Asked by Makayla
According to Proverbs, what should friends do when a conflict occurs in the relationship?
ignore the conflict
move on
abandon the relationship
seek the advice of others on social media
gossip
use flattery to make each other feel better
reconcile
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
The best answer: reconcile.
Why: Proverbs repeatedly commends honest, loving repair of relationships and warns against the alternatives you listed.
- Reconcile — supported: “Whoever covers an offense seeks love” and faithful rebuke is better than flattery (Proverbs 17:9; 27:5–6). Proverbs also endorses gentle speech that heals (15:1) and “iron sharpens iron” (27:17).
- Ignore the conflict / move on (as mere avoidance) — not generally recommended. Proverbs encourages overlooking offences in love (19:11), but that is forgiveness aimed at peace, not passive avoidance that lets harm continue.
- Abandon the relationship — not endorsed; Proverbs values faithful friendships and mutual correction.
- Seek the advice of others on social media — Proverbs approves seeking wise counsel (e.g., 11:14; 15:22), but warns against gossip and reckless talk; publicized social-media airing is the opposite of wise, discreet counsel.
- Gossip — explicitly condemned (e.g., Proverbs 16:28; 20:19).
- Use flattery to make each other feel better — warned against; flattery is deceptive and harmful (e.g., Proverbs 26:28; 29:5).
So Proverbs points toward reconciliation, honest loving correction, and wise, discreet counsel rather than avoidance, gossip, flattery, or abandonment.
Why: Proverbs repeatedly commends honest, loving repair of relationships and warns against the alternatives you listed.
- Reconcile — supported: “Whoever covers an offense seeks love” and faithful rebuke is better than flattery (Proverbs 17:9; 27:5–6). Proverbs also endorses gentle speech that heals (15:1) and “iron sharpens iron” (27:17).
- Ignore the conflict / move on (as mere avoidance) — not generally recommended. Proverbs encourages overlooking offences in love (19:11), but that is forgiveness aimed at peace, not passive avoidance that lets harm continue.
- Abandon the relationship — not endorsed; Proverbs values faithful friendships and mutual correction.
- Seek the advice of others on social media — Proverbs approves seeking wise counsel (e.g., 11:14; 15:22), but warns against gossip and reckless talk; publicized social-media airing is the opposite of wise, discreet counsel.
- Gossip — explicitly condemned (e.g., Proverbs 16:28; 20:19).
- Use flattery to make each other feel better — warned against; flattery is deceptive and harmful (e.g., Proverbs 26:28; 29:5).
So Proverbs points toward reconciliation, honest loving correction, and wise, discreet counsel rather than avoidance, gossip, flattery, or abandonment.
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