“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, King Solomon, Money, Wealth, Wise Sayings

I have a goal. I have a plan. I have dreams. They involve money.

What does wisdom say about that?

• What is my goal for wealth? I am overwhelmed with messages about wealth and retirement. They are everywhere I turn. Jesus says “Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Luke 12:33-34)
• Am I willing to wear myself out to get it? Trying to get wealthy will wear me out. There just enough hours in the day and there is always more to do.
• Do I understand that wealth is fleeting? Jesus says “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
• What is God’s goal? God’s goal for me is focus on Jesus and being a good citizen of the Kingdom of God. God wants me to love. God wants me to use my money to be generous to others.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich;
    restrain yourself!
Riches disappear in the blink of an eye;
    wealth sprouts wings
    and flies off into the wild blue yonder.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 23:4-5

Money

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“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Character, Jesus, King Solomon, Moral, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

My dad was a very wise man.

• My dad always said it is easier to tell the truth than to lie. His logic was that a liar has to remember who he said what to and that is tough to do. Eventually you will get caught. He had a point. He was a wise man.
• We can choose a hard life where we completely miss God’s goal for our life. It is in fact an evil life. It is a hard life. If is not the life God has in mind for us.
• The easiest life to live is the right life, the moral life. God gives us the power as a part of His new plan for us. Jesus shows us the way. God’s goal for us is that we are pure, just like Jesus is pure. We are to be holy.
• What is God’s goal for me? Jesus challenges me to live a moral life. Anything else is an evil life. It is easier to live the moral life. It is uncomplicated and very simple in its approach. My goal is to love. That is it!

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:5)

“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Anger, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 22, Temper, Wise Sayings

Wisdom is challenging. It sounds great but it isn’t easy to do. This advice about anger and bad tempers is important. God has a goal for me. It is to pleasant, meek and to encourage others.

• I get to chose who I hang out with. It is important to ignore angry people. I will get infected. It’s a fact!
• Do I have a “bad temper”? We all get angry and have a temper. How frequent is it? Do I have a bad temper? Am I always angry? Something to think about.
• What is the consequence? A bad temper is contagious. Others around us, our family and friends, all can get infected.

“Don’t hang out with angry people;
don’t keep company with hotheads.
Bad temper is contagious—
don’t get infected” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 22:25

Anger

“Do your best, prepare for the worst — then trust God to bring victory.” ~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Plan, Prepare, Proverbs 21, Trust, Wise Sayings

God has given us all the gift of wisdom. It is amazing what we learn in the wisdom books in the Bible.

So what is today’s lesson?

• Jesus challenges me to do my best. Jesus is clear what the best is. It is to love. That is challenge.
• It is useful to prepare for the worst. God knows what will happen but I don’t. No matter what, God works out everything for my good. Jesus prepared to be brutally murdered and sacrificed for us. He did not ignore that reality.
• I must trust God. The victory is his, not mine. Jesus knew he would die but he also knew God would be victorious and raise him from the dead. And God did. The worst turns into something better.

“Do your best, prepare for the worst—
then trust God to bring victory.” ~King Solomon

Proverbs 21:31

“Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Confusion, King Solomon, Meaning, Proverbs 9, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

What does Lady Wisdom say to me?

• I’m living in confusion and impoverished by it. I should leave the land of confusion and begin to live. I have a choice. What will i decide?
• I have meaning in life. Jesus has given it to me. The gift is available to me.
• I should act like I have a life of meaning. Does what I do reflect the wisdom I have in my life? Can others see the meaning and feel it?

“Leave your impoverished confusion and live!
    Walk up the street to a life with meaning.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 9:6

“Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Insight, King Solomon, Proverbs 7, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Here is the deal about wisdom. God has a goal for me. God wants me to be wise.

• I need to be on speaking terms with wisdom. Wisdom needs to be as close to me as family, like a sister to me.
• Insight, in addition to wisdom, is critical to my well being. Insight should be my closest friend, always with me.
• Wisdom and insight together should be my close companions. They go hand in hand like trusted friends and family. They compliment each other.

