. “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends” (Pro 17:9).
We should not love strife. “He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction” (Pro 17:19).
We should always be seeking peace, not trouble. “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling” (Pro 20:3).
King David was a man after God’s own heart - a man who was able to fight but longed for peace. “My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war” (Ps 120:6-7).
There are times when there can be no peace - especially with false teachers. “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Gal 2:5).
It is always necessary to contend for the faith of God. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
However, as much as possible, we should live at peace with every man and remember that the fear of the Lord (Ps 34:11) is always to seek peace with God. “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Ps 34:14).
Beth Johnson
The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The King James Version.
The King James Version.
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)
(http://www.oldpaths.com)