by Mike Bennett

The Proverbs give many human relations principles that, if followed, would prevent much of the conflict between individuals, families and nations. But even those principles that might seem self-evident are too often ignored by those reacting according to emotions.

If someone angers us repeatedly, we may not feel like trying to prevent a fight. If we feel slighted or disrespected, we may feel tempted to retaliate in kind.

“The great mischief-maker is malice,” wrote Matthew Henry. He described how hatred incites people to stir up strife like a fire, “blowing up the sparks of contention into a flame, at which, with an unaccountable pleasure, they warm their hands. The great peace-maker is love, which covers all sins, that is, the offences among relations which occasion discord” (note on Proverbs 10:12).

God tells us to forgive others and be willing to take perceived or real slights in the interest of promoting peace (Matthew 5:7-10; 6:14-15; Colossians 3:12-15; 1 Peter 4:8).

For more about forgiveness and the way of peace, see “How to Forgive” and  “The Way of Peace.”