Divine wisdom is beautiful and practical. So when a difficult decision is faced, we ask ourselves, ‘What is the loving, merciful, pure, peaceable solution to this dilemma? (James 3:14-17)
How can I find an answer that is considerate of the needs of others?’ These are the questions to discover how to act wisely, and to demonstrate harmony and goodness.
In contrast to this, James points out, earthly wisdom is full of envy and selfish ambition (3:16). It is self-centred rather than others-centred. The result is disorder and evil (3:16).
I remember one incident where I was involved in sorting out a major difference of opinion between two elders. When they talked with me, they both seemed to be right. Yet they were in conflict.
When I prayed it through, I found the only answer I could suggest was to ask both of them to exercise the kind of wisdom of which James talks. To each of them I said, ‘You must give way. You both have genuine arguments and in some ways, because of your different views, you are both right. But you are not wise! Can you be submissive, considerate and full of mercy?’
They took the advice and the conflict was solved.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.