The book of Proverbs provides wisdom and insight into living a righteous life. In Proverbs 6:14, Solomon warns about the dangers of sowing discord among others. This article will examine what the Bible says about those who sow discord and strive to create conflict.
Definition of Sowing Discord
To “sow discord” means to deliberately cause disagreements, divisions, and dissension between people. It is an effort to break apart unity and create relationship problems. Sowing discord can be achieved through various means, such as gossip, slander, rumors, blame, pitting people against each other, and instigating arguments.
Proverbs 6:19 also mentions that “one who sows discord among brothers” is among the things the Lord hates. The reference to “brothers” means sowing discord within the family of God. When people cause divisions in the church, they are going against God’s will for believers to live in harmony.
Motivations for Sowing Discord
Those who sow discord are often motivated by selfish pride, ambition, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, hatred, insecurity, and similar heart issues. Some reasons why people might deliberately sow discord include:
- Seeking control and manipulation of relationships
- Harboring bitterness and desire for revenge
- Feeling threatened by others’ influence or position
- Envious of relationships or friendships
- Creating conflict to divert blame or attention from themselves
- Thriving on drama and chaos
- Power-hungry and desiring prominence
- Ignorance of how their words and actions divide others
Regardless of the motivation, sowing discord reveals a heart problem that values division over unity.
Biblical Examples of Sowing Discord
The Bible contains several examples of people who sowed discord and the problems it created:
- Satan – In the Garden of Eden, Satan deceived Eve and sowed discord between God and humans (Genesis 3:1-7).
- Joseph’s brothers – Joseph’s brothers hated him and conspired to get rid of him by selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28).
- Absalom – Absalom undermined his father King David’s authority and divided the kingdom of Israel (2 Samuel 15:1-12).
- James and John – James and John argued over who was the greatest among the disciples, sowing discord within the group (Luke 9:46-48).
- Judaizers – People taught that circumcision was required for salvation, dividing the early church on this issue (Galatians 2:11-14).
These examples demonstrate the severity of disunity, strife, division, and broken relationships that occur when someone deliberately sows discord.
Outcomes of Sowing Discord
The Bible makes clear that sowing discord brings disastrous results. Here are some potential consequences:
- Broken relationships – Friendships, families, churches, and communities experience disunity, suspicion, grudges, pain, and separation.
- Anger and fights – People react and escalate into arguments, verbal abuse, physical altercations, feuds, splits, legal disputes.
- Weakness – Groups become fragmented and lose strength, support, productivity, and purpose.
- Distrust – People become guarded, skeptical, hesitant to communicate openly or collaborate.
- Leadership problems – Discord hampers leadership, direction, order, and progress.
- Reputational damage – Individuals and groups gain negative perceptions and mistrust from others.
- Hindered ministry – Outward Christian witness and work of the Gospel are diminished.
Overall, sowing discord is destructive and antithetical to God’s desires for unity, harmony, and love among people.
What Does God Say About Sowing Discord?
The Bible contains many warnings against sowing discord and promoting peace instead:
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
- “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
- “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2)
- “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.” (James 4:11)
- “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (Proverbs 11:13)
- “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12)
- “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
- “Do not gossip about one another.” (James 4:11)
We must abstain from divisive words and actions and instead build others up in love, focusing on what promotes unity and peace.
How to Identify a Discord Sower
Watch for red flags that someone is deliberately sowing discord:
- They gossip and talk negatively about people when they aren’t present.
- They make subtle divisive remarks to pit people against each other.
- They spread rumors and questionable information without confirmation.
- They seem to play people against each other and stir up arguments.
- They are consistently suspicious and distrusting of leadership and other people.
- They accuse others quickly without evidence.
- They twist facts and words to cause strife.
- They isolate themselves and refuse reasonable accountability.
- They often feel they have been treated unfairly.
- They broadcast private issues unnecessarily.
While no one is perfect, consistent fruit of division reveals a problem in the heart that needs addressed.
How to Respond to Someone Sowing Discord
When confronted by someone sowing discord, some tips include:
- Recognize discord is being sown; do not accept or tolerate it.
- Avoid engaging in escalating debates, accusations, or gossip.
- Speak truth with love; correct false information factually.
- Set healthy boundaries if divisiveness continues.
- Limit contact if there is no repentance but pray God will change their heart.
- Focus on those who want unity and building right relationships.
- Commit to being a peacemaker who unites rather than divides.
The goal is to avoid beingdrawn into dissension but rather model unity, integrity, and love.
How to Avoid Sowing Discord in Your Own Life
All Christians must guard our own hearts and prevent discord with these actions:
- Spend time daily in God’s Word and prayer.
- Ask God to reveal any hidden motives of selfishness, bitterness, jealousy, or insecurity.
- Deal with any unresolved anger, hurts, and offenses through forgiveness.
- Speak directly with people rather than participating in gossip.
- Avoid speculation and refrain from questionable information until confirmed.
- Focus conversations on serving, building up, and encouraging one another.
- Admit and learn from mistakes quickly.
- Pursue spiritual friendships promoting unity and restoration.
- Strive to give others the benefit of the doubt.
We must yield our hearts to the Holy Spirit and filter our speech through the lens of promoting true peace in Christ.
The Solution for Discord
The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides the solution for discord through reconciling us to God and calling us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). As forgiven people, we are to forgive others, be peacemakers, and love one another deeply from the heart (1 Peter 4:8).
Only by God’s grace can we overcome bitterness and sow righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, instead of discord (Galatians 5:22-23). We must walk in humility, patience, and wisdom as we interact with others (Colossians 3:12-14).
The church united in Christ can then powerfully exhibit His loving witness and accomplish God’s work in the world. May we all commit to avoiding and confronting the sin of sowing discord wherever it occurs.