With the beginning of each new year, it is insightful to revisit the question: What is my definition of success? David’s first words to Solomon and his last words to his successor to the throne were to keep God’s commands (see Proverbs 4:3-9; 1 Kings 2:1-4). Even God Himself repeated this same charge to David’s […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise | Sweet Success: Keep God’s Commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise | Sweet Success: Gratification (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3; 8b-11; Proverbs 21:17)
We often fall prey to the belief that success leads to the fulfillment of our every desire, when the process of delayed gratification can actually provide a higher level of satisfaction because our journey is typically more meaningful than the destination. Solomon pursued pleasure for the sake of gratification (see Ecclesiastes 2:1-3; 8b-11). David’s son […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise | Sweet Success: Security (Ecclesiastes 5:10-20; 7:12)
Do you struggle with insecurity? It might be the result of where you search to be secure. Solomon pursued money for the sake of security (see Ecclesiastes 5:10-20). He was wealthier than any other king on the planet (see 1 Kings 10:23). In our search for security, we either pursue one or the other. “The […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise | Sweet Success: Control (Ecclesiastes 8:2-10; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:9)
Do you try to control those around you, attempting to micromanage every outcome? Few have been afforded the ability to do so like Israel’s King Solomon. Solomon built up military might for the sake of control (see Ecclesiastes 4:13-16; 8:2-10). As Israel’s king, he ruled over God’s people (see 1 Kings 1:35), whom he overtaxed […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise | Sweet Success: Significance (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8a; 2 Corinthians 8:9)
Solomon accumulated possessions for the sake of significance (see Ecclesiastes 2:4-8a). Israel’s king constructed the temple in seven years (see 1 Kings 6:38); however, he invested thirteen years to build his palace (see 1 Kings 7:1). He constructed the wall around Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 3:1), built a fleet of ships (see 1 Kings 9:26), […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Sweet Success (Proverbs 24:13-14)
What is your definition of success? Most of us have contrived a measurement of time, talent, or treasure that defines victory. Vacations, accolades, positions, academic degrees, cash, assets, or ticks in a stock market account might comprise our chosen indicators that we have arrived. Success is the progressive attainment of a worthy goal. Consequently, it […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Warn the Unwary (Proverbs 21:11-12)
Are you in the midst of a relationship with someone who is heading toward a cliff in their decision-making? When people in our lives are unguarded, unsuspecting, and gullible, God calls us to get involved. He wants us to warn the unwary. Solomon penned: “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Pressure Pusher (Proverbs 24:10)
How do you respond to life’s challenges? Are you someone who rises to the occasion, or do you crumble in fear? Conflict is “two objects attempting to occupy the same space at the same time,” (from the Latin words con, meaning “together,” and fligere, meaning “to strike”). It presents us with an opportunity to either respond in […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Slippery Schemer (Proverbs 24:8-9)
Satan is a schemer. Consequently, when we contrive a deceitful plan, we are sinning against God and the victims of our conspiracy. Whether in dating, an affair, marriage, family, politics, business, sports, nonprofit work, or even ministry, Solomon warned: “Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Rebel Rascals (Proverbs 24:7)
Have you ever found yourself working in an organization with a stubborn leader at the helm? They believe their position on any topic is always right, they resist sound advice, and they oftentimes lack wisdom. Solomon warned against the rebellious who attempt to captain the ship: “Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Wise Words Win Wars (Proverbs 24:5-6)
Are you in a battle for your future? Maybe you are looking for entrance into a particular university. Perhaps, you are interviewing for a position at a new company. You could be in the midst of an important relationship decision. Where will you turn for help? Solomon taught: “The wise prevail through great power, and […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: The House of Leadership (Proverbs 24:3-4)
Do you have a blueprint for success? Within your team, business, family, or non-profit institution, do you have building plans to positively influence your target audience? Tucked away in the Bible’s Thirty Sayings of the Wise is God’s secret blueprint for any organization or movement to successfully lead its culture. It is Solomon’s fourth and […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Bad Company (Proverbs 24:1-2)
In the last week, have you coveted another person’s house, vehicle, position, status, wealth, success, life, or family? Have you stretched facts to make a point in order to move someone to an action that would benefit you? Did you divulge confidential information about an acquaintance because it sounded juicy and entertained the friend with […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Drunken Deception (Proverbs 23:29-35)
The abuse of alcohol is one of the greatest risks among young people today, oftentimes leading to a pattern that lingers for decades. However, this is nothing new. Three thousand years ago, Solomon included insights about the dangers of drunkenness in his Thirty Sayings of the Wise: “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Wayward Woman (Proverbs 23:26-28)
Sex outside God’s design leads to destruction, reaching far beyond the two people in bed together. The fallout extends to spouses, children, parents, families, friends, enemies, and any future relationships. While a foolish sexual choice might offer immediate gratification, it can alter one’s life forever. Solomon pleaded: “My son, give me your heart and let […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Secret Agents (Proverbs 23:22-25)
Do you value your mother and father as priceless sources of wisdom? As adults, we have a tendency to become independent from our parents to a fault, often forgetting they have already endured the season of life that lies ahead of us. In his third pillar of a God-honoring and loving family, Solomon commanded: “Listen […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Slothful Sluggard (Proverbs 23:19-21)
Do you struggle with drinking in excess? Most of us would answer, no, but have you ever thought about what God would say regarding your alcohol consumption? Peer pressure to drink in excess or even eat beyond a healthy lifestyle leads to an emptiness that seems to beg for more and more to feel a […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Envy Evil Error (Proverbs 23:17-18)
Each of us wants hope, a confident assurance regarding our future. In his Thirty Sayings of the Wise, Solomon offers insights for us to experience God’s hope on this side of Heaven. That hope is the person of Jesus Christ (see 1 Timothy 1:1). Solomon’s Thirty Sayings of the Wise offers insights for us to experience […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Common Sense Counts (Proverbs 23:15-16)
The mouth and the heart are inextricably linked. Jesus taught: “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Swearing, […]
The Thirty Sayings of the Wise: Disciple Discipline (Proverbs 23:13-14)
Do you struggle with establishing consistent discipline among your children? Perhaps, you attempt to correct them merely through an angry tone of voice. Proverbs reveals that discipline is much broader than we think. In his second pillar for a God-honoring, loving family, Solomon called young leaders to prioritize making disciples of their children: “Do not […]