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)

Safe Journey
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)

Safe Journey
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)

Safe Journey
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)

Safe Journey
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)

Safe Journey
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)

Safe Journey
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)

Safe Journey
Shalom