God in His wisdom…

Proverbs 18:13 “He who answers before listening—-that is his folly and his shame.” Our wise God knew He could not create man with 2 mouths and 1 ear.   If He had, man would talk constantly and listen rarely.  He knew that for man to gain and display wisdom, he must listen much more than he talks.  This is an important lesson for us to apply.

Pride vs. humility

Proverbs 18:12 “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” Education, income, position or popularity can be the worst thing a person can attain.  These qualities can also be the best things a person can attain.  What makes the difference?  Humility!  The best is to always recognize being a child of God is the greatest honor a person will ever achieve.

Security can be found

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” The security found through a strong faith and unquestioning loyalty to our Heavenly Father is the most valuable treasure a person can own.  All other treasures provide fleeting happiness while a close relationship with our God is a guarantee of eternal comfort. Have a great weekend.

The wisdom of silence

Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” We don’t usually associate wisdom with silence, but we do often associate foolish thinking with conversation.  Often a look expresses more than words and silence can easily influence and discipline.  I wonder how many of us as parents have accomplished much in a very loving way with a look and a silence and the amazing thing is–both love and excellent results were accomplished. 

Think and speak carefully

Proverbs 17:27 “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Words can display both thought and thoughtlessness.  Knowing this thought should generate a careful choice of when to use wise words and when to remain silent.  To speak just to hear sound is both foolish and can be very detrimental.  God gives us the ability to speak, and we should use that ability wisely and to His honor. 

Think carefully

Proverbs 17:24 “A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” There is never a time in life when wisdom can be discarded.  There is never a time in life when one can hide from God and think he is out of sight of our Almighty God.  Why would a person ever want to walk this earth without their Heavenly Father at their side?

A reality

Proverbs 17:17 “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” There is an expectation in life that a blood relative will be more loyal and helpful to a member of the family than anyone else.  Solomon expresses the truth that a loyal friend is many times more loving and helpful than a member of a family.  The conclusion: friends are extremely valuable; therefore, value your friends.

Wonderful generational thoughts

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Grandparents and parents, grandchildren and children are all in unique blessed positions.  Each lives to comfort, support and love the other.  When that happens the true joy God intends within family is an obvious blessing.  God’s invention of family, without all the turmoil and confusion of man’s invention of recent and ancient mentalities, is the only wise family structure to produce contented joyful lives.  Praise God for a wonderful family structure.

Patience or impetuous?

Proverbs 16:32 “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” You and I should always think with a clear and wise mind asking ourselves–is what I am thinking and doing furthering my relationship with my Heavenly Father and bettering my life and the life of my neighbor?  Those thoughts always produce successful results. Have a great weekend.

Honeycomb

Proverbs 16:24 ” Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Encouragement and caring are key to a successful relationship and absolutely necessary for any of us to live a joyful life.  God’s picture of a honeycomb is beautiful as it is impossible for a honeycomb to be anything other than sweet.  I have never heard Jesus referred to as a honeycomb, but He certainly is to all of us.

A wise man’s heart and lips

Proverbs 16:23 “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” We all make choices as to who we hang out with.  That choice determines who we are.  Hang out with the wise and you will become wise.  Hang out with those who lack understanding, and we will not gain wisdom.  Your and my life is directly affected by the company we keep.

Listen and succeed

Proverbs 16:20 “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” All of us who have a continual mindset of learning will enjoy thoughtful discussions with others who also enjoy learning.  When that discussion includes thoughts of our Heavenly Father and gaining additional insight into our relationship with Him, the discussion is not only very enjoyable but it also results in a stronger faith and a deeper relationship with our wonderful God. Have a great weekend.