Words of Wisdom “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

“If you do well, will you not be accepted?” Many people dislike correction. Self-willed children. Self-willed Christians. Difficult to correct because of temper (Prov.9:8a). Likewise, many resent God’s correction (as did Cain). If we “do well” when we are corrected it will be much more pleasant (Prov. 9:8b). Do it right the first time, we won’t need to be told. Genesis 4:6

“The integrity of the upright will guide them.” Many people have no integrity. No sense of commitment; unstable in their ways. No love for truth. Willing to compromise moral standard. Integrity removes the hardship of constant guilt. Prov. 10:9: Avoid distrust and resentement of others. Titus 2:6-7: It will help us to avoid condemnation. Learn to have integrity: When we say we will do something, do it. Speak only the truth. Fulfill righteousness, even when it is difficult. Proverbs 11:3

“There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing, and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” Riches are not measured in the abundance of wealth or possessions. One of the most difficult lessons to learn. Some of the wealthiest people are also the most miserable. Some of the poorest people are also the happiest. Learn the value of righteousness and we will have greater riches than this world can provide. Love: 1 John 4:7-11 Joy: Matt. 25:21 Eternal life: Matt. 6:19; 1 Tim. 6:17-19 Proverbs 13:7

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Many people feel alone: Others do not like them nor give them the attention they want. Often, people will treat us the way we treat them. If we wait for them, they will never come. If we want friends, we must be friendly. We must get rid of the bubble and reach out to those around us. Essential lesson for Christians: 2 Pet. 1:7; Matt. 7:12. Proverbs 18:24

“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment…” The kingdom and the New Covenant could not be intermingled with Jewish Traditions. This applies to individual conversion as well: Col. 3:9-10. Why do so many have difficulty with change after conversion? Desire for new mixed with love for the old. Mixing of old and new is tearing them apart. We must be fully committed to one or the other. Matthew 9:16

“He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” Many try to get by with doing as little as possible. Church, Marriage, Work, Sharing, Spiritual growth. We only get back what we put in. We must be willing to make sacrifices in order to attain riches. Our success at being Christians is the direct result of the effort we put into being faithful. 2 Cor. 9:6