Talk to Wisdom as to a sister.
    Treat Insight as your companion.

Source: Proverbs 7:4

“People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?” ~King Solomon

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Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 19, Stupidity, Wise Sayings

I find it way to easy to blame God. After all, he is in control, right?

On any given day, at any given moment, that is the easy way out.

Not my fault!

Jesus challenges me to look at my own heart. Jesus knows where evil comes from. Evil doesn’t come from God.

At a fundamental level, I need to look in the mirror. 

“Death is the reward of an undisciplined life; your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” ~King Solomon

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Discipline, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 5, Reap, Sow, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Jesus challenges me to be careful about the decisions I make. I must be disciplined in my approach to following Jesus.

I will reap what I sow. There is no way around that.

Jesus makes that clear to me. God’s goal for me is to be disciplined in my love. I must reject the foolish way.

“Death is the reward of an undisciplined life;
    your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” 

Source: Proverbs 5:23

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 4, Vigilant, Wise Sayings

Heart’s Focus

Jesus challenges me to be vigilant. If I don’t pay attention, I will drift. Jesus has given me the way of wisdom. May I pay attention and not reject him.

I must watch over my heart. The main thing to pay attention to is my heart. From my heart comes what I think, what I say and what I do. It starts with my heart.

Life starts with my heart. It is easy to believe my heart isn’t important but it is the key. David knew it. Solomon knew it. Jesus focused on it and challenges me to pay attention.

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. May I learn enough to have that said of me. Now that is a real goal to have.

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 4:23

“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. ” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 20, River, Strenght, Wise Sayings

A man after God’s heart

God’s goal for me is to know what is right and to store it up in my heart.

I must constantly contemplate on what Jesus tells me. I must store up the words of Jesus like deep water. The drought will come. The river in my heart will help me through the days and weeks.

When there is trouble, where does my strength come from? It comes deep with the treasure of Jesus’ words, hid deep in my heart.

Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. ” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:5)

“Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.” ~King Solomon

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Fools, Jesus, King Solomon, Listen, Proverbs 18, Wise Sayings

Fools

I am a fool. Many times I run off at the mouth. I think what I have to say is important and I don’t care what others have to say.

Discourse involves asking questions (wise ones) and listening.

The best conversations are where I ask lots of relevant questions and really listen. God’s goal for me is to be wise. That requires “wise” listening.

That is wisdom.

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth. ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 18:2

“A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Harvest, Jesus, King Solomon, Patience, Plant, Wise Sayings

Harvest

God created a world where one thing leads to another. It is not always immediate but eventually planting will produce a crop.

The reverse is also important wisdom. If I don’t do something, nothing is going to happen. Zip, Zilch, Nada, nothing.

There is wisdom in being industrious and not lazy.

God is God. His ways are firm and I can’t change them.

May I plant the right seeds to produce a great harvest.

May I be patient to wait on the results

A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall. ” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:4)

“Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, King Solomon, Proverbs 3, Trust, Wise Sayings

I think I am pretty clever some days. I think I can figure it all out.

AND then I run into the wall with something and I realize I am not as clever as I like to think I am. My understanding is not what our LORD wants.

If the victory is to be His, I have to trust Him with all my heart. I have to emotionally connect with what He wants not what I understand.

May I trust him from the bottom of my heart.

May I do it now.

What is He saying?

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! (Proverbs 3:5 The Message Bible)

"The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Down to Earth, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

Ah, now there we go. Down to earth people. We all seem to admire them. But is that said of me? Am I down to earth?

Jesus was “down to earth”. From the rich, to the poor, they were attracted to him. “Sinners” and outcasts sought him out.  He was anything but “stuck up”.

And … He stood firm. He was grounded in doing what his Father had sent him here to do. He is our model of “down to earth”.

The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:2)

“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Friendship, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 17, Wise Sayings

Love of God

I get offended. Probably way too easy. Eventually, everyone is going to say something to offend us.

Love is the way of friendship. Jesus challenges me to live a life of love and not get offended. God’s goal for me is love. That is all.

