“A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe *behind the back, strong wrath” (Prov. 21:14 *“in the bosom”).
Being a wise peacemaker is challenging, especially when a private disagreement has escalated into a public conflict. Very rarely can such breaches be repaired when there is an audience of onlookers.
“A gift in secret” clearly recognizes the need for keeping conflicts private and seeking to pursue peace through conciliatory, not dictatorial, means. Hostility tends to lessen when tangible evidence of another’s good will is given. This proverb does not give an ironclad guarantee of success, but it does state the best and wisest approach to take during the challenging process called peacemaking.
Blessed be all the wise peacemakers.
