Proverbs
13
Verse 13:1 is a very important way to live life:
A wise child is attentive to his
parents’ instruction,
but the mocker is deaf to correction.
We must be open to correction for all, not just our parents.
If we feel we are above correction, then we are not wise! This applies more to
work that anything else, since our first 20 years are under the influence of
parents, the next 40 to 60 years are under the supervision of bosses. If we
ignored our bosses instructions our work life would be quite difficult. I am
currently living in a difficult state because I ignored my bosses instructions
and instead of “manning up” I often “bucked up”.
Verse 13:3 is a great one on thinking about what you say:
Those who guard their speech insure
they will take another breath,
but those who talk without thinking guarantee their
demise.
We tend to speak first and think later. How many times have
we said “I wish I hadn’t said that?” I know for me it’s more often than not. We
need to follow much of James teachings and be slow to speak so we are less
likely to have to remove the foot that gets stuck. Unfortunately this teaching
is evaporating from our society and people tend to speak their minds. For some
reason “getting it out” and “expressing one’s self” hurts others more than
helps us. Better to be silent and thought a fool than open your mouth and
remove all doubt – A. Lincoln.
Verse 13:11 is interesting and a statement on society today:
Money earned hastily is easily
lost,
but hard-earned money continues to grow.
We all think that winning the lottery will make all things
well. Interestingly a study done by major lottery winners show that they tend
to be in worse financial shape within years of winning that before then won. We
think that it will solve all our problems yet we don’t correct the root
problems of our financial issues. These studies prove true time and time again,
so work hard and earn money. If you get rich that way, you’re less likely to “blow
it”.
Verse 13:20 is important in choosing friends:
One who walks with the wise becomes
wise,
but whoever keeps company with fools only hurts
himself.
In my life I thought I could “save” those I was with and
surrounded myself with people living a “fool’s life” according to scripture.
Lascivious living won over diligence and honor. We need to have close friends
who can hold us accountable, otherwise we get sucked into the “fool’s life” as
I did. Drinking and spending every dime on racing was more important than
saving for the future. Sure it was fun at the time, but long term I am looking
at financial issues that require major discipline. Dave Ramsey’s saying “If you
will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else” is paramount
since working hard in old age and dealing with major debt stress. believe me
when I say this, can KILL you!!
=“true”
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