Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult. (Proverbs 9:7) A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. (Proverbs 12:16) As a 27-year-old college president with no little arrogance and a lot to learn, I got a lot of insulting—and often anonymous—letters. Since my godly father always taught me, “Don’t ever …
Continue reading “22220.007 Insults and Curses: Unsolicited Instruction”
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. (Proverbs 5:1-2) He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31) People from other cultures have one devastating observation about Americans—we are lousy …
Continue reading “22220.008 Listening: God’s Channel for Personal Growth”
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. (Proverbs 22:10) The eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens…will be eaten by the vultures. (Proverbs 30:17) What an embarrassment it was to discover that the book of Proverbs had a …
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30) False are charms and vain is the beauty of woman; for a prudent woman is blessed. Let her praise the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 31:30, Septuagint) Ah, Hollywood and the media biz. Is it …
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. (Proverbs 21:1) “I just can’t figure out where he’s coming from.” “The two of us just can’t seem to get on the same page.” “The way she thinks…it’s so weird that I just can’t seem to …
By me [Wisdom] princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. (Proverbs 8:16) The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. (Proverbs 16:10) All professionals recognize that people at the top of their industries possess significant power and influence. Stories of the use and misuse of …
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2) Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. (Proverbs 12:9) Man is tested by the praise he receives. (Proverbs 27:21b) Years ago, when I hosted a Phil-Donahue-style TV talk show syndicated …
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life. (Proverbs 4:23) He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be kept safe. (Proverbs 28:26) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways. (Proverbs 23:26) On February 14 of …
Continue reading “22220.014 A Cure for Spiritual Heart Disease”
Do not join with those who drink too much wine, or gorge themselves on meat; for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (Proverbs 23:20- 21) The late Dr. Armand Nicoli was an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. As he looked back on …
Continue reading “22220.016 Impulse Control and the Key to Character”
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. (Proverbs 4:26) Ears that hear and eyes that see, the Lord has made them both. (Proverbs 20:12) It was horrific! A motorcyclist was speeding toward my car at about fifty miles an hour when I first saw him, and there was no …