90 Days of Wisdom: Day 37

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:10-11)

We live in a world where it is easy to skate by and do as little as possible... for a while. So much of life is computer-driven, that we can sit behind a computer, look like we are doing something productive while we are actually accomplishing nothing.

Just getting by is a big temptation for a lot of people. However, it will cost us more in the long run than we really want to pay. As God's people, we need to be productive and diligent. In the New Testament, Paul tells us to do our work as unto the Lord, realizing that ultimately it is Him we are serving.

90 Days of Wisdom: Day 36

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. (Proverbs 5:3-4)

Forbidden fruit my taste sweet on the lips, but it's long-term effects will make you sick on your stomach! Cheap sex may be easy to get... but it will cost you more than you want to pay in the long run.

Keep the bigger picture in mind. Determine today, while the temptation is not upon you, that you will avoid this travesty. And remember... never let what you might want now cause you to forfeit what you want most.

90 Days of Wisdom: Day 35

Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding. (Proverbs 4:1)

There are two key words/phrases here that we need to consider: "Listen" and "pay attention." Perhaps you've found yourself in a classroom, meeting at work, or even a worship service, and although people are talking and your ears are hearing what is being said... it's really not sinking in. There is a difference between just hearing and really listening... and there is a difference between being present at a meeting and paying attention to what's going on around you.

Today, no matter where you find yourself, engage your mental faculties, be an active participant, and grow from each experience.

90 Days of Wisdom: Day 34

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. (Proverbs 3:13-14--NLT)

Perhaps you've heard the stories of people who came into a monetary fortune only to squander it. I've read accounts of lottery winners, people who received an inheritance, and professional athletes, who at one time had enough money to last their family for generations but let it run through their wallets like sand runs through our fingers at the beach.

We all know people who are consumed with making money and obtaining things but who never find their treasure at the end of the rainbow. Sadly, these people waste their lives pursuing the wrong goal.

There is something more valuable than gold and silver. It can in time provide us with abundance and at the same time keep us from squandering it. What am I talking about here? WISDOM. Wisdom is attainable for all of us who have a teachable and moldable spirit.

Today, seek wisdom. Learn something of eternal value today... and put it to work in your life!

90 Days of Wisdom: Day 33

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. (Proverbs 2:11)

As I spend time in God's word and allow Him to build His truths into my life, I grow in a wisdom that is functional. Wisdom is more than just knowing some sayings. Wisdom is more than just fortune-cookie fodder. Instead, wisdom produces several things in our lives. Two of these aspects are discretion and understanding, which work to alert us concerning bad decisions and the wrong kinds of relationships.

As we grow in wisdom we can trust that inner alarm that goes off in certain situations and around some people.

90 Days of Wisdom: Day 32

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. (Proverbs 1:10)

Our friends will either make us or break us. We must choose our associations carefully. The crowd is always calling out for us to follow them but we need to remember that while turkeys flock... eagles soar alone.

The next time you are tempted to go along with the crowd and give in to their peer pressure ask yourself this: "Do I want to gobble with the turkeys... or soar like an eagle?"

90 Days of Wisdom: Day 31

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. (Proverbs 31:8)

Although this is originally a command for a ruler, there is application for us today. We all know people who are outcast, discarded, and down-trodden. God wants us to be His voice for them. As God's people, we need to stand up and make a difference for those who are hurting and going through tough times.

Sometimes, when life is tough, it is difficult to speak words of faith over ourselves and we need someone to speak what we cannot find the faith to say. Just as four friends took the lame man to Jesus and lowered him through the roof, we need to be the voice of faith speaking God's promises to those we know who may be lame in their faith. In doing so, we'll see our faith grow stronger as well.