Silas
Beloved of All
Your prayer shows a heart that wants to walk in wisdom and to do what is right before the Lord, and that desire itself is pleasing to Him. Scripture says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and the beginning of wisdom. That fear is not being afraid of God, but having a deep reverence and awe for Him, aware of His power, His holiness and His love, and choosing to hate what is evil because He hates it. To depart from evil is understanding. When that reverence is your starting place, God promises to give wisdom.
You are asking for the right thing. Like Solomon, who when he could have asked for riches or honor asked instead for wisdom to judge rightly, you are asking for wisdom for how to speak and how to act. God was pleased with that request and He gave wisdom liberally, and He still does. He lays up sound wisdom for those who walk uprightly, and out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding. If you seek wisdom as you would seek silver, as for hidden treasure, you will find the knowledge of God. Wisdom is the principal thing, more valuable than rubies or gold or anything you could desire, and it cannot be bought. It must be received from the Lord, and He gives it to those who ask Him in faith.
Knowledge gives you facts, wisdom knows what to do with them. You have knowledge of the situation, that the earlier price did not account for the cost and burden of removing those who are occupying the land without right, and that to sell at that price would not be just or workable. Wisdom is knowing how to apply that knowledge with prudence, honesty and grace. Wisdom dwells with prudence. It does not use flattery to manipulate, and it does not deceive. It speaks the truth plainly and fairly. It would be wise to explain clearly and humbly why the price must change, that the new figure reflects the real cost of dealing with the unlawful occupation, and to acknowledge that you understand this is a change from what was discussed before. A clear, honest explanation given with a respectful spirit gives the other person the best opportunity to understand and not take offense, even though you cannot control her response.
Scripture also teaches that by wise counsel plans succeed, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. A wise person is strong and increases in strength through knowledge. Before you meet, seek godly and practical counsel from trustworthy people who understand these matters, including wise legal counsel about the land and the occupants, so that what you propose is just and defensible. Where possible, do not meet alone. Bring a mature witness with you, keep a clear written record of what is discussed and agreed, and do not move landmarks or enter into fields that belong to others, for God Himself pleads the cause of those who are wronged and He defends what is just. Commit the outcome to Him and be willing to follow His will even if she does not accept the new terms.
You also shared a fear for your safety because this neighbor is connected to those who are claiming land that is yours. It is right to bring that fear to the Lord. A horse may be prepared for battle, but safety belongs to the Lord. Our ultimate trust is not in our own strength or in any weapon, but in Him. At the same time, wisdom does not act carelessly. Take prudent steps for protection, let others know where you will be, meet in a safe and more public setting if you can, and avoid provoking an argument. Scripture warns not to engage in foolish quarrels, for wisdom is too high for a fool and he will despise wise words. Speak with calm prudence, and if anger rises, do not be drawn into it.
Do not be envious of those who do wrong or desire their way, for their plans come to nothing, but the wisdom of God endures. The world by its own wisdom does not know God, but in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and He will teach you by His Spirit as you compare spiritual things with spiritual truth. Continue to seek Him first, not riches, and He will lead you.
May the Lord grant you wisdom and an understanding heart for this meeting. May He give you words that are true, clear and gracious, and give her ears to hear and a heart willing to understand. May He guard you from harm and keep both of you from evil, and may His will be done in the matter of the land. We ask that He would establish your steps, fill your heart with peace, and correct you gently if correction is needed, for whom the Lord loves He corrects. Happy is the one who finds wisdom and gains understanding.
Father, we bring this meeting before You. Give wisdom beyond our own, speak through these conversations, let truth be spoken in love, and let justice be done. Provide safety, restrain any intent to harm, and let Your perfect will be accomplished. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who is our wisdom. Amen.
You are asking for the right thing. Like Solomon, who when he could have asked for riches or honor asked instead for wisdom to judge rightly, you are asking for wisdom for how to speak and how to act. God was pleased with that request and He gave wisdom liberally, and He still does. He lays up sound wisdom for those who walk uprightly, and out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding. If you seek wisdom as you would seek silver, as for hidden treasure, you will find the knowledge of God. Wisdom is the principal thing, more valuable than rubies or gold or anything you could desire, and it cannot be bought. It must be received from the Lord, and He gives it to those who ask Him in faith.
Knowledge gives you facts, wisdom knows what to do with them. You have knowledge of the situation, that the earlier price did not account for the cost and burden of removing those who are occupying the land without right, and that to sell at that price would not be just or workable. Wisdom is knowing how to apply that knowledge with prudence, honesty and grace. Wisdom dwells with prudence. It does not use flattery to manipulate, and it does not deceive. It speaks the truth plainly and fairly. It would be wise to explain clearly and humbly why the price must change, that the new figure reflects the real cost of dealing with the unlawful occupation, and to acknowledge that you understand this is a change from what was discussed before. A clear, honest explanation given with a respectful spirit gives the other person the best opportunity to understand and not take offense, even though you cannot control her response.
Scripture also teaches that by wise counsel plans succeed, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. A wise person is strong and increases in strength through knowledge. Before you meet, seek godly and practical counsel from trustworthy people who understand these matters, including wise legal counsel about the land and the occupants, so that what you propose is just and defensible. Where possible, do not meet alone. Bring a mature witness with you, keep a clear written record of what is discussed and agreed, and do not move landmarks or enter into fields that belong to others, for God Himself pleads the cause of those who are wronged and He defends what is just. Commit the outcome to Him and be willing to follow His will even if she does not accept the new terms.
You also shared a fear for your safety because this neighbor is connected to those who are claiming land that is yours. It is right to bring that fear to the Lord. A horse may be prepared for battle, but safety belongs to the Lord. Our ultimate trust is not in our own strength or in any weapon, but in Him. At the same time, wisdom does not act carelessly. Take prudent steps for protection, let others know where you will be, meet in a safe and more public setting if you can, and avoid provoking an argument. Scripture warns not to engage in foolish quarrels, for wisdom is too high for a fool and he will despise wise words. Speak with calm prudence, and if anger rises, do not be drawn into it.
Do not be envious of those who do wrong or desire their way, for their plans come to nothing, but the wisdom of God endures. The world by its own wisdom does not know God, but in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and He will teach you by His Spirit as you compare spiritual things with spiritual truth. Continue to seek Him first, not riches, and He will lead you.
May the Lord grant you wisdom and an understanding heart for this meeting. May He give you words that are true, clear and gracious, and give her ears to hear and a heart willing to understand. May He guard you from harm and keep both of you from evil, and may His will be done in the matter of the land. We ask that He would establish your steps, fill your heart with peace, and correct you gently if correction is needed, for whom the Lord loves He corrects. Happy is the one who finds wisdom and gains understanding.
Father, we bring this meeting before You. Give wisdom beyond our own, speak through these conversations, let truth be spoken in love, and let justice be done. Provide safety, restrain any intent to harm, and let Your perfect will be accomplished. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who is our wisdom. Amen.
