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Joshua: Employing Wisdom in Times of Division
Issue #402, July 9, 2025
Few things need wisdom like trying to divide an inheritance among siblings! Joshua faced this on a national scale as he led the Israelites through the process of dividing up the land into tribal portions. Joshua employed wisdom in this potentially explosive moment and offers serving leaders practical wisdom for navigating divisive situations.
4 Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me. 5 You are to divide the land into seven parts. Judah is to remain in its territory on the south and the tribes of Joseph in their territory on the north. 6 After you have written descriptions of the seven parts of the land, bring them here to me and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the Lord our God (Joshua 18:4-6, NIV).
Joshua employed wisdom by involving everyone.
Joshua instructed the people, “Appoint three men from each tribe.” He involved the people in selecting the leaders who would divide the land into parts. Every tribe had equal representation. Every man carried with him the mandate to get the best portion for their tribe! Joshua wisely created a process in which no one was excluded.
Some leaders face divisive issues and make decisions using their own experience and expertise. But serving leaders recognize that divisive issues require inclusive practices. They wisely pull key people into the decision-making process, ensuring that all voices will be heard.
Joshua employed wisdom by delegating authority.
Joshua gave authority to the men who were chosen, “you are to divide....” Their work was to survey the remaining land and divide it into portions that were equal in value. Undoubtedly, as they traveled through the land they were carefully observing what areas had fertile soil, good pastureland, and fortified cities. Every man was carefully looking at what they wanted but also aware that another tribe might get it, so they chose carefully. In addition, Joshua selected three people to ensure broader representation and that there would not be a tie vote. By wisely delegating the process, Joshua ensured that no one could accuse him of favoritism.
Some leaders fear that the delegation of authority in a divisive issue will create more problems so they delegate less. But serving leaders wisely find ways to delegate authority that creates better outcomes and group support for the process.
Joshua employed wisdom by retaining decision-making power.
While Joshua involved everyone in choosing the leaders and delegated authority to the leaders in dividing the land, he took charge of the final step in the process. “I will cast lots for you....” Under God’s guidance, he would make the final decisions. He recognized that even with the careful process of dividing the land into 7 portions, if he allowed the leaders to choose, there would be more dispute over who received which portion.
Some leaders abdicate their ultimate responsibility to make final decisions and allow others to selfishly influence the outcomes. But serving leaders recognize that after involving people appropriately, they are responsible for making the decision that best serves the vision and mission of the organization. Then, like Joshua, they employ wisdom from God and decide.
Serving leaders employ wisdom to turn potential division into unity.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Reflect on a leadership decision which you are currently facing that is potentially divisive. With that situation in mind, reflect on the three ways Joshua used wisdom (he involved everyone, he delegated authority, and he retained decision-making power). What can you learn from his example and what will you do to lead with wisdom through this situation?
- Reflect on Joshua’s decision to allow the leaders to divide the land into 7 portions. What might have happened if Joshua had divided the land without their involvement? What can you learn from this about delegating authority?
- In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following verses from Proverbs that relate to employing wisdom in divisive issues. Proverbs 6:16-19; 13:10; 15:1, 18; 16:23-24, 28; 17:14; 18:6, 17; 19:11; 29:22.
Until next time, yours on the journey,
Jon Byler
In the next issue, we’ll look at how Joshua used wisdom in casting vision.
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