Responsible Drinking

It is sadly funny seeing large packs of lager or beer being sold at discount rates with the tag ‘drink responsibly’. Although there are merits to social drinking, the dangers of excessive drinking physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally and otherwise are so overwhelming it is patently obvious what approach is wise when it comes to alcohol. What’s patently obvious, though, and what we follow are often two different things and the motive that can keep us focussed is that fine balancing act of determining consequences on ourselves and others and looking to enjoy life responsibly.

Leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink. Drinking makes you forget your responsibilities, and you mistreat the poor. (Proverbs 31:4, 5)

Safe Journey
Shalom

Getting the Balance Right

Too much of most things are bad. So what’s good to aim for is the right balance between things. It’s good to aim for a good balance between poverty and riches – the extreme either way could lead to a loss of proper perspective on life. Such a loss would mean missing on what is true and enjoying it. So rather than necessarily aiming to be over the top, an enjoyable lifetime’s pursuit is looking for that balance in life.

There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.. (Proverbs 30:6-8)

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Shalom

Resist Reproof At Your Own Risk

It may hurt and feelings may be bruised, but it’s better to take a telling off and actively seek to improve by it than by getting all resentful and stubborn and resist that which is said for your own good. Failure to do so and insisting your way is best will take you to places that you don’t want to go with no return ticket at hand.

For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them.. (Proverbs 29:1)

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Shalom

Admit It And Move On

It is difficult to admit you have a problem and harder still once admitted to effectively deal with it. What makes it so difficult at times is being surrounded by people who put on masks that suggest everything is well with them and any issue they have is external and so they carry on with their self-delusion. That’s why it is a brave step to admit that you have a problem and one that is good for beginning the process of working towards that conscience free of guilt. Don’t follow the crowd confession really is good for the soul.

You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them. (Proverbs 28:13)

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Shalom

Nothing Like A Good Friend

Be grateful for good friends. Those around you to share your journey who are interested in you not for what they can get out of you but out of a genuine delight in getting to know and support you. Nothing beats a good friendship, so enjoy the ones you have and spare a thought and kind deed for those who need a good friend.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (Proverbs 27:9)

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Shalom

What Goes Around

So many traditions from faith and culture reflect a similar value – what goes round comes round. It is of no surprise when we see people suffering in the very same situation they sought to set up for someone else. Whether its bad karma, being hung by your own petard or on gallows you set for your enemy, the hint is very clear the best response to wickedness is goodness because what goes around …

If you dig a pit, you will fall in; if you start a stone rolling, it will roll back on you. (Proverbs 26:27)

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Shalom

Wait For The Call Up

Bobby barges into the wedding reception heading for the head table, after all, he’s known the groom for years and anyway Bobby is the man. As the place fills up John, the groom’s best friend discreetly takes a seat at the back table. As the festivities grow, the groom recognises John and calls him up to the top table, unceremoniously kicking Bobby from the table much to his shame and embarrassment. Morale of the story – there’s no need to be pushy, but in due season you will be recognised by others to take the place where you belong.

Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence. It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted. (Proverbs 25:6, 7)

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Shalom

Getting Good Sense From Ol’ Big ‘ead

Just look at their track record, two European Cups, several league championships, other trinkets and memorabilia. It is no surprise that Brian Clough’s best days in management were when he had Peter Taylor by his side. It is no surprise that people tend to succeed well when they are surrounded by good people who help to form good decisions and so see victory in the issues of life. Are good people around you? Or are you isolated in decision-making? Life gets better as we surround ourselves with good people and follow their advice to make the most of life.

A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. (Proverbs 24:5, 6)

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Shalom

Don’t Be Jealous

The poor get poorer, the rich get richer. People who ruin economies get massive bonuses as unemployment rises. The lifestyles of the rich and famous appear to be above the law and not get punished as much as the little man. It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling of unfairness in the world, but as there is more to life than material goods so there is more to life than what we see in terms of justice. Hope for the future is always assured when we don’t envy wrongdoers, but rest in the assurance of peace in right-doing.

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:17, 18)

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Shalom

That’s A Good Name

Reputations can be built on a name. Do you know that Matty? Yeah he’s a good bloke. What about that Vicky? Nah she’s a bit nasty actually. Qualities of friendliness, trustworthiness, generosity, good humour can have a great impact than a big bank balance. Here’s hoping that today these qualities can help make an investment in those you meet that will give you a good name.

A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

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Shalom

Diligent Work Pays Off

There is an amazing generosity of spirit found in diligent hard working people. Not workaholics, but those who put such care and attention in giving their best in their honest endeavours that the reward is the feeling of a job well done. Such is the purity of such motives it beats the alternative of wanting to get loads but not putting in the effort. Such a desire without effort leads to the tragedy of hoping for so much and achieving so little. There is much to be said, then for the diligent focussed attention to work and corresponding generosity.

