Monday, June 9, 2008

Desire for Wisdom

As I was reading Proverbs I came across some verses on wisdom, there are so many verses on wisdom in the Bible, especially in Proverbs. I believe that it is a good thing to desire understanding and wisdom. It is something we can use every day. Proverbs 16:16-17 says"How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life."

With wisdom you can pass on good practices to your children and their children. That is of greater value to me than money, just like the verse says. This world can be a hard place and when you can keep your head when those around you are falling, that is a way of preserving your life. When I was growing up there was a poem that was popular called Desiderata, and I agreed with parts of it and can remember them to this day. Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story....Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. The last words were Strive to be happy.

Now in my adult years I feel that God's word can lead to wisdom and understanding, I also believe that your elder friends and family who are Godly can share their wisdom with you, if you are wise enough to listen. Don't we try with our children, just as our parents tried with us.

Here is a list of 12 Lessons Worth Repeating, condensed from the book "The Measure of our Success" by Marjorie Wright Edelman.

1. Be honest.

2. Set goals and work quietly and systematically toward them.

3. Assign a task to yourself.

4. Never give up.

5. Be confident that you can make a difference.

6. Don't ever stop learning and improving.

7. Slow down and live.

8. Choose your friends carefully.

9. Be a can-do and will-try person.

10. Try to live in the present.

11. You are in charge of your own attitude.

12. Always remember that you are never alone.

Just some good things to ponder and pass on to your children. Another thing about getting wiser is sometimes we have to hear something over and over or experience can be a deliverer of wisdom and not in a good way. I'd rather someone tell me an iron is hot and believe it, than touch the iron myself. One other lesson I would add of my own is stop and think before you speak. Our mouth can get us in alot of trouble.

Thanks for reading -every day we are a little older and hopefully a little wiser.

Be blessed!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree never give up.I still have my hopes and dreams and I shall never give them up.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The Southern Mom said...

I just love your blog! It always makes me feel better.

But, yeah, number 7 (slow down and live) is one I need to work on!

Dawn said...

Love the list! (Confession: I love lists.)

Blessings! Dawn

Betty said...

Nice post for today. I firmly believe attitude is everything.

Anonymous said...

Love this post and the list. By the way, thanks for dropping by and encouraging me today. You are a blessing.

Kelli