Matthew 5:25
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Matthew 5:25
This verse uses courtroom imagery to teach practical wisdom about handling disputes promptly. “Agree with thine adversary quickly” suggests timely, proactive resolution to avoid more severe penalties. The “way with him” refers to the journey to the judge, during which a Middle Eastern legal system could escalate consequences if a case remained unsettled. The broader teaching is about the wisdom of de-escalation and speed in reconciliation. The threat of imprisonment and ultimate “uttermost farthing” underscores the gravity of unresolved conflict—social, financial, and spiritual—if left unchecked. In community life, allowing disputes to fester can corrode trust and stability.
The verse aligns with biblical ethics of peacemaking and mercy. It emphasizes reconciliation as a form of practical righteousness and warns of the consequences of unresolved sin. It also connects personal conduct with communal harmony, showing that living under God’s reign includes active, faithful conflict resolution.
In everyday terms, don’t let disagreements sit. If you’re in a conflict, reach out sooner rather than later. Approach the other person with a posture of peacemaking: listen, acknowledge, and propose a fair resolution. If you’re the offended party, consider initiating contact and offering a pathway to repair. The goal is to prevent the case from escalating into formal disputes at work, in legal contexts, or in family life. Quick, honest negotiation often preserves relationships and reduces stress.
Cross-References: Romans 12:18; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Peter 3:8-12; Proverbs 17:14; James 1:19