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

Source: Proverbs 17:9 MSG – Overlook an offense and bond a – Bible Gateway

"Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!" ~~King Solomon

Tags

Fair, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

We live in a world where driving a “hard bargain” seems to be a real strategy that is respected.

As people of God, we don’t have to negotiate that way. We should play fair. We should suggest reasonable terms in our work and dealings with people.

This is not “The Art of the Deal”! Jesus has expectations for us and challenges to be fair from the start. This is about what love looks like, not who wins.

God promises we will be blessed if that is our approach. 

 “Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:26)

 

"When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself." ~~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, Kindness, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Acts of Kindness

Who do I think I am hurting? Cruelty is intended to hurt someone else. It actually backfires and hurts me.

Jesus knew this. Solomon knew this. Kindness is the cornerstone of a loving life.

God’s goal for me is to be kind. It is a simple goal and achievable with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:17)

"Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Knowledge, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

How do we become wise? As we follow God, seek His ways, listen to Him, we need to store it up.

It seems so easy with technology, blogging, twittering, and Facebook to just throw stuff out there. It comes our way and off it goes. No storing up and just a fountain of quick, random thoughts.

God’s way is build and layer on top of truth. When we store up knowledge of His ways, we become wise.

God has a goal for me. It doesn’t involve being a fool. God wants me to be wise. My job is to store up knowledge of him.

May I store up knowledge and be wise in His ways.

“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:14)

 

“You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Knowledge, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

There are a few things I know. God has been good to give me that knowledge.

There are many things I don’t know. There is much to learn.

There is one thing I absolutely don’t know and that is the first thing about tomorrow.

Jesus challenges me to trust God. God knows and God will take care of me. Now that is some good news for sure!

Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow;
    you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.

Source: Proverbs 27:1 MSG – You Don’t Know Tomorrow – Don’t – Bible Gateway

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Plan, Preparation, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

I have been thinking about this lately. I should prepare. That is a very good thing. But I have no victory without the LORD.

Do I see this as much as I should? No I don’t. I trust in my preparations and plans. I’ve got is all planned out. Or so I think.

It is so simple but so hard some days.

I want to run in and “fix” things. Holding back for the LORD’s will and wisdom is needed so very much. In His new plan, the victory is His always.

May the victory always rest with the LORD and not my preparation.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31 NIV

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, King Solomon, Planning, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

God’s new plan

God has a goal in mind for me.

Am I ready?

Have I prepared?

Will I be up to the task?

Jesus challenges me to get ready and to be up to the task. I am God’s plan A. There is no plan B.

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
    hurry and scurry puts you further behind.

King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 21 MSG – God Examines Our Motives – Good – Bible Gateway

“We don’t expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders.” ~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Lie, Proverbs 17, Truth, Wise Sayings

Truth – Can you handle it?

It is sad that we have probably come to expect lies from our leaders. It clearly shouldn’t be that way but it seems to happen time and time again now. While it is a political problem, it is also a religious, business and community problem.

God is the truth. God sent his son Jesus to us to represent his truth. God’s goal for us is to be truthful.

We need a moral revolution.

We need Jesus.

We don’t expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders. ~King Solomon Proverbs 17:7

“Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Evil, Jesus, King Solomon, Trust, Wise Sayings

Run to God

I like to think I know a lot. Some days, I think I know it all.

I don’t know very much, in reality. I certainly don’t know what God knows.

Jesus is the author of all knowledge. I must run to God. I must seek him at every turn.

I must run from evil. There is nothing good to come from any level of toleration with the source of all evil.

God’s goal is for me to listen to him and to trust his son Jesus, my Master.

Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!

~King Solomon – Source: Proverbs 3 (The Message Bible)

“If you make Insight your priority, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Fear of God, Insight, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 2, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom

I have priorities. I have plans. I love to plan. But, do I have the right priorities? There is a difference.

Insight should be my top priority. I must search for the direction God wants me to go. Jesus challenges me to love. I need insight on how to do it. It isn’t always clear to me.

There is a treasure for me to find. I must search like an adventurer. I must be a quest to gain insight.

“Fear-of-God” keeps me on course. It is easy for me to wander off and loose focus.

