It is still a common sight in villages, of an entertainer who goes around in the streets with a little monkey to collect money. One such entertainer had an especially clever monkey. On one occasion, a dog broke away from one of the children with whom it had been playing and rushed towards the monkey. But the monkey did not seem to be least afraid. He stood perfectly still in evident curiosity, waiting for the dog to come up to him.

The dog seemed to be confused for he must have thought that the monkey would run frantically in fear. He did not expect the monkey to stand bravely. As soon as the dog reached the monkey, the funny little creature wearing multicolored coat, courteously removed his cap from his head and scorned at the dog. Instantly there was a roar of laughter from the audience. The dog was so scared that his head drooped and his tail was drawn between his legs. He looked so timid and was not at all like the fine dog it really was. It turned and ran back home as fast as he could amidst the laughing audience.

So now friends, we all know that it takes two to make a quarrel and only when both the hands clap together a sound is made. We can avoid strife by being the one who refuses to fight with a person who intentionally comes against us. As for the monkey in this story, he wanted no disagreement with the dog and played a trick to escape.

But we as children of God should wholeheartedly seek to be peaceful with our opposers. In today’s text James tells us that if we have received wisdom that comes from above we would be peace loving, considerate, and submissive. So let us ask our Lord to give us this wisdom today and forever to deal with hot-tempered and impatient people who try to pick up quarrel with us even for very trivial matters.