Always learning

Proverbs 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Acquiring information can have value, but acquiring knowledge with one’s heart produces wisdom as a person can apply that knowledge to further a deeper relationship with their Heavenly Father as well as being a faith filled concerned person on this earth.  Heart, ears, knowledge and wisdom all are blended for true value. Have a great weekend.

EQ vs. IQ

Proverbs 18:14 “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? Stable emotions, which are the foundation of a person as expressed with the letters EQ (emotional quotient ) and are what keeps a person emotionally calm and secure.   Our relationship with our God is ultimately important in maintaining a high level of EQ throughout all of life’s struggles.  With our Savior at our side we enjoy a high EQ with an enjoyable life of security, comfort, contentedness and hope.  We should all be in a constant state of developing that relationship.

Carefully listen

Proverbs 18:13 “To answer before listening–that is folly and shame.” The wisdom of the Proverbs is amazing.  We often stop listening when another person expresses a contradictory thought.  How can we possibly know another’s thoughts if we interrupt and express our thoughts?  Our author is wise–listen, then speak–very simple yet often not done.  This truth is absolute when our Heavenly Father is speaking.

Haughty or Humility?

Proverbs 18:12 “Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” Your and my value does not come from anything we have done.  You and I are simply using the God given talents we have received as free gifts and have used those free gifts to honor the Giver of those gifts.  If we ever conclude–I am great–we make a tragic mistake.  All of us should conclude–God is Great–my responsibility is to, in humility, use my talents to His glory and honor. 

A place of security

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” There is not a person on earth who does not want to live of security. The reason many do not live such a life is because they do not know where to find security.  It cannot be found in wealth, education, status or assets.  Total security can only be found in having a faith filled relationship with God.  There is no simpler truth.

Words certainly matter

Proverbs 18:4 “The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.” A person’s words are often much more powerful than their intended affect, especially when spoken in anger and the either intended or unintended result can be devastating to the recipient.  Words of encouragement and wisdom can be easily not recognized as the value they possess.  One must always recognize the value of words and apply that value to both themselves and others.  Be careful in both giving and receiving the content of words.

Do the opposite

Proverbs 18:2 “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” There are people who lack the ability to listen and understand, but rather talk becomes their dearest friend.  This passage defines such a person.  We should search for companions who teach wisdom with insight and knowledge.  Remember–you become the company you keep.

A constant perspective

Proverbs 17:24 “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view; but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” Can you drive safely with a dark, clouded, bug covered windshield with no headlights in late evening traffic?  No one would say –yes, I can– except for a jokester.  The same is true with wisdom.  Can one live life successfully while ignoring God’s truths and listening to the theories man has to offer in regard to all life’s important and critical issues?  One can try, but the end result is the confused, chaotic nonsense world we face today.   Wisdom constantly focuses on the truths of God as taught in Scripture.

Cheerful or crushed

Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Medicine is always intended to heal a person.  A happy heart is medicine which makes for an enjoyable life.  Unfortunately, the opposite is true also.  Security, peace, comfort and hope make for an enjoyable life and those wonderful feelings have one main source–a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.  

How’s your heart?

Proverbs 17:20 “One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.” Self-confidence is very important in leading a successful life as well as helping others gain the same.  For any of us to make others feel insecure is a very poor character trait.  Combining our heart and tongue for the betterment of others is a trait God wants of each of us.

Definition of a friend

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” There is a song titled–“What a friend we have in Jesus”.  You and I always enjoy the loving relationship we have with our Savior–the best friend anyone could possibly have.  You and I are to follow our Teacher’s example. Have a great weekend.

Great relationships

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Parents, children and grandchildren all create a wonderful joy when their relationship is full of love.  That is God’s intent for family.  God’s intent for each of us is always to enjoy the peace, love, contentedness, hope and joy which comes from a close relationship with Him.  The obvious truth: enjoy a close relationship with Him and the other relationships will follow.