22220.013 The Rise and Fall of the Proud

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 …

22220.016 Impulse Control and the Key to Character

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 …

22220.020 You Can Tell a Person by His Cover

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heart­ache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13) The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. (Isaiah 3:9) As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. (Proverbs 27:19) Comedian George Burns said of entertainment, …

22220.021 Your Money and Your Slave Master

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7) The wicked borrow and do not repay. (Psalm 37:21a) If you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another…go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor…free yourself. (Proverbs 6:1-5, …

22220.022 Somebody, Anybody, Applaud Me!

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2) It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. (Proverbs 25:27) My godly father had an expression which pretty much “nailed it” in describing people who are filled …

22220.023 Laughter Is Not the Best Medicine

A happy heart makes the face cheerful. (Proverbs 15:13a) A cheerful heart is good medicine. (Proverbs 17:22a) Someone has said, “Everybody lights up a room—some by entering and others by leaving.” One would think that Christians, of all people, would light up a room by entering. Yet a friend of mine is convinced that some …