I love to see bridled power. I think it is one of the most beautiful qualities a person can have.

To see someone who has access to power — be it physical strength, intelligence or knowledge — who allows wisdom to guide them in its application toward someone weaker and less capable is commendable.

“Leaving space for grace,” I call it when a weaker adversary is extended grace.

Treating a foe more like a friend often transforms them into one.

My father was a fiercely intelligent “gentle giant.” Though able to crush his opponents, he had the wisdom to overlook offenses and bypass engaging in disputes. He graciously deferred to those less capable. How often did he win hearts with that trait!

I often witnessed wisdom prevail as many foes became friends because my father refrained from striking a decisive blow when he had both reason and ability.

King Solomon, who “exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom” (1 Kings 10:23 / 2 Chronicles 9:22), was well aware of the connection wisdom has to grace when he wrote Proverbs 4:9. Obliterating an opponent may seem like the obvious choice. However, only when wisdom guides restraint can grace address the potential harm in a situation and disarm it.