Too many women have too much leisure time for their own good. They have time for criticism, gossip, faultfinding, and complaining. They have time for idle games and lay too much attention to things of the flesh. There are other women who have too little time for the enduring things of life. They are too…
Someone wrote, “Plant a word in the mind, and you will reap an act. Plant the act and you will reap a habit. Plant a habit and you will reap a character. Plant a character and you will reap a nature. Plant a nature and you will reap a destiny.” Proverbs 29-30 explain how to…
“I remember once hearing Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as “The Apostle of the Indians,” utter these beautiful words: “For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed.” When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an…
Many institutions in society including government, business, education and even the church suffer because leadership is corrupt without integrity. This section in Prov. 25-26 shows how to establish righteous leadership: be humble, do research, practice timely speech, achieve perceptive relationships, seek God’s honor, reject foolish behavior and reject lies. Be Humble and Do ResearchIt is…
Instead of craving riches and what other people possess, a wise person sees the value of hard work, which prevents poverty. Sexual lust and alcoholism may be pleasurable for the short-term, but it leads to disappointment and confusion. However, wisdom is sweet to the soul and gives security and hope for the future. Wisdom and…
“Christ is the wisdom of God; and in the knowledge of this Christ there is wisdom for you. Not wisdom only, but life, forgiveness, peace, glory, and an endless kingdom! Study Him! Acquaint yourself with Him! Whatever you are ignorant of, be not ignorant of Him. Whatever you overlook, overlook not Him. What ever you…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself (Max Lucado).Helping other people change takes great insight, example, wisdom, trust in…
“Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God’s holiness and sovereignty… acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours” (J. I. Packer).The wise nourish others with their speech and seek genuine relationships with the poor. To…
Seven Modern Sins:1. Politics without principles2. Pleasures without conscience3. Wealth without work4. Knowledge without character5. Industry without morality6. Science without humanity7. Worship without sacrifice (Canon Frederic Donaldson). Proverbs 17 explains how righteous speech produces blessings in all areas of life. Righteousness Produces Holistic RichesRighteous character and wisdom trumps riches and strife because they produce…
To be successful in God’s eyes, any plan must begin in a heart renewed in truth and righteousness. To execute a plan, consider how your resources and people affect kingdom purposes. God will fulfill your plans as you pray and commit them to Him. Your responsibility is to consider plans, assess motives and commit works…
The heart of an individual controls the character of their speech. A wise person will have speech that edifies others. A foolish person will have speech that tears down others. The control of the tongue is greatest mark of spiritual maturity. Character of wise speech: 1. Gentle answer turns away wrath2. Makes knowledge…
Three quotes on righteous leadership provide a good introduction to Proverbs 14. “The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom” (James Allen). “There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a…