That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
    and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
    like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
    you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

~King Solomon – Source: Proverbs 2:1-5 (The Message Bible)

“Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Foolish, God is God, Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Proverbs 1, Wise Sayings

God is God

Wisdom teaches me that everything starts with God. I can’t be wise until I know God is God and God is control. I have to give him and my Master Jesus complete control of my life.

I am a fool if I don’t live this way. Living with an attitude that God is God must be central to who I am. It is folly to live any other way.

Where did Solomon learn this? I think from his father King David. David, while not perfect, lived in awe of God and knew that God is the real King.

God is God. I am not.

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

~King Solomon – Source: Proverbs 1 (The Message Bible)

“Whoever mocks poor people insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Judge, King Solomon, Love, Poor, Proverbs 17, Wise Sayings

Colbert on the poor

Jesus was clear that we will always have poor people with us. We always have. We always will.

Jesus challenges me to give to the poor. I am to do what I can to help. God’s goal for me is to love. Jesus challenges me to not judge. I don’t need to understand why someone is poor. God knows why.

Insulting and mocking the poor is insulting God. It is wrong and it is criminal. It is a moral failure on my part when I do it. I will be held accountable for what I say and do. I will be held accountable to God’s standard of love.

We should assess our leaders on their attitude about the poor. Do they love the poor? Do they help the poor? Do they “judge” the motives of the poor?

“Misfortune” does happen. It is possible, to get laid off from work and become poor, due to no fault of your own. I shouldn’t gloat over that. My goal is to love.

Whoever mocks poor people insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime. ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 17:5 (The Message Bible)

“Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Authority, Goal, God is God, Jesus, King Solomon, Master, Planning, Strategy, Wise Sayings

God’s plan

I love to plan. It is a passion of mine. It is comforting to me. It provides me the illusion that I am in control. I love to think that if I know where I am going (have a goal), I can figure out how to get there (a strategy). Much of my work is based on this premise. I make money off of it.

I am not alone in this thinking. Just read all the books and internet articles on the topic. We all have been sold this bill of goods.

God knows better. God is God and God is in control. Jesus has been given all authority from his Father. Jesus challenges us to accept him as our Master. Jesus wants to be in control.

God has a goal for me. It is God’s goal and not mine. God will accomplish it. God wants me to take on my part of what he wants to accomplish.

I need to change my mind (repent) about all of this. The culture of planning and success is wrong. God is going to have the last word.

Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.

Source: King Solomon – Proverbs 16:1 (The Message Bible)

“Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Congenial, Conversation, Jesus, King Solomon, Pleasant, Proverbs 15, Wise Sayings

Hot Air

God’s goal for us is that our conversations are pleasant. Arguing and fights aren’t what he has in mind. Love is the key. Respect is imperative. Our conversations can be beautiful. Imagine that is what people say after we leave them. “What a beautiful conversation that was.”

If people aren’t courteous to us, we don’t have to get angry, we can just walk away. We can withdraw from confrontation.

Jesus challenges us with the following: “When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.”

Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!

~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 15:23

“A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Grace, Gracious, King Solomon, Mean, Wise Sayings

Grace

There is such a thing as tit for tat. Being mean gets you meanness in return. While Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, not everyone will do that. Meanness in our soul brings out meanness in others.

There is a better way. God’s goal for us is to be gracious. God is not mean but gracious and caring to us. When we are gracious to others, they will find it difficult to be mean.

May our words and actions reflect a gracious spirit!

A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace. Proverbs 14:14

“Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Agenda, Direction, Jesus, King Solomon, Messiah, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

Some times my thoughts wander off when I am praying and meditating. They move away to my “agenda” and what I believed I should be focused on.

The Messiah Jesus has His own agenda. Better to follow it. Jesus directs my thoughts where He wants them to go. My heart is in His hand. It moves according to His direction.

Whose agenda will I follow, God’s or mine?

Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. (Proverbs 21:1)

“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it. How shortsighted to refuse correction!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Correction, Discipline, King Solomon, Learning, Proverbs 12, Wise Sayings

Learning

The first thing is cultivate a love of learning. To be wise, means we need to grow. It isn’t something we are naturally born with. We must have a passion for learning.

