Strife Disguised as Counsel

Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Some people who claim to follow Christ are full of envy and strife, yet it goes undetected because they present themselves as calm, gentle, wise, or comforting. Instead of acting out openly, they express their true feelings through “counsel,” using Scripture to push a narrative that aligns with what’s already in their heart.

This kind of person operates in deception, which makes them harder to catch and more dangerous, especially when you already share similar sentiments.

A clear example of this is when you’re receiving “counsel” from someone in the church, and they smoothly and craftily steer the conversation toward subtly expressing their disdain for righteous leadership, all while wrapping it in Scripture and spiritual language. You leave the conversation feeling understood and comforted, yet quietly carrying a subconscious resentment toward leadership that wasn’t there before.

That same “counselor” then moves on to others, using the same approach to express their true feelings about leadership. Over time, this quietly and subtly plants strife in the hearts of several within the body and often without immediate detection.

Be careful and watchful of people like this within the body. They can leave you at odds with righteous individuals who mean to help you, subtly convincing you that you don’t need to listen to those placed over you, especially when they lovingly confront you about an error.

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.