It is a great mitzva to bring peace to the world, to reconcile enemies to each other, and to avoid dispute and vengeance.

We learned [in Mishna Avot 1:18] that Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: The world stands on three things: on judgment, on truth, and on peace.

Rabbi Mona says: The three of them are one matter; if judgment is achieved, truth is achieved and peace is achieved. All three of them are mentioned in the same verse, as it is stated: “Administer truth, justice, and peace in your gates” (Zechariah 8:16). Wherever there is justice there is peace, and wherever there is peace there is justice.

Who is the mightiest of the mighty?… Some say: One who turns his enemy into his friend.

It is written: “You shall not take vengeance, you shall not bear any grudge against members of your people” (Leviticus 19:18). To what can this be compared? It can be compared to one who was cutting meat, and the knife struck his hand. Would he retaliate by striking his other hand? (Derekh Eretz Zuta, Perek Shalom; Avot deRabbi Natan, version A, chap. 23; Jerusalem Talmud, Nedarim 9:4)