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Hamor and Shechem mistakenly said of Jacob’s sons, “These men are at peace with us” (Genesis 34:21). The wise woman of Abel told Joab, “I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel” (2 Samuel 20:19). Near Gebor the descendants of Simeon found a place to dwell that was “quiet and peaceful” (1 Chronicles 4:40). Isaiah spoke of how God’s people “will dwell in peaceful habitation” (Isaiah 32:18). In each of the above passages, the King James Version uses the word “peaceable.”
What does it mean to be “peaceable”? Consider these definitions:
• “inclined or disposed to peace” (American Heritage Dictionary)
• “disposed to maintain harmony or tranquillity” (Wordsmyth)
• “inclined or disposed to avoid strife or dissension; not argumentative or hostile” (Dictionary.com)
• ”behaving or happening in a way that avoids arguments and violence” (Macmillian Dictionary)
• ”free from private feuds and quarrels; quiet; undisturbed; not agitated by passions” (1828 Noah Webster’s Dictionary).
Now we move to the New Testament, God’s will for our lives today! Paul tells us to pray for government leaders “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The Hebrews writer speaks of how God’s disciplining of our lives “yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it ” (Hebrews 12:11). James tells us that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” He continues, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17-18). Paul exhorted, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19).
Ever heard of a “guinit”? I wish it were a more rare bird. It is always identified by its call, “I’m a guinit! I’m a guinit!” Regrettable, we all know people who were born in the “objective case” and who live in the “kickative mood.” Can you, like the wise woman of Abel, say, “I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel”? The Master said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Dwight Fuqua
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN