Proverbs 22:10
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.
This is a proverb that has been proven many times in all kinds of settings. One person can sow discord throughout a team, a staff, a class, any group. He does not have to be openly rebellious. All he needs to do is consistently say a few words of discontent and disrespect, a few sarcastic remarks. At first others may shake off his words; they may quickly mark him as being a problem. But after a while the words begin to have their effect.
For there are always some things that are not right, that could be better. But whereas before, the others may have overlooked such problems, they begin to get bothered. “John may be a complainer, but he is right about Tom being too harsh sometimes.” “I hadn’t thought about it before, but John does have a point.” “Maybe John is right; maybe I should file a complaint.” “John is being too sarcastic, but that was funny the way he made Tom sound.”
And then John leaves. As if a fresh wind had blown through a room and driven away a foul odor, so the atmosphere changes. Is there a scoffer in your team? Are you the scoffer? Christians can be just as guilty and actually worse because we cannot admit to ourselves that we are guilty. Do you have a complaining attitude? Does everyone in your workplace or class know what disgruntles you? Are you a person that other complainers are attracted to?
Better to change than to have to leave for peace to come.
Psalm 62
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.3 How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.[b]5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.11 One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”