Genesis 26:17-22 New International Version (NIV)
17 So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar, where he settled. 18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.
19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there.20 But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. 21 Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”
Isaac and his men dug new wells three times. Isaac moved on after the first two disputes. Finally, there was enough room for everyone. Isaac decided to make a compromise rather that go into a full conflict. There are times when compromise is better than a fight. There are times when a fight is the best choice over compromise. Isaac compromised for the sake of peace in this situation. This was not the time for a stand and fight. Would you be willing to compromise for the sake of peace? Would you give up a valuable possession or an important position for the sake of peace? Ask God for wisdom to know when to compromise and when to stand and fight.
