Scripture Text: Judges 8:1-3
Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this.
Judges 8:1-3 ESV
Analyzing the conversation between the men of Ephraim and Gideon reveals that while the men of Ephraim confronted Gideon with harsh words, he responded softly, with humility and a gentle tone.
If Gideon had answered them harshly, their anger would have stirred up, potentially leading to a worse situation, similar to what happened between Jephthah's and Ephraim's men (Judges 12:1-6), between Judah's and Israel's people (2 Samuel 19:41-43).
Since the presence of the Lord was with Gideon, he chose patience and a soft answer. As a result, the anger of Ephraim's men towards him subsided, leading to ongoing peace between them as brethren. God did not allow worse scenarios to happen.
The author of Proverbs says;
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem (Proverbs 25:15).
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
Therefore, when misunderstandings arise among our fellow believers in Christ, it is crucial to avoid using harsh words that may lead to sin through uncontrolled anger, becoming unpleasing to God.
As followers of Christ, we must use godly words and be marked by humility, much like Gideon's response. By consistently applying this in our daily walk with God, we bring glory to the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31). Furthermore, it manifests that we abide in Jesus Christ, demonstrating the Holy Spirit's presence within us.
Reflect
1. Do you want to please our Lord through words? If so, speak with gentleness and humility.
2. Do you desire not to sin and avoid troubles? Refrain from using harsh language.
3. Would you like to bless and maintain peace with your fellow believers? Speak words of blessings.
4. Do you aspire to share Christ with non-believers? Approach them with gentle, humble words.
Remember
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).
Read
Proverbs 15:1-4; 1 Peter 5:5-6
Pray
Dear God, truly, Your holy words give wisdom and life. Help me Lord to continuously and wholeheartedly abide in Your Words, apply it with humility in my daily walk with You, and share it to the world through the help of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!
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