Monday, August 17, 2009

Proverbs for Life

As I've finished up a study of Proverbs, I've noticed some pretty amazing stuff regarding just living life.   When following these things tend to make life simpler and smoother.  These principles are grouped into four (4) main categories ...

The Essential Ingredients for Life -- these are "gotta have" aspects that we must have in ever-increasing measure

  • A healthy view of God -- Proverbs calls this the "fear of the Lord" (1:7)

  • Integrity (10:9) ... it's important to get there, but get there the right way

  • Discipline and the ability to deny immediate pleasure for God's long-term purpose

  • The ability to listen to God

  • Wisdom and the desire to learn, grow and be developed

  • Love for people & dependability (20:28)


Avoid "stupid" errors -- lots of mistakes in life are preventable and avoidable.  Common problems come from these common mistakes

  • Laziness (22:13)

  • Fighting the wrong battles (26:17)

  • Impulsiveness and rushing into big decisions (21:5)

  • Speaking too much, speaking too soon, speaking w/o thinking ... just speaking in general. (15:1-2; 28)

  • Violating your organization or team's "code" or internal "DNA" ... some things are off limits, period (22:28)

  • Failure to listen to correction

  • Don't self-promote ... self-promotion means it is about us rather than Him!! (25:6,27)


The ability to distinguish between God's part and our part

  • We have to be comfortable with uncertainty while living on earth.  We must know that victory rests with the Lord, knowing that God conceals matters to guard His glory and keep us walking by faith.  However, we can be

    • Clear even in the face of uncertainty ... VISION gives this clarity and keeps things (and people) moving forward even when things are cloudy (29:18)

    • Prepared for whatever God might have planned (19:21; 21:29-31)




Making "wise" decisions -- decisions determine the paths we take and the paths we take determine the destinations we reach.

  • Seek out wise counsel and listen to voices of "correction"

  • Scan the horizon for danger and act with boldness when you see it. (27:12)

  • Don't jump to conclusions when making decisions ... usually there is more than meets the eye! (25:8)

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