What does motherhood require? Transparent tenderness, authentic spirituality, inner confidence, unselfish love, and self-control. Quite a list, isn’t it? Almost more than we should expect.
Read MoreTag Archives: Proverbs
Power to Overcome
Can’t and won’t. Christians need to be very careful which one they choose. It seems that we prefer to use “can’t.” “I just can’t get along with my wife.” “My husband and I can’t communicate.” “I just can’t discipline the kids as I should.”
Read MoreThe ABCs of Love
“I accept you as you are.” “I believe you are valuable.” “I care when you hurt.” “I desire only what is best for you.” “I erase all offenses.” We could call that the ABCs of love. And I don’t know of anybody who would turn his back on such magnetic, encouraging statements.
Read MoreTrust, Part One
Those folks who used to put together Campus Life magazine got my vote. With an incredible regularity they would put the cookies on the lower shelf so that any high schooler in America could thumb through the thing without getting turned off. One of their secrets was frequent humor, lots of jokes. You know, all kinds of stuff to laugh at . . . some a little gross, but all designed to scratch a teenager where he was itching.
Read MoreThe School of Hard Knocks
Consistent interaction with God’s Word, regular time spent with a godly mentor, and a choice group of friends all combine to give us the greatest opportunity for growth in wisdom. To these, I would add one more suggestion. Pay close attention to life’s reproofs. Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; At the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
Read MoreKeeping Good Company
In our continuing quest for divine wisdom, I have suggested, first, that we read Proverbs regularly and, second, that we gain the perspective of experienced, godly believers. We must also guard what we have. Choose your friends carefully. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause;
Read MoreSeasoned Citizens of the Kingdom
No source of wisdom can match the timeless, infallible, inerrant Word of God. But don’t ignore the wisdom of other seasoned believers. 2. Hear and heed the counsel of those you respect. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck. (1:8–9)
Read MoreAn Annual Refresher Course
We have given much thought to the subject of wisdom and taken time to hear the counsel of ancient Israel’s wisest teachers. This discipline undoubtedly supplied you with lots of helpful information. Such knowledge is a good beginning, but I hope you won’t be satisfied with mere knowledge of the Bible. My first suggestion for becoming wise might seem obvious or maybe even redundant. Nevertheless, I stand by it.
Read MoreKnowledge versus Wisdom
When we first looked at the sayings of Solomon and the wise men of Israel, we began with Proverbs 1. It occurs to me that it would be worthwhile to return to it as we consider for the final time our tendency to substitute knowledge for wisdom. This is not only a daily grind; it is a lifetime challenge! How easy it is to acquire knowledge, yet how difficult and painstaking is the process of gaining wisdom.
Read MoreSowers of Dissension
The last two abominations break from the pattern of using body parts as illustrations. The Lord finds these activities detestable, and they are linked together because they have similar effects on the community of God’s people. 6. A false witness who utters lies: Rare are the truth tellers, and many are those who deliberately misrepresent the facts.
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