Learning isn’t easy. It requires work. It requires a real discipline to do it even when we don’t want to or feel like it.

When we fall short, we must submit to God’s discipline and receive correction. We must be open to hearing we weren’t correct in our thinking.

If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it. How shortsighted to refuse correction! ~King Solomon (Proverbs 12:1)

“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Goal, Jesus, King Solomon, Plan, Proverbs 27, Wise Sayings

God’s Goal

Oh how we love to plan. We worship our to do lists. Some of us even put things on them we have already done so we can get the pleasure of checking them off.

God is in control. God has a plan. We don’t always have insight into what God wants to do through his son Jesus. Our job is to tap into God and his plans.

Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.

Source: Proverbs 27:1 MSG – You Don’t Know Tomorrow – Don’t – Bible Gateway

“The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Pollution, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Pollution

The wise are so powerful in what the say. It is like the very old ad on TV, “When ABC speaks, people listen”. A wise person’s words just clear the air. We say to ourselves, now that is right.

Not so with the wicked. Imagine a very smoggy day in Los Angeles. That is what un-wise people words are like.

God’s goal for us is to be wise, speak the truth and clear the air. In the popular culture of this world, there is a lot of pollution out there. May we seek to find people, with wisdom and graciousness, can clear the air. What is wise in God’s world is much different than the wisdom of this world.

“The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:32)

“Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.” ~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 20, Truth, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Love

When we think of leaders, how often do we think of love and truth?

That should become our normal criteria. God’s goal for us is to love. Love, coupled with truth, is the essence of integrity. That makes for a sound leader. Truth, without love, can lead us astray.

A leader must care about people. Without that foundation, truth cannot stand on its own.

Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity. ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:28)

“It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. ” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Argue, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 20, Wise Sayings

Fools

I get into arguments sometimes. Not pleasant to admit but it is true. God’s goal for me is to not quarrel and argue. No doubt about that. I am foolish if I pick a fight.

God gives me the power, through his Holy Spirit, to love and not get into arguments. The alternative is to be a fool. Not very attractive.

It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.  ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:3)

“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 27, Wise Sayings

God spends a lot of time talking about the heart. God longs for me to have His heart. That is what King Solomon had. That is what Jesus had. That is what I long for.

May I have God’s heart. May I show God’s love and compassion. May I know what God cares for and do it. May I be completely one with his son Jesus.

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19

"Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Blessing, Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

It seems conventional wisdom is that there is no reward for a good and honest life.  There is the eternal question of why bad things happen to good people.

I think this is a matter of the heart. Jesus challenges us to see life as a matter of what is in our heart and not the physical world. Jesus says we will be blessed when we mourn. The cause of the mourning is not seen as a good thing. It is about getting our heart right. Blessings flow from that.

“Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:6)

“Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs— cross them and they bite your head off. ” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 20, Temper, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Temper

Wisdom gives us clues about how to deal with certain leaders. Leaders generally have power and authority. They can destroy us if we aren’t careful.

Quick-tempered leaders aren’t looking for wisdom from us. They want to do what they want they want to do. Getting in their way can only lead to harm to us.

This is tough to learn. There have been occasions I wished I had been wiser.

Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs— cross them and they bite your head off.  ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:2)

“Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun. .” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Beer, Drunk, Jesus, King Solomon, Mean, Proverbs 20, Wine, Wise Sayings

Moderation is everything but we’ve all known a mean drunk. Not much fun at all.

God’s goal is for us to be a witness to himself. When we loose control of ourselves, God has no room to be in control.

Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun.  ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:1)

"Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Wise Sayings, Work-Life Balance

God’s Wisdom

We know this to be true but being disciplined at it can be the challenge. There is a time to harvest and there is a time to fish. Doing them at the right time is “work – life balance”.

Wisdom from God is important. We don’t want to be stupid.

“Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:5)

“God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Children, God Loyal, Honest, King Solomon, Loyal, Proverbs 20, Wise Sayings

Honesty and Integrity

What kind of legacy do I want to leave my children? What is the most important thing I can do? What will make it easy for them in life?

