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Never Be Disturbed

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In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored Proverbs 10:23-27. All of Proverbs gives us bits of wisdom to help us to live a rich and satisfying life while creating a living legacy. If you miss any of our Wisdom Notes, please go to the blog to catch previous installments.

The Book of Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom. This week we will explore verses 28-32 of Chapter 10:

As we continue Proverbs Chapter 10 this week, it is a time of reflecting on the wisdom nuggets that are contained in the book of Proverbs. There are so many, and this gives us a great time to reflect on how their common sense advice applies personally to our lives. These timeless truths give us hope so that we will…

Never Be Disturbed – Proverbs 10:28-32

How can we have hope for each day so that we will never be disturbed? It sounds like a difficult objective to achieve. Let’s start with verse 28 and find out.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness,
but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

We all have hopes and dreams. For some, they may be large and bright, but for others just making it through another day is their hope. If we have our hope in God, then even if our daily outlook is not what we would desire, we can find happiness because our hope is not based on ourselves or others that may have influence over us. Our hopes, dreams, and impact are for an eternal reward, regardless of how small it may appear in the eyes of the world.

Even the smallest act of kindness or help that provides hope for another will ripple through eternity. Contrasting to this, the expectations of those people that do not have their hope in God will all be for nothing. If all of our dreams and ambitions are for this world only, then everything that we hope for will eventually die out and have no eternal value.

The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity,
but it destroys the wicked.

When our values and foundation for life are built on God’s precepts and principles, then our speech and actions will have integrity. The trail that we travel each day will be on solid footing and stronghold. In contrast to this, the very stronghold that we can use as our foundation becomes a heavy burden to those who do not follow God because their trail of life is not based on what is firm and solid.

The godly will never be disturbed,
but the wicked will be removed from the land.

We have all seen and probably used those signs at a hotel that says “Do Not Disturb.” It is our hope that people will honor that. As Christ-followers, regardless of what happens in our lives, we should live in peace and not be disturbed by the temporary and fleeting issues of life. I know that few have mastered this fully. I certainly have not.

In the context of this verse, it is particularly referring to being uprooted from a place of security. When we feel that our life and world is being disrupted is when we need to draw on God’s strength to keep us from being disturbed. In contrast to this thinking are those who are not following God’s precepts and principles for life. They have no foundation for their security and will easily be uprooted from their safe haven.

The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

As we looked at a couple of days ago, it is best if we do not talk too much. When we need to speak, what we say should be pertinent and helpful to those that we are talking with. As we gain wisdom on our daily trek of life, we will be in the position to provide wise advice when the opportunity presents itself. Make sure what you say is good, godly, and completely truthful. In contrast to that, those who speak with the intent to deceive another should be stopped immediately. While we would not literally cut someone’s tongue off for being deceitful, we should certainly not allow them to speak and not listen to them if they do.

The lips of the godly speak helpful words,
but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

This verse continues the thought from the previous one. If we follow God’s precepts, then anything that we say will be to encourage, help, and strengthen those that are listening. Let us not waste our breath or words if they do not fulfill this principle. When we hear people that are slandering others, speaking lies and any other perverseness, then we know that they do not follow God’s precepts and principles that are found in His Word. Let us never fall into the second scenario.

Today we have finished up with Chapter 10 of Proverbs as we discovered and explored five more practical and timely nuggets of wisdom. Take time to consider them and apply them to your life. Let them permeate your thoughts and impact your life so that your living legacy will be evident to all. In addition to our weekly Wisdom Notes, encourage your friends and family to also join us on our daily podcast – Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Hiding Hatred

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In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored Proverbs 10:14-17. All of Proverbs give us bits of wisdom to help us live a rich and satisfying life while creating a living legacy. If you miss any of our Wisdom Notes please go to the blog to catch previous installments.

The Book of Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom. This week we will explore verses 18-22 of Chapter 10:

As we continue Proverbs Chapter 10 this week, it is important to keep in mind that our words have a huge impact on others, even when we don’t realize it. I certainly have fallen prey to this many times. This is why we should make sure to choose our words wisely and sparingly. Few people have gotten into trouble by speaking too little, but we certainly understand how easy it is to say the wrong thing when we speak too much. Many of the wisdom nuggets that we will dig for today have to do with our words.

We start with the subject of…

Hiding Hatred – Proverbs 10:18-22

Hiding hatred makes you a liar;
slandering others makes you a fool.

You might ask, how does hiding hatred make you a liar? I think we all know people that are nice to our face, but we know that they really dislike us. We may do the same thing to others. So, how do we make sure that we do not continue this habit ourselves? First, we should forgive other people. Even when someone hurts us, we should not hate that person. Instead, we should pray for them.

If we truly dislike or hate a person but are nice to them to their face, then we are liars. When we hate another person, we are really destroying and enslaving ourselves. We are controlled and trapped by our internal hatred. We need to learn to let it go and to forgive, even if they don’t ask for it or deserve it. To forgive is to set ourselves free. Christ certainly forgave us even though we did not deserve it.

