2 Samuel 20:17, 19 And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaiden. And he answered, I do hear….I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel; thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?
Joab and his men were pursuing Sheba, and they besieged the city of Abel of Beth-maachah. They were about to batter down the gates, when an unnamed wise woman came out to negotiate with Joab. This woman courageously spoke out and stopped Joab’s attack, not with weapons, but with wise words, negotiation, and a plan of action.
How often the courage to speak a few sensible words prevents a great disaster. This response by a wise woman can be an example for us to avoid physical argumentation by wisely negotiating and humble pleading. The Book of Proverbs contains several verses about the peaceful use of the tongue: “A wise answer turneth away wrath.” Calm discussion with sensible words can be more effective for peacemakers than physical violence. Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker who gives the Spirit to speak wisely through us.