Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Proverbs 13:10).
Father, You are the origin of all wisdom. By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding He set the heavens in place; by His knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew (Proverbs 3:19-20).
Lord, You made us, and You made the world and all that is in it. You know best what we need to navigate through life. We constantly seek after many things we think we need, but throughout Scripture, You show us the high priority of wisdom: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).
We understand the importance of wisdom for all our tasks, our activities, and our ventures. And for our relationships. In all human interactions, from personal, to community, to national and international, we recognize wisdom as critical in the path to peace.
Yet, in the war, violence, and strife around us, we see so much of the earthly, unspiritual, demonic wisdom the apostle James warns about, with root causes of bitter envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14-15). And we see the pride that refuses to seek counsel, or take advice.
Father, history and human experience have shown us the human misery, the wreckage, and the suffering that result from pride, greed, and lust for power. We continue to see the devastating results of the pride that lacks accountability, and refuses to take advice.
But even as we easily see these at corporate, national, and international levels, help us not to overlook them in our own relationships. Help us to guard our minds from the pride that causes strife and destroys bridges. Help us to guard our hearts from the envy and selfish ambition that leads to disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16).
Teach us to be wise and understanding. Teach us to show wisdom by our good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13). And because two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9), teach us to rely on each other for balance, perspective, and accountability.
Father, in our homes, in our workplaces, in our churches, and wherever You place us, keep us from the pride that stirs up and promotes strife. Teach us to seek and accept wise counsel and advice. Teach us to seek the pure, peace-loving, considerate, wisdom that comes from heaven, (James 3: 17) deferring to each other, submitting to each other, and upholding each other.
You have invited us to ask for wisdom (James 1:5). Give us wise hearts that are full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). Give us such powerful testimonies as peacemakers who sow in peace, that others would look to us for advice and wise counsel.
O Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. Let Your heavenly wisdom in us help avert the strife of pride, and lead to a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).
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