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labour. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. (Proverbs 21:25, 26)

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Shalom

Beaten to Life

It’s tricky isn’t it? When is a bad thing a good thing in disguise? That’s where wisdom helps in determining these things. What is clear, however, is that some of the worst things to happen are some of the best things to happen. Sometimes it takes adversity to recognise who your real friends are. It takes adversity to discover how rotten you can be and live away from that. It takes adversity to highlight issues and rise from the ashes with renewed purpose, trust and hope in things that are true. Sometimes we need to be beaten to life.

A severe beating can knock all of the evil out of you! (Proverbs 20:30)

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Shalom

Listen and Accept Good Advice

There’s nothing you can tell me. I know it all. Who are you to talk to me? Do you know who you’re talking to? We don’t always say it but actions and sentiments reflect this independent attitude. Great people over time, for all of their strength of character, have been successful because of their ability to look for and take good advice. It’s a great thing to recognise that even from the most unlikely sources if we but have the eyes to see and ears to hear there’s lots of wisdom to help us now and for the future.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. (Proverbs 19:20)

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Shalom

Are You Listening? Hello? Are You … Ahhhh Forget It

It’s hilarious thinking of the scene. You’re talking to your ‘friend’ sharing on an issue. They then go off on one and for all your best efforts it’s as though all that matters is their way of seeing things. After a while that ‘friend’ doesn’t last long as you choose to go to someone who will listen and seek to understand rather than just spout out their answers. Listening to understand is one of the hardest and yet most worthwhile pursuits to go on to build effective relationships – it’s not just with your ears, it’s with a compassionate heart.

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

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Shalom

Peace And Quiet Over Beans On Toast

Wisdom keeps saying it’s not about what we have materially but what we have inside that makes the difference. Seriously, consider what it would be to have the money, the cars, the homes, the sex – everything and yet still deal with tension and unease from without and within. Contrast that with someone content with the simpler things in life – no fine wine, more diluted Ribena, no nouveau cuisine, more beans on toast. With that though, there is love, joy and peace just because there is life found not in the things that we have, but the good relationships we have.

A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues. (Proverbs 17:1)

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Shalom (and to enjoy this find out more here)

He Said She Said End Up Friendship Dead

There’s something about being straight with people that at least leaves things in the clear. There’s nothing as poisonous as the slow-working effects of gossip. Just passing information about what you heard someone said gets to your system and gets you seeing someone you thought you knew in a different light. Knowing the dangerous effects of it, good sense suggests that rather than taking someone else’s word for it, we go straight to the source so as to protect relationships. Or ‘he said’ and ‘she said’ will end up with good things ending dead.

Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends. (Proverbs 16:28)

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Shalom

Good News – Glad Heart – Great Feeling

What do you mean there’s no good news? Ahhh come on, you’re reading this, right? Well it’s good news that you can still read! You can probably read this to someone as well! That’s good news that your ears are still functioning. Who’s to say that today is where you get some even better news – steps to resolving problems, good friends share good things, that funny joke, that cute baby’s birth, that sale going on. Rather than getting miserable over the inevitable bad news of life, rejoice at the equally inevitable good news waiting to be discovered and celebrated!

A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle. (Proverbs 15:30)

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Shalom

Just A Man

Rich man, poor man, black man, white man, educated man, uneducated man, good man, bad man, funny man, serious man, healthy man, sick man. There are many titles we use before acknowledging someone’s humanity. Sometimes we use these titles to justify our behaviour towards them. Failure to treat people on the basis of their simple wonderful humanity, though, is not offending them alone but offends that basic quality that makes us who we are and the genius of a Creator whose special imprint is expressed in them. For when all is said and done he is still just a man.

If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator; if you are kind to them, you show him respect. (Proverbs 14:31)

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Shalom

Satisfied?

There is a fine line between complacency and contentment. The line is not so fine between discontent and contentment. Even rich people never appear to be content, but there’s something about doing good and being satisfied with what you have. Seeing the riches in the blessings around you from health and provision to having good relationships around you should at least leave you content without having room for complacency. Especially in trying times, finding contentment in doing that which is right is worth its weight in gold.

If you live right, you will have plenty to eat; if you don't live right, you will go away empty. (Proverbs 13:25)

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Shalom

Count to Ten

Just mention this one thing and it riles you up big time and you look foolish. Beyond the taunts there is the truth – if what is being said is not true, there’s no need to get upset. If it is true then there’s a matter of taking the necessary steps to address the situation as discreetly as possible. People can talk, but they don’t look the fool when the fireworks are set off. So as you count to ten under pressure count the blessings of truth, love, grace, forgiveness, peace, patience, mercy, kindness, compassion and generosity that counteract the obstacles.

Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults. (Proverbs 12:16)

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Shalom

Benefits of a Generous Heart

Not everyone suffers in times of economic crisis. Although greedy appear to get richer, there are those who legitimately prosper even in trying times. These people are generous people making the most of any opportunity to give to others things to benefit them – time, words of wisdom and encouragement, much needed resources sometimes just their presence. Where others see crises as a time to withhold, these people see it as an opportunity to give all the more. Such is the spiritual economy that people of such generosity remain refreshed internally as well as externally.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (Proverbs 11:25)

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Shalom

Love's Got You Covered

The papers are full of the exclusive revelations of the love life and failings of people as friendships are sold for the price of a good story. Rumours among colleagues that undermine people’s characters are often the product out of broken trusts to fit in with others. Good friends, however, can challenge each other privately, but won’t allow the faults of each other to be exposed. However bad things get, whatever depths of hurt, love will always have you covered.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. (Proverbs 10:12)

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Shalom

Slap Up Meal For Wise Living

There’s nothing like a good meal with friends to create a good atmosphere for sharing the issues of life in a relaxed setting. The food is not just the meat, potatoes, vegetables and salad. The drink is not just the vintage selection from the cellar. With some of life’s deep insights and joyful and sobering experiences there is plenty of food for thought and life-giving water to sooth the soul. Invite someone over to your place for that chance to feast on the food of life.

"Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread--fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines. Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning." (Proverbs 9:4-6)

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Shalom

Listen to Lady Wisdom for Life

What one outstanding feature would attract you to something? Possibility of more money? Possibility of a better job? What if the value on offer was to experience real fulfilling life? Would that be more valuable than money, fame or possessions? Like no other commodity or value available in all the world wisdom is the quality that guarantees enriching, enjoyable and encouraging existence. Wisdom turns empty lives to exciting ones. Wisdom turns problems into opportunities. Wisdom sees light where others see darkness. Available on diligent request, wisdom invites you to join her to make the most of life’s journey.

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day's work. When you find me, you find life, real life, to say nothing of God's good pleasure. (Proverbs 8:34, 35)

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Shalom

Seduced into Stupidity

Ever seen an appealing advert? Buy now and don’t start paying until … consolidate all your loans in this fantastic offer … be on the cutting edge with this new product! All with the desire to ensnare you into something that could cost you more than you could ever pay. Sweet talk and flattery can lead you to a fate worse than death – a life of misery with the consequences of those foolish decisions.

And so, she tricked him with all of her sweet talk and her flattery. (Proverbs 7:21)

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Shalom

Stay Alert: No Time To Waste

At a critical time like this the thing to avoid is a complacent attitude. There is no time to waste – for every moment spent in lazing around someone else is picking up opportunities. Someone else is taking stuff that could leave things looking bleak. Stay vigilant and aware so as to maintain what is already there and not get caught out.

Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs. Suddenly, everything is gone, as though it had been taken by an armed robber. (Proverbs 6:10, 11)

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Shalom

Value Wisdom To Avoid Trouble

The person who remains calm in the middle of panic is able to think through the factors that surround the situation and considerately select the right act. Often things are said rashly not because it is not meant but because it was not thought through with good sense. Thankfully good sense is all around us, and if we but take the time to listen to these words we will know exactly what to say without regret because it comes from a heart that values wisdom above all.

My son, if you listen closely to my wisdom and good sense, you will have sound judgment, and you will always know the right thing to say. (Proverbs 5:2)

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Shalom

Take Good Advice: Stay Well Clear

You know that daring spirit that hears some advice not to do something and go ahead and do it anyway? It can often back-fire big time. There are those times when the experience of others and the detrimental effects it brings it’s best not to even think about some things. It’s not about being a coward, it is about heeding the warning signs and steering well clear of potential danger. There is something far more interesting and less hazardous waiting down the way.

Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:15)

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Shalom

When Daddy Disciplines

‘Daddy doesn’t have the money, ask and you may get one tomorrow.’ Deborah proceeded to cry at not getting her way. Daddy gave the stern look. Deborah started grumbling and received what the stern look promised. After she finished crying, she approached Daddy and said ‘Sorry, Daddy’. As they hugged Daddy explained. Deborah didn’t get it altogether but she nodded and settled in Daddy’s arms. Sometimes we don’t get it, but it’s best to settle into Daddy’s loving arms rather than reject Him when challenging times come along to teach patience, persistence and peace in the pain.

My child, don't turn away or become bitter when the LORD corrects you, The LORD corrects everyone he loves, just as parents correct their favourite child. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)

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Shalom

The Company You Keep In The Right Direction

Have you ever paid attention to the company you keep? Are they going in the right direction? More than meaning well, do they put it in action? How do they rub off on us? How do we rub off on them? Managing life is as much about the choices we make in our relationships that shape us as they are about the decisions we make that shape us.

So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. (Proverbs 2:20)

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Shalom

In Crowded Places Wisdom Shouts

In the shopping centres, in the pub or the café, on the television, on the radio some absolute rubbish is spoken. And heard. And followed. In the middle of a bad situation what’s needed is more than common sense – what’s needed is wisdom. How can we really make the most of the information at hand to bring about a successful outcome? What is the best approach and attitude when facing different situations? We don’t have to look too far for it – wisdom is crying out from many sources – from experience and from the Word.

Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather. (Proverbs 1:20)

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Shalom