Great questions. Here is God’s answer.

Be God-loyal. Pretty straightforward. The things I think may be important pale in light of being loyal to Him. That is what will help my children.

God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. Proverbs 20:7

"God is solid backing to a well-lived life, but he calls into question a shabby performance." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Hard Work, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Wise Sayings

Kingdom of God

There is no “coasting along” in God’s world (Kingdom). God has given us talents.

God expects us to live the life He has given us. He expects us to put our all into everything we do for him. In God’s world, a shabby performance brings shabby rewards.

May I give God my all today. May I live my life well.

“God is solid backing to a well-lived life, but he calls into question a shabby performance.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:29) 

“The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Life, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

God’s Word

When we follow God, doing what He wants us to do, our words are His words. God’s words give life. Being plugged into God gives us wisdom.

Not so much with the wicked. It is easy to see where abuse comes from. Not from God and not from the wise.

God’s goal for us is to use his words to give life.

May we listen to God, speak His words, and give life.

“The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:11 The Message)

"Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth." ~~King Solomon

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Diligence, Jesus, King Solomon, Poor, Proverbs 10, Wealth, Wise Sayings

Work

There is nothing like diligently pursuing the work of the day at hand. It is, in fact, honorable to faithfully work. It brings us close to God. It brings us wealth.

Not working is not a good thing it all. There is no honor in being lazy and slacking off.

Jesus challenges us to put our hand to the plow and don’t look back.

Here are the key ideas:

1. Diligence is the key to success.
2. God’s goal for us is stick with it.
3. An approach where we don’t care or just give up guarantees failure.

“Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:4)

"God won’t starve an honest soul, but he frustrates the appetites of the wicked." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Israel, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Solomon, Starve, Wise Sayings

God wants us to be honest in our core. He will give us wisdom. He will take care of us. We don’t have to be frustrated like others. God’s goal for is to have an honest soul. That isn’t just say honest things but goes deeper. God wants us “to be” honest in our core. God wants us to be in right standing with his Son Jesus, the Messiah.

King Solomon understood this. All he really wanted was wisdom. God gave it to him in droves.

The challenge is to not live the frustrated life out of sync with God. Line up with what He wants. Live honestly with Him.

The promise is we won’t starve in our soul. Our food is not of this world but it is the Word of God.

Here are the key ideas:

1. Being in sync with God causes us to have an honest soul.
2. God’s goal is for us to think, speak and act in an honest way.
3. God gets to decide what is important.
4. God is good and will give us wisdom.

“God won’t starve an honest soul, but he frustrates the appetites of the wicked.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:3 The Message)

"Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Honesty, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Solomon, Wise Sayings

I saw a news show recently where they spent a significant amount of time essentially making the case that every one is dishonest and cheats. It was pretty depressing. It isn’t true and it doesn’t have to be that way.

God wants us to be (live) honest. Jesus makes the same challenge. This focus is huge for us. It is core to having a heart after God because God is truth.

We have a spiritual problem, both as individuals, a culture and a country. We need moral clarity. We must accept the challenge of Jesus. Wisdom and an eternal life is the payoff.

Here are the key ideas:

1. Honesty, grounded in truth, is the key to wisdom.
2. God’s goal for us is to live a honest life and to speak the truth.
3. God is God and can only speak the truth. God is light. God shines his light on us.
4. God is in a good mood and gives us the power to live a honest life.

“Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:2)

"Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Parenting, Proverbs 10, Stupidity, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom is so important. When Solomon was asked by God what he wanted, he responded wisdom. To know and understand God’s world (Kingdom) is essential. It makes our parents so very happy. The key outcome of raising children is that turn out to be wise. Are we teaching wisdom.

Stupidity is another thing altogether. Not knowing what God wants us to do makes our families very sad.

May we all choose wisdom.

Here are the key ideas:

1. The key outcome of parenting is to teach wisdom.
2. God’s goal for us as parents is to seek and impart what it means to be wise in God’s world.
3. We should assess our advice to children on whether is wise or stupid. Avoid stupid living. Our children are watching.

“Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:1)

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Blessing, Generosity, Jesus, King Solomon, Poor, Proverbs 22, Wise Sayings

Generosity is interesting. It brings a blessing back to me.

That blessing takes many forms. The greatest is the joy of doing what our Father desires. He says to give and obedience is it’s own form of blessing.

The focus of generosity should be on the poor. Solomon challenges us to have a mission with our generosity. Here, we have lots of opportunity for sure.

GOD is generous. He is caring and in a good mood. Always.

Jesus has a goal for us. We are to be generous.

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. ~~King Solomon Proverbs 22:9

"A good life is a fruit-bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Fruit, Fruit tree, God, Good News, Holy Spirit, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

An apricot and its cross section (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When we live the life God has intended for us, it is like a tree that gives us delicious fruit. There is nothing like fresh fruit. We all love it. I was at the market yesterday and just had to get some figs and apricots.

God’s goal for us is to live a meaningful life. It is meaningless for a fruit tree not to bare fruit. A great tree provides shade to the weary person. The shade attracts others to find comfort. Our sense of purpose will attract others to God. They will want the same meaningful life.

That is in contrast to a life of violence. I think this is not just physical. Anything opposite of doing what GOD wants us too is violence against GOD and it destroys our very souls.

Thank GOD for the Holy Spirit of GOD that gives us the power to live the resurrected life of Jesus. Now that is Good News.

“A good life is a fruit-bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:30)

“An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Mind, Mischief, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

What do we enjoy beyond anything else?

God’s goal is for us to delight in wisdom. We should love wisdom more than anything. We should adore it, take pleasure in it and rejoice in it.

Do I appreciate wisdom more than anything?

God’s goal is for us to savor wisdom. We should revel in it, luxuriate in it and glory in its presence.

“An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:23)

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Blessing, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Wise Sayings

God’s Blessings

God is God and He is perfect. There is nothing God needs from us. There is nothing we can do to improve on God. God is sufficient unto Himself.

Jesus is God’s son. Jesus perfectly embodies everything that God desires and wants.

God is in a good mood. God is in the blessing business. Everything works for our good.

May I receive God’s blessing.

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:22)

“You’ll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Shortsighted, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Big Thinking

Insight is taking the “long view”. People with insight are wise and are to be listened to intently.

Shortsighted people focus nonessential activities. They only see what is right in front of them. They don’t know “the why” of what they are doing.

May I take the “long view”.  May I see the big picture.

“You’ll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:13)

“An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace.” ~~King Solomon

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King Solomon, Meeting, Open, Proverbs 10, Trouble, Wise Sayings

God’s Wisdom

You know there is trouble ahead when someone won’t sit down with you face-to-face and meet with you.

Being open requires an exchange face-to-face.

Evasion leads nowhere good.

“An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:10)

“The wise accumulate knowledge—a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much—a sheer waste.” ~~King Solomon

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King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Treasure, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom

We are all concerned about getting more stuff. There seems to be no end to it.

What should we worry about? What should we try to accumulate?

Knowledge and wisdom would be a good start. That requires an inquisitive mind and a willingness to listen.

“The wise accumulate knowledge—a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much—a sheer waste.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:14)

“Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Confident, Honesty, King Solomon, Lie, Proverbs 10, Wise Sayings, Worry

Honesty and Integrity

Honesty seems to be hard come by as a moral imperative.

We tell white lies and believe that is okay. Our culture is one where God’s truth isn’t valued. All the time and effort, for example, we spend on making ourselves look good means nothing to God. Yet we pretend that it makes a difference. And we are reluctant to admit it in what we say to others.

When we tell the truth, we can be confident. God’s word stands on its own.

When we tell the truth, we don’t have to worry about being found out later on.

Shifty people are found out in the long run. The truth will come out. Now that is something to think about.

God’s goal for is for us to honesty, with ourselves and with others.

“Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:9)

"When the wicked die, that’s it—the story’s over, end of hope." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Death, Hope, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wicked, Wise Sayings

Hope

We are a people of hope. We serve a God who gives us hope. We live in the present and look forward to the future.

