Wednesday: A Gentle Answer
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 10th of December 2025
Read Joshua 22:21-29 in the light of Proverbs 15:1. What can we learn from the answer of the eastern tribes?
The answer of the accused, as straightforward and powerful as the accusation, constitutes both thematically and structurally the heart of the chapter. So far, the tribes have not replied to the accusations but instead have quietly listened to the allegations against them. Given the seriousness of the charges, their patience is exemplary as they display the true meaning of the proverb: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV).
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
The opening sentence of the defense is a string of divine names attributed to Israel’s God: El, Elohim, Yahweh (Joshua 22:22). It is repeated twice with a growing force, as it becomes a solemn oath in order to dispel the doubts and false accusations that almost lead to a civil war in Israel. They are strongly convinced that God fully knows and understands the situation, and they hope that the present delegation will arrive at the same conclusion. The two-and-a-half tribes also recognize their accountability before the Lord by calling Him to take vengeance (compare with Deuteronomy 18:19, 1 Samuel 20:16) if they are indeed guilty.
A surprising revelation follows, which on the one hand proves the basis of the indictment void (an altar cannot serve only as a place of sacrifice) and on the other hand discloses their true motivation. Fear of separation from Israel, rather than apostasy, was the true ground for their action. Thus, the building of the altar is not evidence of apostasy, as had been supposed. Actually, the contrary is true: they have acted out of fear of the Lord, just as the western tribes did. The true basis of Israel’s unity is not geography or the physical extent of the inheritance but their spiritual allegiance to the requirements of the Lord.
The genuine concern of the tribes on the west side of the river also is revealed in their authentic joy as the innocence of the tribes on the east is ascertained. Instead of feeling defeated by the arguments of their brothers, they show sincere happiness that their suspicions turned out to be wrong. Civil war in Israel was avoided and the unity of the nation preserved.
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How do you handle false accusations? Share some of the principles that guide your attitude. For inspiration, see Psalms 37:3-6,34,37. |
When I was an undergraduate student studying chemistry, I had a roommate who was a tradesperson in metalwork. He was a tad arrogant about his knowledge of metal in general and iron in particular. I of course took the bait because I was a tad arrogant myself and claimed I knew a lot about iron. So we had this great argument to settle who knew the most about iron. He talked about iron, steel, the role of heat treatment and carbon content and so on. I talked about the multiple valencies of iron, its electronic configuration, and its role in the haemoglobin molecule in the oxygen/carbon dioxide management in the human body. After we had both exhausted our not-inconsiderable knowledge of iron, we both looked at one another and agreed that we both knew a lot of completely different things about iron and it would be best to respect each other’s views. And that was the last time we ever argued about who had the greatest or best knowledge.
But, I hear you respond, we cannot apply that to spiritual truth because the Bible is clear and unequivocal. There should be no alternative interpretations. The problem with that view is that the Bible does not really provide a whole lot of definitions, rather it is a record of God trying to communicate with us, and us messing things up. Truth is not a set of static definitions. It is a dynamic that drives our relationship with God and one another.
Shouting loudly, “We have the truth!” often drowns out the quiet truth God wants us to learn, appreciate. and share.
In these circumstances, it is useful to spend more time listening than proclaiming, showing tolerance to those with whom we disagree. We may find we are viewing the truth from different angles.
There is one truth we cannot escape:
When we love one another as God loves us, we are in a position to hear and share the truth.
Very true n insightful Maurice
This is why it’s so important for us to study together. We can each learn from the other’s experiences. Yes, the Bible is one truth, but there are many different facets of experience within that truth. God shows us what we need to know at any given time, which means there may be aspects of truth we have not needed to experience yet. That’s one reason sharing our own experiences of God with others can be so powerful.
False accusations are opportunities to demonstrate faith, patience, humility and integrity. Responding rightly glorifies God and preserves peace.
True spiritual wisdom is seen in how we respond.
Look how eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) responded when they were accused of a very serious sin and rebellion against God.Even though the accusations were strong, they :did not interrupt,didn’t fight back, didn’t become defensive or angry but listened fully before answering.
The world is not known for gentle answers. For example anyone who voices a contray opinion on social media can quickly find their comments flooded with harsh responses and angry words. Equally people who stand up for what God says is right are often criticized rather than supported. But as Christians, God calls us to respond differently. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
When we choose to respond to life’s challenges and irritants with soft answers, we reflect the love of God. Our patience and kindness show that we truly know and follow the Lord who has loved us eternally and unconditionally. A soft answer is more than a strategy for avoiding conflict or getting along with others. It is a way of proclaiming Christ His power to save, His work of redemption, and His ability to make us more like Him. Had the two and half tribes been reckless a civil war between the children of Israel was inevitable but rather they deliberately choose to answer softly or rather gently and by so doing avoided bloodshed that was imminent.
Nelson Mandela’s soft and gracious approach averted retaliation after the end of the terrible Apartheid era in South Africa. After many years of brutal oppression, many expected Mandela to unleash devastating reprisals, but his gracious language, reconciliation, forgiveness, and diplomacy averted revenge. This allowed the country to transition calmly to majority rule. “Soft answers” can quench raging fires of hatred, violence, division, and hostility.
