The Smooth Handle

As members of Congress congratulate themselves over a compromise “stalemate” agreement to end a protracted budget crisis—an agreement that raises the federal debt ceiling and ends the so-called “shutdown” of the United States government—many citizens and pundits are wondering: What was really achieved?

For several weeks, lawmakers from opposing parties hurled accusations, heated rhetoric and innuendo. The dispute brought into sharp focus the deep political divisions caused by the new compulsory health insurance regulations and increased deficit spending. Frustration and anger spilled over from legislators to citizens nationwide, frustrated by the gridlock and the anger and the lack of leadership.

What now? A looming deadline of debt default has (for now) been narrowly averted. Financial markets may for a while breathe a sigh of relief, as the value of the U.S. dollar—the world’s reserve currency—has been saved, at least temporarily, from imminent ruin.

What does this all mean? Such disagreements have existed since the founding of the nation, yet the bitterness expressed by those involved in this fray seems to be extreme and counterproductive. One wonders how the “Founding Fathers” of the United States might have approached these problems. Their writings give us a clue.

One such figure is Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826). He was truly a renaissance man of great ability and wide interests. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, and he became the third President of the United States. His accomplishments are legendary. Jefferson compiled a list of important principles or rules for his personal conduct known as “Jefferson’s Ten Rules.” Of his ten succinct “rules,” expressed in the literary style of his time, my favorite is“Take things always by the smooth handle,” meaning that in any situation involving give and take between parties, one can approach it roughly or in a contentious way, adding to the disagreement. Or, in a spirit of cooperation, one can look for the “smooth handle” to meet the needs of all concerned.

Anciently, King Solomon of Israel, using God-given wisdom, expressed it this way: “Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm” (Proverbs 3:30). Later, another gem of wisdom was recorded: “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel” (Proverbs 20:3).

Often pride or arrogance is at the root cause of contention. Again, the Book of Proverbs makes it very clear, “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10).

Why is conflict so prevalent? A scripture in the book of Galatians describes human nature in detail. The verse lists “…enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissention, party spirit, envy…” (Galatians 5:20, RSV). To eliminate the controversy and contention that we see all about us today will require a change of heart, which is the mind, character and very nature of mankind.

For those who want to follow the example of Jesus Christ and the plain instruction of the apostles, such contentious conduct should be avoided. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy on the subject when he wrote, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient…” (2 Timothy 2:23–24).

Certainly, there is a time to stand one’s ground on matters of right and wrong, wisdom and foolishness. Yet, even then a calm but firm, reasoned approach will usually be more productive than rough and inflammatory language delivered in a heated way. In his letter to the Church of God at Rome, Paul the Apostle expressed it this way: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men”(Romans 12:18). With God’s help, following Jefferson’s advice of “Always take things by the smooth handle” will be a real help in achieving this goal in your life.

Our free and very informative booklet What Is a True Christian? is a good tool to help you achieve your goal. Order it or download it today.