Consider the implications of verse 15: “It’s a dangerous thing to guarantee payment for someone’s debts. Don’t do it.”
Guaranteeing payment would include practices such as co-signing a loan for someone else. If the person defaults on the loan, you are responsible for paying it off. It’s risky business.
Read More wisdom, riskWe know we are to honor our mothers and fathers (refer to the 10 commandments in Exodus 20). That’s non-negotiable, but what if the advice our parents gave wasn’t always good?
Some people who grew up in non-Christians homes really wrestle with this. But it may also be a concern for some who grew up in Christian homes where the parents struggled in their walk with Jesus.
Read More wisdom, honor parentsIf you’ve been following along with the reflections on Proverbs, this passage is going to seem familiar. It cautions against sins such as deceit, pretense and even pride.
In fact, proverb after proverb sounds so similar. Solomon is saying repeatedly, using strong language and various examples, that there are only two choices in life: good and evil, God’s way or Satan’s way. If something is not good, it is evil.
Read More grace, wisdom, good choices, evil choicesA mineral called pyrite is described as “fool’s gold” because it has a superficial resemblance to the shine and appearance of real gold. In the 17th century pyrite was used as a source of ignition in early firearms. Today, gold is enjoying its highest value.
Read More wisdom, deception @en, lureStruggling through difficult and painful challenges can feel like we are being pummelled in a “School of Hard Knocks.” Hopefully these unwelcome classroom experiences will help us gain wisdom. But thankfully there is another more fulfilling curriculum; pursuing God’s word and following his pathway.
Read More wisdom, godly living, challenges
In his book The Shattered Lantern, Ronald Rolheiser observes that many people suffer from a kind of functional agnosticism. Even those who profess to believe in God may struggle to detect, perceive and experience his presence.
Rolheiser examines cultural conditions that are decreasing our capacity to “imagine or feel God’s existence.”
Read More wisdom, morality, foolishnessDo you remember the first opportunity you had to vote? Voting is a privilege and a responsibility that comes with being a citizen of Canada. For as long as I can remember, governments have been maligned for their decisions. Ultimately, we desire what is best for ourselves and when the government does not give it to us, we can become upset or even unruly.
As a king, Solomon wanted to be a good leader.
Read More wisdom, leadership, citizenship, politicsAs a father, I have often become frustrated when my children will not listen to my instruction. What about you? Are there family members, friends, co-workers, leaders, employers, or others that you just wish would listen to you?
The wise person is considered to be discerning in a conversation – speaking with gracious words that will help people understand, rather than words that create barriers.
Read More wisdom, influence, actionsThroughout the Book of Proverbs, Solomon contrasts actions that are right and those that are wrong. Actions that are right are portrayed as wise: actions that are wrong are portrayed as foolish.
In ancient societies people tended to defer to the decisions of the elders. All things being equal, gray hair – that is, old age – is evidence of wisdom, goodness and virtue. There are biblical examples of people for whom that was so, but just like today, it was not always true.
Read More right, wrong, wisdom“Better to keep your mouth shut, and be thought a fool,” goes the old down-home version of these two proverbs, “than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
I’ve known a few truly wise people, and a handful of brilliant scholars (which may be two quite different things!). I’ve been impressed with the realization that, in a room full of people with much to say, the wise and the brilliant are almost invariably the last to speak.
Read More silence, wisdom, listening