Understanding a Timeless Biblical Message About False Security and True Righteousness
When you hear the phrase “peace, peace, when there is no peace,” you might think it’s just a poetic warning. But this line from the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:14) strikes at the heart of human nature—our tendency to ignore uncomfortable truths and pretend everything is okay, even when it’s not. Let’s explore where this phrase comes from, what it meant in its time, and why it still matters today.
Jeremiah’s Message: Turmoil in Jerusalem
Jeremiah was a prophet during a turbulent time in the history of ancient Israel. Jerusalem, the capital city, was facing serious trouble. The people and their leaders were turning away from God’s teachings, ignoring justice, and living as if nothing was wrong. In the middle of this crisis, Jeremiah warned them: their sense of security was an illusion.
The Context: A Society in Denial
Jeremiah 6:9-17 paints a picture of a society in denial. God, speaking through Jeremiah, says that the people have become greedy and dishonest. Instead of facing their problems, their leaders—priests and prophets alike—offer shallow comfort. They say, “Peace, peace,” assuring everyone that things are fine, when in reality, danger is looming. The leaders are essentially putting a bandage on a deep wound without treating the underlying illness.
False Security: Superficial Healing
“Peace, peace, when there is no peace” refers to a false sense of security. It’s like telling someone with a serious illness that they’re healthy, just to make them feel better in the moment. The leaders of Jerusalem were telling the people what they wanted to hear, not what they needed to hear. They were avoiding hard truths, and as a result, the real problems—corruption, injustice, and spiritual decline—were left unresolved.
Denial of Reality: Ignoring Real Problems
The danger of this attitude is clear: when we refuse to face reality, we leave ourselves and others vulnerable. The leaders and people of Jerusalem ignored Jeremiah’s warnings. They continued to live as if nothing was wrong, even as disaster approached. This denial didn’t prevent the coming crisis; it made it worse.
Modern Relevance: Why This Warning Matters Today
Jeremiah’s warning isn’t just ancient history. It’s a lesson for our own lives and society. We, too, are tempted to ignore problems—whether personal, social, or global—by pretending they don’t exist or by accepting easy answers. We might hear “everything is fine” from leaders or even from ourselves, when deep down we know there are issues to address.
This biblical phrase reminds us not to settle for superficial comfort. True peace comes only when we face problems honestly and work toward real solutions—especially when it comes to injustice, inequality, or moral decline.
Jeremiah 6:9-17: The Call to Righteousness and Consequences of Ignoring God
In Jeremiah 6:9-17, God calls the people to pay attention and to walk in the “ancient paths”—a way of life rooted in righteousness and godliness. But the people refuse to listen. They reject God’s guidance, choosing their own way instead. The result, Jeremiah warns, is not peace, but judgment and loss.
The message is simple but profound: ignoring what is right and just, and pretending all is well, leads to consequences. God’s desire is for people to seek what is good and true, to care for others, and to live with integrity. When we turn away from these values, we risk losing the true peace we seek.
Conclusion: Real Peace Means Facing Reality and Seeking Justice
“Peace, peace, when there is no peace” is a warning for all generations. It challenges us to resist the comfort of denial and instead pursue genuine peace—peace that comes from honesty, justice, and seeking what is right. The story of Jeremiah reminds us that true security can never be built on ignoring problems or pretending everything is okay. Real peace takes courage, truth, and a commitment to righteousness.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 
Yes, I find more security when I face reality and make amends for my ignorance. I wrote in Science and Spirituality: Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mary Baker Eddy’s Science and Health, “The only reality of life is the truth of it, but truth generally peeves humans. The question, what is truth, pulls attention to face the wildfires, famine, pollution, and misfortunes that convulse the world.
“There is no escape from disorder and futility except on the principle and proof that the reality of truth sources complete order and a worthwhile place and purpose. It may feel burdensome to give proof of a lively all-embracing truth, but it is our natural state. This chapter acknowledges the strength to carry the burden of proof until it becomes weightless, nearly convenient.”
Thank you for your post. It helped give me courage to keep committing to righteousness.
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