When learning stops

Proverbs 19:27 “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” At what time in a person’s life is his/her bushel basket of knowledge full?  Obviously, this rhetorical question is personally recognized by everyone as unnecessary as the answer couldn’t be more evident.  Or is the answer obvious?  How many of us think we know all about God and eternity and successful living that a continual gaining of wise knowledge and studying the Bible is unnecessary?  That % is large.  Keep studying–gain wisdom, gain knowledge—continually develop your relationship with your Savior.  Never stray. Have a great weekend.

Rest comfortably

Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” The wealth in America is unprecedented.  At the same time the level of anxiety and depression in America is unprecedented.Suicide rates are higher than ever before.  Opportunity in America is unprecedented.  These conflicting facts don’t make any sense.  Doesn’t wealth bring contentment?  Obviously not.  Contentment comes with having a continually growing and bonding relationship with our Savior.  Nothing else is more powerful.  All the therapy available is meaningless without an understanding of God and His loving relationship with each of us.  Enjoy the contentedness found with our Almighty Loving God. 

Two thoughts

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” The first thought: You and I should have a purpose for living our life on this earth.  The second thought: Your and my purpose for living must include the wise prayer to our God—Heavenly Father, help me live fulfilling the purpose You want me to live.Realizing those two thoughts your and my life on this earth will be both purposeful and successful.  We will be successful in serving both our Savior and our fellow man.

Listen and accept—two key words

Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” How does one acquire the treasures enjoyed by experiencing a life—thoughts, words and actions—ruled by wisdom?  This Proverb gives us the answer.  First–do you and I want to live such a life?  For every Christian the answer is–definitely.  How do we enjoy such a life?  Surround ourselves with the wise and carefully listen and then make that wisdom a part of our being.  Study the Bible–be friends with those who do the same–and then apply the written and spoken words of wisdom and discipline.

Discipline is good

Proverbs 19:18 “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.” Love demands discipline.  Ignore discipline and one ignores love.  That simple truth is ignored by many parents who define loving discipline as an overbearing taskmaster mentality.  That thinking will produce, not a well mannered and successful person, but rather, as this wise passage states, the death of potential success and wisdom the child could have had.  Loving discipline is essential in the training of both children and adults.  

Difficult decisions

Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” A Christian, being wise and faith-filled, is always mindful of serving his/her Savior.  That mentality will always include an attitude of service.  Our Savior, our Teacher, is the foremost example of humility and service when He certainly could have done just the opposite.  This passage tells all of us to help those who need help.  We use our God-given wisdom to help those in need with the blessings we have so generously been given. Have a great weekend.