Read
15Don't be stupid
and believe all you hear;
be smart and know
where you are headed.
16Only a stupid fool
is never cautious—
so be extra careful
and stay out of trouble.
17Fools have quick tempers,
and no one likes you
if you can't be trusted.
18Stupidity leads to foolishness;
be smart and learn.
19The wicked will come crawling
to those who obey God.
Reflect
Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow us to create an astonishing, faultless character that can deceitfully impress the reader. But it’s hard to hide our true colours when someone pushes our hot buttons.
Would it be wonderful when life squeezes us that the character which shows up would be prudent, wise and righteous? In the same way that we need to go to the gymnasium to build muscle in our physical bodies, we need to work hard to build good character in our spiritual bodies. The book of Proverbs is a great instruction manual for building spiritual strength.
1. Be prudent in all your decisions. This means to be cautious, far-sighted and not reckless (v 15).
2. Fear God. This means to have a holy reverence to God. God is the one who made the heavens and earth and he is smarter than you and me. Seek his wisdom (v 16).
3. Learn to control your temper. A quick-tempered man does foolish things. Most of our anger erupts from unresolved pain. Ask God to help you heal that open wound so that anger does not blind you from making wise decisions (v 17).
I believe that all of us want to be better people than we really are. God’s word gives us everything we need to build our character into true colours that are authentic, vibrant and wise. We step into our best life when we obey God and build one spiritual muscle at a time.
Respond
Dear Father God, Thank you that you can heal all my unresolved pain and help me with anger and foolishness. Help me grow spiritual muscle so that the true colours which show up in my life have beauty and meaning. Thank you that you will. Amen.
Heidi McLaughlin
For over two decades Heidi has helped people find fulfillment in life through embracing God’s truth. She does this through writing and teaching the Bible, mentoring and speaking at Conferences and Retreats all across North America. Heidi has been twice widowed and has a family of 5 children and 12 grandchildren. When she is not writing or speaking she loves to golf, laugh or share a cup of coffee with her family and friends. Publications: Sand To Pearls: Making Bold Choices to Enrich your Life; Beauty Unleashed: Transforming a Woman’s Soul; Restless for More: Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places; Looking Back and Enjoying The View; Your Home, An Entry Into a Woman’s Heart Anthologies: Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider; A Taste of Hot Apple Cider, Apple Cider and Cinnamon, Chicken Soup for the Soul: "O Canada"; Sunshine Kisses for Grandmas, , The Joy of Less
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