Freedom When The Wise One Comes Along

Sometimes the odds may seem overwhelming and considering defeating something that has dominated for so long might seem hard to almost impossible. It is the wise one, however, who can see all there is about something so imposing and still detect the weak points. It is the wise one who exercises faith, hope and love to believe that no matter how great the odds, freedom can still be achieved. The wise one does not put trust in self to overcome, but believes one far greater than the stronghold to secure freedom.

A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. (Proverbs 21:22)

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Shalom

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)

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Smart: Cunning for Compassion’s Sake

People can get hurt due to innocence and ignorance. Wide-eyed they wander not understanding that they are being taken for a ride. Sometimes people are manipulated in abusive ways, so we need to be smart enough to negotiate around them whilst maintaining a heart of compassion. This is not straightforward as we can either be sucked into cynicism or carelessly blunder naively from one incident to another. Thankfully help is at hand – wisdom can be gleaned from others or the ever present Guide who gives the right script for every occasion. For compassion’s sake – get smart!

Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. Don't be naive. (Matthew 10:16, 17a)

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Shalom