Abigail’s gentle words, wisdom and humility (1 Samuel 25), prevented David and his armed men from destroying Nabal’s entire household because of his disrespect. David was on the warpath to commit bloodshed and revenge, but Abigail’s “soft answers” prevented a national crisis and kept David from sin. Kind words bring healing, defuse anger, give peace a chance, disarm hostility, protect relationships, and avoid escalation of conflicts.
Many marriages and relationships would be saved if the priceless gems hidden in Proverbs 15:1 were generously exploited. Children of God are required to exercise gentleness; without it, they will not see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”(Matthew 5:9, NIV).
I agree that a soft and gracious approach averts continued hostilities, but what about repatriation, returning of items stolen, etc.
Also, the lessons we studied earlier in this quarter focused on Israel’s going to war to capture land from other tribes of people. How do we reconcile this with today’s lesson about soft answers turning away wrath?
It seems to me that it’s important to make a distinction between principles of personal relations and principles of law that govern nations.
Law is the foundation on which society is built.
Principles of human behavior do not supersede law. In this case, if the accusation had been true, a “soft answer” would not have helped. Only repentance and a turning away from the proposed rebellion would have saved the one and a half tribes.
However, the accusation was false, and the accused wisely chose to listen and answer without rancour.
I am convinced that a “soft answer” would have helped, even though the accusation was true. A “soft or gentle answer” comes from a humble heart. It comes from a heart controlled by the Holy Spirit. A heart led by the Holy Spirit controls the tongue, controls the temper, responds with remorse, and seeks unity.“With humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2.
A humble heart has nothing to prove, but to respond gently.
I agree with today’s lessons. False accusations within its so-called merits could be appalling, in that if one becomes a victim of false accusation, and the person lacks the knowledge and wisdom to foresee what might trouble a due process to mislead a jury, authorities could indeed subject an innocent individual to a wrong verdict.
In September 2013, I became a victim of false accusation, and although the company hired an attorney to represent the manager who terminated my employment, the employee represented himself and won the case. The basis of the accusation was a compilation of false claims alleged against the employee; however, after a constructive review of the entire summary of the parties’ statements, the jury found for the employee. When I lost the job in September 2013, I became unemployed and homeless, and after a series of attempts to acquire new employment turned out to be fruitless, I decided to apply for Food Stamps to support myself. The woman who took the Food Stamp application advised the applicant to apply for unemployment insurance, and based on that advice, I took an application for unemployment insurance. The office of the unemployment insurance arranged for a hearing, in which, after providing faithful statements to the members of the jury, they determined that the employee had never refused to work, and for that reason, the company should compensate the employee with the insurance. I became sober and patient throughout the proceedings, knowing that the termination was unlawful. I used the money the government paid into the secure account as collateral to borrow money from the government to attend college. I spent 5 years in school, 3 years of unemployment as a result of COVID, and finally gained employment in October 2022.
Presently, I am unemployed due to a false accusation, and this time, I am using material facts to contest the termination, and I believe a similar verdict will prevail in the end. Although the first proceeding lasted for 8 months, the second proceeding is now 27 months, and the manner of composure is the same. I, for one, know for sure that I am innocent of the accusations, and based on that reason, I will inspire myself with the truth to overcome the accusations. I hope you enjoy the tale of my suffering as a result of a false accusation.
I need to learn a lot about how to answer a false accusation. I need this fruit of the Spirit to internalize that God knows and that I don’t really have to prove anything, but to Him!
To avoid escalation of misunderstandings, we need:
listening,humility, discernment, unity, courage, patience, peacemaking, empathy, respect, and trust in God.
These qualities make us more like Christ and help prevent small issues from becoming destructive conflicts.
People come from different backgrounds and experiences, and sometimes those experiences leave behind bitterness and pain. Some carry that hurt silently, afraid to show it openly, especially at work, fearing they might lose their jobs or respect.
I remember one evening when I greeted a friend from work. Instead of a smile or a simple reply, I was shocked when he slapped me several times on my cheek. Instead of anger, I chose to ask, “Sorry brother, how can I help you?”
In that moment, he felt remorse and opened up, saying, “I’ve been really disturbed today.” From that day on, he became my closest friend, even asking, “Which church do you attend?”
This taught me that beneath every harsh reaction, there is often a silent cry for help. Sometimes, all it takes is patience and kindness to turn pain into friendship.
As a young lad, I worked in Sydney (early 2000). Coming from Kenya, it was normal to say “good morning”(in this case, “G’day”) to each person that you met. There is this one guy at work whose response was standard, “What’s good about it”? At first, his response took me back. How ungrateful could one be? With time I realized that he was just talking. That was his standard response. He had no bad intentions. He turned out to be a good bloke. Moving forward, I loved working with him in the store. In a nutshell, it helps to understand folks before you judge them. This week’s lesson is a reminder of this asset.