Closely related to this is when we slander others. Slandering others really does make us a fool. Anyone who hears your slander will realize that they are probably the target of it when they are not around. We need to stop gossiping and talking ill about others. We should encourage and build them up.

Too much talk leads to sin.
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

This verse really describes most of us well. We all love to hear ourselves talk and expound on our wisdom. We give advice when none is asked for. We become an expert in areas that we have no true experience in. During many a conversation, we go on and on and on, usually about ourselves. When we don’t control our talk, inevitably it will result in saying too much, or the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong person. It will lead us to sin. Contrasting that, if we learn to keep our mouths shut, especially when many others are still speaking, then we will become wise and sensible…or at least, appear that way.

The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.

As we learn to only speak when it is appropriate and only speak what is necessary at that moment, we will become more good and godly. Then when we do speak, it will have an effective influence and bring value to others, just like the value of pure silver. Contrasting that is the fool. This person prattles on so much that the quality of their speech becomes worthless due to the quantity of the speech.

The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

As we learn to control the quantity and quality of our words, then they will become effective and powerful. Instead of insulting others with our speech, we will encourage others. Our words will be good and godly. On the contrasting side of that are those who speak foolishly. When you speak too much, and speak what is not appropriate, it will reveal your lack of common sense. A truly wise person with good sense does not have to speak a lot for others to realize they are wise.

The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.

To shift our focus a bit now, we see that our true riches do come from the Lord and are provided as blessings to us. These could be financial riches, but there is so much more in life that truly makes us rich. As Christ-followers, whether we have little or much materially, we should be rejoicing daily in all the blessings that we do have. The Lord wants us to live a rich and satisfying life – one that contains no sorrow. Choose to live abundantly today.

There are so many morsels of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, and we are taking them slowly. As we uncover each one, let them melt within your soul in the same manner that chocolate melts in a finely made s’more. Let them permeate your thoughts and impact your life so that your living legacy will shine through for everyone to see. We will continue with a few more nuggets of wisdom from Chapter 10 in our next Wisdom Note. In addition to our Wisdom Notes, encourage your friends and family to also join us on our daily podcast – Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Wise People Treasure Knowledge

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In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored Proverbs 10:9-13. All of Proverbs give us bits of wisdom to help us live a rich and satisfying life while creating a living legacy. If you miss any of our Wisdom Notes please go to the blog to catch previous installments.

The Book of Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom. This week we will explore verses 14-17 of Chapter 10:

As we continue this new year, it is a good time to consume and then reflect on these short and concise nuggets of wisdom. As mentioned before, regardless of whether you consider yourself a person of faith, the common sense tidbits of wisdom found in Proverbs apply to everyone. Let’s continue as we gain wisdom, insight, and understanding with each new bite.

We become what we think about most, which is based on the type of information we allow into our minds. In order to change and improve, we must change what we think about. This requires that we remove the old thoughts and transplant good and godly knowledge into our minds. This is one of our objectives as we consider these nuggets of wisdom in Proverbs. Let their wisdom be transplanted in your minds, replacing those thoughts which are not good. That brings us to our starting point for today which is…

Wise People Treasure Knowledge – Proverbs 10:14-17

Let’s start right in digging for those wisdom nuggets in verse 14:

Wise people treasure knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

If you desire to be a wise person, then you must be willing to learn, to study, and to expand your knowledge. You must seek for it as if it were a treasure. One thing that I have learned through the years is that you cannot learn when your mouth is open, unless it is to ask a question. In contrast to this is someone who is always talking, expounding on their so-called “wisdom” but actually babbling, as it is referred to in this verse. This person has a foolish concept of themselves. Since he is talking, he is unable to learn. Therefore, he will not make wise decisions in his life. This will ultimately lead to disaster and hardship.

The wealth of the rich is their fortress;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

In this world, there are advantages to having wealth. There is no other way to look at it. God never condemns a person for being wealthy. He just cautions us not to allow wealth to take His place in our lives. Financial success provides us with many more options in life. The analogy of a fortress here has significance. A fortress was used as a means of protection from outsiders who would like to harm a town or group of people. If we are able to accumulate wealth, we should use it to help and protect those that are in need. It will not only be a fortress for us but can also provide a place of safety to those who are in poverty. Without that assistance, those who are poor will be taken advantage of and run into destruction.

The earnings of the godly enhance their lives,
but evil people squander their money on sin.

This verse dovetails nicely into the previous one. If we are wise financially, then our lives and the lives of those we impact will be enhanced. As a wise person who is good and godly, the financial decisions that we make are based on the precepts in God’s Word. We can invest our resources into the lives of those that we impact. In contrast to this, if we are not wise with our financial decisions, it will be evident because our resources will be squandered on those activities that are not pleasing to God, nor in line with His precepts.

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life,
but those who ignore correction will go astray.

Let me ask you this question. Do you like to be disciplined? I know I struggle with the concept of it, and you probably do also. It may be that our connotation of discipline is skewed today. To be disciplined is to become a disciple of another, who is a master. It is the basic premise of learning, of being eager and willing to improve, even when your shortcomings are pointed out. It gives you a plan and a way to improve because you know what the standard is for achievement.

