UNITY IS THREATENED (PROVERBS 6:12-19)

UNITY IS THREATENED (PROVERBS 6:12-19) REFLECTION “Unity is threatened” is the poignant theme of our reflection today. To say that unity is under threat is to acknowledge that the very cohesion, harmony, and shared purpose of our most sacred institutions—our nations, our organisations, our families, and the Church—stand at a precipice. This fragile peace is…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Feb 19, 2026

3–5 minutes

UNITY IS THREATENED (PROVERBS 6:12-19)

REFLECTION

“Unity is threatened” is the poignant theme of our reflection today. To say that unity is under threat is to acknowledge that the very cohesion, harmony, and shared purpose of our most sacred institutions—our nations, our organisations, our families, and the Church—stand at a precipice. This fragile peace is often at risk of fracturing due to both internal and external forces. Today, we reflect on the sobering truth that unity is most dangerously threatened by those who stir up conflict, and we must weigh the grave consequences of becoming an instrument of discord.

The Architecture of Discord

Firstly, beloved in the Lord, we must recognise that the unity of our fellowship is frequently undermined by the intentional actions of the “troublemaker”. Scripture provides a chillingly accurate profile of the individual who seeks to dismantle harmony: “A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth…” (Proverbs 6:12).

A person who stirs up conflict is often unrepentantly wicked; they find no joy in seeing love and peace flourish. Instead, because they thrive in chaos, their speech becomes a weapon. A “corrupt mouth” indulges in dishonest, filthy, or unwholesome communication—lying, gossiping, and slandering—to gain undue advantage or to defame those they envy.

To remain undetected, they supplement their words with deceitful non-verbal cues. We are told such a person “winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers” (Proverbs 6:13). They are masterful schemers, “who plot evil with deceit in their hearts” (Proverbs 6:14).

In contrast to this destructive path, we are called to a higher standard of conduct. The Apostle Paul passionately pleaded: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). We are further cautioned: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

The Divine Displeasure

Secondly, we must understand that God does not merely dislike discord; He detests it. The Sovereign Lord identifies the sower of discord as an abomination:

“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

By revealing what He hates, God graciously offers us a window of repentance. It is His divine will for the Church to be an unbreakable tapestry of oneness. Indeed, this was the heart of our Saviour’s final plea: “that all of them may be one” (John 17:21).

To remain a threat to unity is to set oneself as an enemy of God’s own purpose. If an individual persists in these wicked ways, the warning is stark and final: “disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy” (Proverbs 6:15).

Conclusion: Lessons and Call to Action

Our reflection teaches us that unity is not a passive state, but a treasure that must be actively guarded. We have learned that:

Discord begins with the heart and is manifested through corrupt speech and deceitful actions.
The sower of conflict stands in direct opposition to the character and will of God.
Unity is a spiritual mandate, bought by the prayer and blood of Christ.

The Call to Action: Examine your heart today. Are your words building bridges or digging pitfalls? I charge you to renounce the urge to gossip, to silence the “wink” of malice, and to become a tireless architect of peace. Let us commit to being the answer to Jesus’ prayer for oneness, rather than the reason for its delay.

A Prayer for Unity

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that You are the God of Peace. We repent for every time we have allowed our tongues to sow seeds of division or our hearts to harbour envy. Wash us clean from the sin of discord.

Lord, grant us the grace to be “completely humble and gentle.” Help us to guard the unity of our families and our Church with a holy jealousy. May our words be seasoned with salt, bringing life and encouragement to all who hear. Let Your Spirit bind us together so tightly that no scheme of the enemy can tear us apart. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.