“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
Persuadable One might think that, because the wise man is wise, he does not need to be persuaded of anything. Yet, just the opposite is true. The wise man knows that he is wise and can become wiser only as he leaves his mind open to persuasion by additional and, perhaps even, correcting information. Thus, it is an important part of the wisdom which makes the wise man wise to know that he is not infallibly wise. Wisdom is always “a work in progress.” This is confirmed by James’ observation that heavenly wisdom is “easy to be intreated.” This expression translates one Greek term, which means, in a word, “persuadable.” When people draw conclusions, they can identify with them to such an extent that, if they are wrong, they see that as meaning that there is something wrong with them. Disagreeing with them then becomes “personal.” They think, if they allow themselves to be shown wrong, that must mean they are stupid, ignorant, or morally corrupt. Hence, they are loath to surrender a position, especially if they have adopted it firmly and at length. They see it as a negative reflection on their intelligence, worth, or moral character to admit to error. So, they resist admitting they are wrong, whether they have been exposed by better argumentation or not. In short, they are so heavily invested in their positions that they are biased to the point of blindness. This is a natural human tendency, and anyone will probably have to fight it as long as he lives. Thus, a position ought neither to be adopted, nor abandoned, too quickly. In this case, “too quickly” means without having given it the thorough and honest study it deserves. A good way to do this is to consider the best argumentation of the best proponents of both sides. This allows one to regard it from every angle. To do otherwise is to invite error and its exposure and correction on one hand, or, on the other, to tempt oneself to the stubbornness and unreasonableness which refuses to acknowledge error even when it is obvious. Too often, when people argue, they are really arguing to defend themselves rather than the truth. When this happens, they not only fail to be persuadable, but they also fail to be wise and to learn the truth. None of this justifies being so persuadable as to be gullible, easily deceived, and wishy-washy. Objective truth exists, and it should be zealously advocated and diligently defended. Jude urged earnestly contending for the faith (vs. 3), and Paul warned brethren “no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14). So, it is not wrong or biased to argue a position strongly and without relenting. Giving up one’s position too quickly is not something to be recommended, especially if it is a carefully considered position and one held for a long time. Unless a person is gullible, dishonest, prejudiced, or ignorant, perhaps because he has not given the other side a fair and open-minded hearing, it would seem that he must have a good reason for occupying the position he holds. Instead, wisdom simply urges a person to be willing to listen to the opposite side and, as much as possible, give it an honest hearing. The Bereans were noble-minded because they were open-minded — not too open-minded, but open-minded enough to examine the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was the truth (Acts 17:11). It is always wise to be willing to listen to, and understand, the opposite side. If it is error, doing so should only enable one to identify and defend the truth more confidently and effectively. Whether in principle or practice, it is never wrong to present oneself as persuadable by truth and able to learn and repent as occasion requires. To be otherwise is to be unwise.
idea/belief
Copyright © 2017 - current year, Gary P. and Leslie G. Eubanks. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2017 - current year, Gary P. and Leslie G. Eubanks. All Rights Reserved.
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
idea/belief
Persuadable One might think that, because the wise man is wise, he does not need to be persuaded of anything. Yet, just the opposite is true. The wise man knows that he is wise and can become wiser only as he leaves his mind open to persuasion by additional and, perhaps even, correcting information. Thus, it is an important part of the wisdom which makes the wise man wise to know that he is not infallibly wise. Wisdom is always “a work in progress.” This is confirmed by James’ observation that heavenly wisdom is “easy to be intreated.” This expression translates one Greek term, which means, in a word, “persuadable.” When people draw conclusions, they can identify with them to such an extent that, if they are wrong, they see that as meaning that there is something wrong with them. Disagreeing with them then becomes “personal.” They think, if they allow themselves to be shown wrong, that must mean they are stupid, ignorant, or morally corrupt. Hence, they are loath to surrender a position, especially if they have adopted it firmly and at length. They see it as a negative reflection on their intelligence, worth, or moral character to admit to error. So, they resist admitting they are wrong, whether they have been exposed by better argumentation or not. In short, they are so heavily invested in their positions that they are biased to the point of blindness. This is a natural human tendency, and anyone will probably have to fight it as long as he lives. Thus, a position ought neither to be adopted, nor abandoned, too quickly. In this case, “too quickly” means without having given it the thorough and honest study it deserves. A good way to do this is to consider the best argumentation of the best proponents of both sides. This allows one to regard it from every angle. To do otherwise is to invite error and its exposure and correction on one hand, or, on the other, to tempt oneself to the stubbornness and unreasonableness which refuses to acknowledge error even when it is obvious. Too often, when people argue, they are really arguing to defend themselves rather than the truth. When this happens, they not only fail to be persuadable, but they also fail to be wise and to learn the truth. None of this justifies being so persuadable as to be gullible, easily deceived, and wishy-washy. Objective truth exists, and it should be zealously advocated and diligently defended. Jude urged earnestly contending for the faith (vs. 3), and Paul warned brethren “no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14). So, it is not wrong or biased to argue a position strongly and without relenting. Giving up one’s position too quickly is not something to be recommended, especially if it is a carefully considered position and one held for a long time. Unless a person is gullible, dishonest, prejudiced, or ignorant, perhaps because he has not given the other side a fair and open-minded hearing, it would seem that he must have a good reason for occupying the position he holds. Instead, wisdom simply urges a person to be willing to listen to the opposite side and, as much as possible, give it an honest hearing. The Bereans were noble-minded because they were open-minded — not too open-minded, but open-minded enough to examine the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was the truth (Acts 17:11). It is always wise to be willing to listen to, and understand, the opposite side. If it is error, doing so should only enable one to identify and defend the truth more confidently and effectively. Whether in principle or practice, it is never wrong to present oneself as persuadable by truth and able to learn and repent as occasion requires. To be otherwise is to be unwise.