We know we are living in a new world under Jesus’ new agreement with God. God’s goal for us is to hope. We should be filled with the anticipation of what is going to come in His future for us.

Not so, however, for everyone else. For them, death is the end of the road.

“When the wicked die, that’s it— the story’s over, end of hope.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:7)

“A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Authority, King Solomon, Obedience, Orders, Proverbs 10, Wise Sayings

Order

We live in a world where we must respond to others and take orders. We have bosses, police, parents, teachers and the list goes on.

It is a matter of the heart. Do we have a heart that respects authority? If so, we are wise.

There is another side of this. Do we come unglued when someone in authority asks us to do something? King Solomon concludes we have an empty head. As my dad would say, “That is not right bright”.

God’s goal for us for us to obey. Obey authority here and in heaven.

“A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:8)

"Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Character, Crooks, David, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Good Character

Good character is important. Doing the right thing, God’s thing, makes all the difference. Solomon’s dad understood that following what God said is important. Solomon learned that from his Dad.

God’s goal for us is that we focus on building Godly character in our lives. It doesn’t just happen on it’s own.

Looking for a reward in this world and the next? Get God’s good character. Get it now.

Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust. ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:6)

“Start with God.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Fools, King Solomon, Learning, Priority, Proverbs 1, Simplicity, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom

God offered Solomon anything he wanted. All Solomon asked for was wisdom.

God gave it to him. Here is his suggestion so I think I should pay attention to it. Simple advise.

Start with God.

That’s it. Start with God. That is God’s goal for us. It is stunning in simplicity. It is about priorities.

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Proverbs 1:7

“The one who seeks good finds delight; the student of evil becomes evil.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Evil, Good, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Seek good and find delight

There are many things we can be students of. Seeking good is God’s goal for us. God wants us to go after wisdom and good like there is no tomorrow.

How do we spend our time? What kind of TV do we watch? What are we searching for on the internet?

Are we seeking good and God?

Of course, there is a consequence to being a student of evil. It is sad but God warns us that if we seek evil we will become evil.  We will find what we seek. It is our choice.  Jesus alerts us that there is a way that leads to life. That way is Jesus.

May we seek good. May we find delight. So be it.

“The one who seeks good finds delight; the student of evil becomes evil.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:27)

“A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Honest, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Wicked, Wise Sayings

The stench of a wicked life

Some things smell pretty bad. And then, there is a rotten stench. Just a plain putrid smell. It is disgusting. We gag. We puke. None of this is good. That is the way of a wicked life.

God’s goal for us is that we live a good and honest life. God wants us to serve Him with honor. He wants us to be in right standing with Him and all we know.

An honest life is important in all we do.

How do we want to be remembered?

A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench. ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:7)

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Forgiveness, King Solomon, Proverbs 19, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Hold your tongue

Easier said than done some days. Someone says something and off I go. I react. I speak. I regret it.

God’s wisdom teaches me to pause. I should forgive what they say. I should forget what they say. Many times we forgive but we don’t forget. If we can forget it, we are truly liberated and free.

His wisdom teaches me to pause.

God’s goal for me is that I know how to hold my tongue.

Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget. Proverbs 19:11

"A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Fruit, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

King Solomon challenges us to see life as God wants it lived. It is not about the outside, how we look, what we wear or what we eat. It is a dead life. Imagine a stump. It sometimes looks OK but just kick it. It evaporates into dust.

We want to have a fruitful life. Let God shape it and that is the key. God’s goal for us is to flourish. To do this we must fill ourselves with know what He wants us to do and do it.

“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:28)

“Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Bargain, Deal, Jesus, King Solomon, Patience, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Now here is some good advice. Before doing business, we ought to take some time to get to know the people behind the deal. Who are they? What do they value? Why is this relationship important to them?

It is not all about the deal. It is about being able to do business with people we trust. We can’t trust people we don’t know. God has a goal for us. He wants us to build relationships with people. Taking time to make sure that the person who is selling to us is someone we want to have a relationship with is important.

“Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.” ~~King Solomon

(Proverbs 11:15)