"The Wolves Within"


An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times."


He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way."

"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."


James 3:13-17


Two Kinds of Wisdom


13.Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14.But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15.Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16.For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.


17.But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.