A Gentle Answer: A Witness of Wisdom and Peace

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 -  Wednesday

A Gentle Answer

Joshua 22:21–29; Proverbs 15:1; Psalm 37:3–6, 34, 37

Misunderstandings can erupt faster than almost anything else in spiritual community. Even sincere believers sometimes misread motives, assume the worst, or act on incomplete information. But Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to a different way—one marked by patient listening, humility, and a gentle answer.

In Joshua 22:21–29, the two-and-a-half tribes east of the Jordan respond to a serious accusation. Their brothers from the western tribes arrive armed for confrontation, believing the eastern tribes have built an idolatrous altar. Civil war is on the edge of breaking out. But when the eastern tribes finally speak, their answer is neither defensive nor hostile. Instead, they begin with an appeal to God as their witness: “The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth” (v. 22). They calmly explain the purpose of the altar—it is not for sacrifices, but a memorial of unity, a witness between them and the western tribes so future generations would not be cut off from worship at the true altar.

Their response is gentle, humble, and clear. And it completely diffuses the crisis. The situation reminds us of Proverbs 15:1:
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
The eastern tribes lived this truth. They did not match accusation with accusation. They met suspicion with explanation. They overcame tension with transparency.

What We Learn From Their Answer

1. Gentleness is not weakness—it is strength under control.
   The tribes had every reason to feel insulted or threatened, yet they chose to de-escalate. This reveals spiritual maturity and trust in God.

2. Clarification prevents unnecessary conflict.
   The altar was misunderstood. A calm explanation corrected the false assumption and restored unity.

3. Appealing to God’s knowledge keeps your heart humble.
   “The Lord knows” (v. 22) is a powerful reminder that you do not have to vindicate yourself in your own strength. God sees the truth even when others misunderstand you.

Handling False Accusations

Few things sting as deeply as being wrongly accused. But God’s Word provides stabilizing principles for moments like these. When I face false accusations, these truths guide my attitude:

1. Entrust the matter to God first.
   Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Before defending yourself to people, place the whole situation before the Lord.

2. Stay calm and avoid reacting in anger.
   A gentle answer is not natural, but it is powerful. Responding in the flesh usually worsens the conflict, but responding in the Spirit brings peace.

3. Speak truth without hostility.
   Like the eastern tribes, be honest, clear, and respectful. People are more likely to receive your words when you deliver them with humility.

4. Guard your character, not your reputation.
   Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good.” If you continue doing what is right, God will defend your name in His time. Reputation is what others think of you; character is what God knows of you.

5. Wait patiently for the Lord to act.
   “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him… Wait on the Lord, and keep his way” (Ps. 37:7,34). Vindication often comes slowly, but God’s timing is perfect.

6. Seek peace, not victory.
   The goal is not to “win the argument” but to restore unity and honor the Lord.

Psalm 37 ends with a promise:
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (v. 37).
Peace is the fruit of a gentle and godly response.

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Prayer

Lord God of gods, You know the truth in every situation, even when others misunderstand me. Teach me to give a gentle answer, to respond with humility and clarity like the eastern tribes, and to trust in Your perfect justice. Guard my heart from anger, pride, and defensiveness. Help me to commit my ways to You, to trust in You, to keep doing good, and to wait patiently for Your vindication. Make me a peacemaker in moments of tension and a witness of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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