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"Conciliation pacifies great offenses"

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:4

RESOLVING CONFLICTS

Conflicts are almost inevitable. The question is how one may respond when conflicts arise.

“If the spirit of the ruler rises against you,
Do not leave your post;
For conciliation pacifies great offenses.”
Ecclesiastes 10:4

1. “If the spirit of the ruler rises against you”

a) The scenario

i) The ruler of a country.

ii) He has officials serving him.

b) The ruler rises against his court officials.

i) He may threaten the court official.

ii) He may make life very hard for him.

c) How did this happen?

i) The ruler may have been misinformed.

ii) Enemies may have resorted to evil schemes to poison the mind of the ruler.

2. “Do not leave your post”

a) The wise official must not be overly reactive.

b) It is all too easy to leave the service of the ruler.

c) That would make it easier for the enemy to cause even more havoc.

d) The wise thing is to remain in service instead of leaving one’s post.

3. “For conciliation pacifies great offenses”

a) Wisdom suggests that “conciliation” is the better approach.

b) Answers must be found to resolve the conflicts.

c) Even “great offenses” can be resolved through efforts of conciliation.

d) Soured relationship with the ruler may be repaired.

i) The ruler may be pacified.

ii) Humility may yet win the day.

iii) To become angry with the ruler would only make matters worse.