A troublemaker and a villain…
…who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up conflict.
Summary: Solomon gives us three clues to avoiding troublemakers and villains. The third clue sounds easy to spot but sometimes requires a discerning eye.
Checkbox Number One for spotting a “troublemaker and a villain” is listening to what a person says. Are they speaking the truth? Are they hiding something?
Checkbox Number Two is paying attention to how they communicate in other ways. Are they secretive and sly? Do they have mysterious hand signals they use?
Today we look at Checkbox Number Three: Stirring up conflict.
Solomon tells us that the troublemaker and villain “plots evil with deceit in his heart.” This is something we can guess at, but only God can know. The things we can know are whether a person tells the truth, what they communicate with gestures and with their eyes, and whether they bring peace or stir up conflict.
Some people bring peace when they come, and others bring peace when they leave. If you wonder if life would be better without so-and-so around, that is a good sign something is wrong. The next question is whether the problem is with you or the other person.
Matthew 7:3 comes to mind: Jesus asks, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” This is an important question for all of us to ponder: Am I the one causing conflict?
One of the “evils” that I have seen in church bodies is the evil of elevating a personal opinion above God’s Word. Two people can walk along in perfect harmony until one day – BOOM! – a topic comes up they do not agree on. Instead of turning to Jesus to ask for his guidance, we turn to our pride.
These things happen to the best of believers. Our own emotions can ambush us out of the blue. In Acts 15: 36-41 we see Paul and Barnabas, two dear friends and coworkers in the Lord, arguing. Scripture says, “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Verse 39). The difference here is that neither of these men were plotting evil in their hearts, nor were they known to always stir up conflict. Generally, they were peaceful men of God. The “troublemaker” that Solomon is talking about is different.
The troublemaker “always” stirs up conflict, but not always with everyone. This is why the first two tests are so important. Does a person always tell the truth? Do they send malicious signals with their eyes and gestures?
We might not see these signs directly. Instead, we might see the signs of the signs. What I mean by this is that there might be signs that wherever a certain person is involved, there is conflict and problems. I marvel at the ability of some people to put on a happy face for the people they want to impress, and immediately switch to a malicious face when it suits them. I have worked for a person like this, done business with others, and seen this in the church setting, too.
Solomon begins Chapter 6 with a warning and then says “free yourself” from the “hand of the hunter,” from the “snare of the fowler.” The same advice applies to the troublemaker and villain. Stay away from them, and if you become entangled, free yourself.
Application: When you find yourself in or around conflict, take a step back and look for the signs.
Food for Thought: Why does a troublemaker cause trouble?
Why does a troublemaker cause trouble?
I have known my share of troublemakers in my life, perhaps, from time to time, been one that causes trouble. Troublemaking can be a lite as a little mischief and as heavy as causing great rifts in families and in the church. Usually for the same reason: something is missing from the troublemaker’s life that they are trying to fill with their shenanigan’s. It can be a small as for entertainment value, or as large as wanting to stop others from feeling happy, content, safe, ect.
In the end I believe troublemaking is a distraction from our walk with the Lord. Both for the maker and the receiver.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Chris,
Welcome back! Thank you for your thoughts on this topic. I think it helps to look past the irritation of the trouble caused and ponder the causes of the trouble in the person of the troublemaker. We are not always able to effect change in other people, but we always have the privilege of praying for them.
03-14-2022, Proverbs 6:14, Why does a troublemaker cause trouble?
It is in their nature. The outward manifestation of the condition of their hearts. We have no idea of what actions of men or spiritual perversions have hardened their hearts, but we do know a change of heart is required to change their lives.
For the Lord does not see men as we do. We looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
Two troublemakers in the Bible come to mind. One would be Paul who persecuted all the christians he could find and the other is the demon-possessed man of Gadarenes. In both cases these men were healed by Jesus and out of overwhelming gratitude, they both allowed themselves to be used by our Lord and went on to do great things for Jesus as they dedicated their lives to serving Him.
Those with strong faith should approach these people and allow Christ to minister to them.
Ron,
Thank you for your words this morning. Like Rich, I deeply appreciate the passages you have selected today. Well said!
Very insightful1
My mind went straight to where Ron’s went: Why does a fish swim? It is in their nature. For the troublemaker always causing dissension, it is in their sinful nature.
And I loved Ron’s selected verses too.
Jeremiah 17: 9 tells us “the heart is deceitful above all else and beyond cure, who can understand it?” Our hearts need to be made new by Christ. 2 Corinthians 5: 17. Until a heart is renewed and submits to Christ, His word and the Holy Spirit’s transforming power, it will continue in its destructive patterns. For the person we are talking about today, it means they will continue to cause problems (Romans 6 tells us more about this struggle).
We also need to realize that we can submit to sinful habits instead of the Spirit. So even sincere believers can have a bad day by not walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5: 16 – 26) and daily taking up their cross and dying to themselves (Luke 9: 23), and taking every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10: 5).
Thank you, Rich!
I found myself thinking of little kids. One grabs the other’s toy simply because the other kid has the toy. Mine! 🙂
Little kids grow up and unless there is someone to intervene and help them mature, they can become adults with little kid tendencies.
Without reading others comments I have to say this is another lesson that is speaking to me in my life. I have to take a step back and take a look at myself. Do I have a large plank sticking out of my eye? ( always thought it was a humorous verse ). I’m trying to take a step back and constantly question myself am I the cause of this conflict in my family? I have to check with what I say and how I act aligns with scripture. I am not perfect but thank you for reminding me to bring love into conflict today.
Why does a troublemaker cause trouble? One word comes to mind. The same word that prevents forgiveness, UNITY, humor, unity, kindness, gentleness, and self control. Some say It is the root of all evil. Pride.
Tim,
As always, you have boiled this down to its essential element. Yes, I agree. Pride is at the root of what is going on. Well said!
Hey Mr. T,
It’s a lifelong process, at least it should be. Stepping back, asking how does our life align with scripture. The Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart and you are responding. Keep it up Brother.
Blessings,
Ron
Thank you Ron. like you were saying in an earlier posting about needing to look and fix ourselves and not others. I’m trying to do what I can but also pray that I can be a good reflection.
James 4:6 , Proverbs 18:12, 1 John 2:16, Romans 12:16, Psalms 59:12. Proverbs is full of pride warnings.