To reconcile with each other, we must first reconcile with God. Two metaphors from Proverbs instruct us as to specific strategies we may use to prevent strife. As a crack in the dam can be more easily contained in its early stages, we must check strife in its early stages, repairing damage done by our words, striving to never do any harm. As we are able to prevent a fire from getting out of control by withholding fuel, we should similarly refrain from trafficking in gossip or malicious slander. As peacemakers, we must always build up and never tear down.