One Who Sows Discord

Of the seven things God hates mentioned in Proverbs chapter six, the last one of these seven is “…he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:19). There are four parts to this statement: (1) “he” that is, the one who is doing the sowing; (2) The sowing itself; (3) That which is sowed; (4) To whom it is sowed among - the brethren.

As we think about the one who is doing the sowing, we should realize we are sowing something, whether good or evil. The life we live, the things we say, etc., show what we are sowing. Therefore, we must be careful not to plant the seed that would cause discord among brethren. We should be sowing seeds of peace and joy and things of such nature, the kind of seed Paul spoke about, the fruit of the Spirit found in the fifth chapter of Galatians. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23). As everyone knows, fruit starts with a seed, and to produce its fruit, someone must plant it. If we plant the right seed in our hearts, then, instead of causing discord, we will help bring about unity.

The idea of sowing is an image that is used throughout the Bible. It is one that was common then and is still common today. I remember growing up on a farm and planting seeds in the field and putting out a garden every year. We always, without exception, reaped what we sowed. If we planted corn and beans, we reaped corn and beans. This follows the Biblical truth that all things produce after their own kind (Gen. 1:11-25). This is true of physical things, and the same principle is applied to spiritual things. If you sow discord among the brethren, then division is what will be the result. However, if you sow unity, then the brethren will be united together for the cause of Christ. One of the problems Paul addressed with the brethren in Corinth was division. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you” (1 Cor. 1:10-11). The problem was they were still carnal and not spiritual-minded (1 Cor. 3:1). As they sowed seeds of carnality, they would continue to reap the fruit of division or discord. As Paul said, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).

The thing being sowed that God hates is discord. The word "discord" is only used twice in the Bible, and both times it is in this very chapter, 6:14,19. The idea of “discord” is “controversy, … strife (conflict) – bitter conflict; heated, often violent dissension.” (Logos Bible) The character of a Christian should never be one of strife. We should not be looking for conflict with others. But instead, we should seek to be peacemakers. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt. 5:9). The gospel of the Lord calls us to peace with God, and a desire to have peace with others - especially our brethren. When we empty ourselves of self and place Christ on the throne of our life, then, and only then, will we be able to have peace.

The discord is sown among the brethren. What a great shame many do not understand the relationship we are to enjoy as brethren. Of all the people on earth, there is no other group of people that we should enjoy being around and getting along with more than our brethren. Ask yourself this question: “Is it my objective to live together with the Lord and His children throughout eternity?” If the answer is yes, then should you not get started on it now! The Hebrew writer said, "Let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1). We are commanded to love each other. John wrote, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 Jn. 3:18). You cannot look for conflict with the brethren and then say you love them.

The world needs to see from the church that it is a united people - a people who love God more than anything in this world. Remember the words of Jesus, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).