When you are willing to accept discipline, then you are gaining wisdom, which puts you on the trail to becoming better. In contrast to this is the person who refuses to be disciplined or corrected. This person will end up on his own trail, which will not lead to a successful life. This person will find himself wandering without direction or a plan for his life.

There are so many morsels of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, and we are taking them slowly. As we uncover each one, let them melt within your soul in the same manner that chocolate melts in a finely made s’more. Let them permeate your thoughts and impact your life so that your living legacy will shine through for everyone to see. We will continue with a few more nuggets of wisdom from Chapter 10 in our next note. In addition to our weekly Wisdom Notes, encourage your friends and family to also join us on our daily podcast – Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

A Wise Child

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In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored 10 Truths for a Successful Life. These bits of wisdom help us to live a rich and satisfying life while creating a living legacy. If you miss any of our Wisdom Notes please go to the blog to catch previous installments.

The Book of Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom. This week we will explore the first three verses of Chapter 10:

This is the second major section in the Book of Proverbs, which begins with Proverbs 10:1 and continues on through Proverbs 22:16. This section contains 375 short compare and contrast statements that are actually poems in the original Hebrew text. Most poems have two lines, and each poem is one verse long. Each poem is called a “proverb.” Keep in mind as we work our way through these proverbs that they are not specific “commands” from God, but general precepts, that if followed will prove true.

The structure of this section is unusual. Solomon did not separate the proverbs into groups. The proverbs change from one subject to another. However, their order does matter. Solomon uses an “organic” or “natural” order in his writings. This order is similar to a conversation. For example, one proverb might explain the previous one, and another proverb might contrast with the previous one.

Together, these proverbs are like a conversation. Imagine as we sit around camp today that we are a group of wise people talking about wisdom. Each person in the group speaks briefly. We all listen to each other. Then, each person tells his thoughts or ideas to the other people. The conversation would be similar to this section of the book of Proverbs. As we go through these proverbs and you have some thoughts on them, please leave comments on each day’s journal pages so that we can all grow in wisdom.

We should desire wisdom more than we desire wealth. These proverbs discuss many different subjects. However, all these subjects start with the first proverb. This proverb is about the difference between a wise child and a foolish child. The difference is (of course) wisdom. So, let’s start with verse 1…

1 The proverbs of Solomon:

A wise child brings joy to a father;
a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

Just in case we were unsure the chapter reminds us that these proverbs were indeed written by King Solomon, the wisest person to ever live.

From verse one we discover several words in this verse contrast with other words. “Wise” contrasts with “foolish.” “Father” contrasts with “mother.” “Joy” contrasts with “grief.”

Without generalizing too much, when I read this verse it makes me think of the differences between a father and mother. When a child does well, in this case, makes wise decisions, the father takes great pride in this – maybe even taking some credit for the child’s wisdom. In contrast, when a child is unwise the mother takes it much more personally as if there were something she did or did not do that made the child make foolish decisions. Going to the extreme in either case for a parent is not wise.

This is especially true as the child grows older and into adulthood. The child is then responsible for his own actions. Although we as parents and grandparents do continue to greatly influence our children and grandchildren, ultimately the decisions that they make, either wise or foolish, are their responsibility. Just remember to live your legacy each day.

2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value,
but right living can save your life.

If you obtain money illegally or unethically then it has no lasting value. You could argue that this is not true. If you obtain money illegally then you can still spend it. You can buy many things. We have all read about people who have become wealthy through illegal, or more likely unethical practices. Solomon argues that this type of wealth is worth nothing. We already have learned that the wealth of wisdom has far greater value than monetary wealth. Money is never more than a tool for good or bad…nothing more. Wisdom is better than money because wisdom will allow you to make the choices that will preserve your life long term. So if a poor man is wise, then he is richer than the wealthiest person who has obtained his wealth through illegal or unethical means.

3 The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,
but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.

As we apply God’s general guidelines to our lives and as we follow His precepts, we will be taken care of in all essentials of life. There is an analogy that can also be gleaned from this verse. If we do what is right in life and business, we will be satisfied with what we have, regardless of whether it is little or much. If we do what is wicked, no matter how much we have in possessions, we will not find satisfaction in them and will be continually seeking more. This insatiable desire for more “things” is certainly evident in many Western cultures today.

What great wisdom nuggets we have uncovered today. Although it may take several weeks for each chapter, if our lives are changed by what we uncover, then it will be worth digging for. We will continue with a few more nuggets of wisdom from Chapter 10 Next Week. In addition to our weekly Wisdom Notes, encourage your friends and family to also join us on our daily podcast – Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

The Art of Captivating Story Telling Through Podcasting

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The Art of Captivating Story Telling Through Podcasting

I had the honor and privilege of being one of twelve speakers for the Podcast Movement Conference #PMx competition today. All of the speakers had excellent presentations. #podcastmovement #PM17 Click on the image below to watch the presentation on YouTube.

PMx Talk 2017
The Art of Captivating Story Telling through Podcasting