And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
'The peaceable fruit of righteousness.' Righteousness is itself the true wisdom. As in the case of the earthly wisdom, after the description came its results: so in the case of the heavenly wisdom. There the results were present; here, future.
Fruit ... sown - cf. Psalms 97:11; Isaiah 61:3.) The seed whose "fruit," "righteousness," shall be ultimately reaped, is now "sown in peace." "Righteousness," now in germ, when developed as "fruit," shall be itself the everlasting reward of the righteous. As 'sowing in peace' (cf. Proverbs 11:18; Hosea 10:12; 1 Corinthians 15:43; Galatians 6:8) produces the "fruit of righteousness," so, conversely, "the work" and "effect of righteousness" is "peace" (Isaiah 32:17).
Of them that make peace - `by (implying also that it is for them to their good) them that work peace.' They, and they alone, are "blessed" (Matthew 5:9). "Peacemakers," not merely reconcile others, but work (cultivate) peace. Those wise toward God, while peaceable and tolerant toward their neighbours, make it their chief concern to sow righteousness, not cloaking, but reproving, sins with such moderation as to be the physicians, rather than the executioners, of sinners (Calvin).