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When I was young, I heard the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." That clearly wasn't true, so why did adults bombard me with this bit of wisdom? It took me some growing up to realize that while apples are not magical manna, what I eat definitely affects my health.  

Proverbs are not promises, they are simple and memorable bits of wisdom. Oftentimes, they require a bit of reflection. I thought it would be worth it to examine a few proverbs and share some thoughts. I hope this sparks some of your own thoughts, too.  

"Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;

   with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent".

Proverbs 17:28  

A modern retelling of this proverb is, "Better to be silent and considered a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." The Bible's proverb is a bit different, though, because it claims that one would be considered wise if he or she remained silent. "Speak only when it would be sinful to be silent," said an early church father (Sulpitius).  

Of course, we are made for communication and connection, which includes speaking. The goal is to be wise with words…which is harder than it seems. The biblical proverb exposes the fact that we often speak to be seen in a better light, rather than to build others up (Eph 4:29). 

"Honor the Lord with your wealth

   and with the best part of everything you produce.

Then he will fill your barns with grain,

   and your vats will overflow with good wine".

Proverbs 3:9-10  

One of the most well-known proverbs is written right before these verses, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." The following verses are about not being wise in your own eyes and trusting the discipline of the Lord.  

When it comes to finances, most people hesitate to trust the wisdom of God's Word. The Father wants us to be provided for, but He wants to guard us from the dangers of wealth. Yes, wealth can be dangerous to the soul and a hindrance to flourishing life. Everyone has seen the character of people corroded due to money, but no one thinks it could happen to them. Our God is a giver, and our hearts beat best when we are living in contentment, saving, and (especially) generosity.  

"The lazy person claims, 'There’s a lion out there!  

   If I go outside, I might be killed!'"

Proverbs 22:13  

I had a friend in college that did the absolute minimum to pass his classes. He loved college…just not class. He did end up graduating, but he had a hard time in his career because he was never willing to go the extra mile.  

There will always be a reason not to do the right thing. Integrity is almost always the harder choice, requiring sacrifice. But it is hard work (with rest and limits) that inspires us – on the job, in sports, and in our relationships. Faith also requires work. We are not saved by our work, but we are saved to do good work (Eph 2:8-10).   

"Rumors are dainty morsels     

   that sink deep into one’s heart".

Proverbs 18:8  

Did you hear? Can I tell you something crazy? What if I told you something nuts about someone? Yeah, you know how the stories start. Even our news and social feeds have learned to turn headlines into "clickbait" because they know we love the "dainty morsels" of gossip.

It is easy to forget how the story of gossip ends…pain, polarization, and division. Gossip is a powerplay, and it feels good to have information “over” others. The proverb warns us that gossip sinks deep to our hearts - it affects our thinking, feelings, and relationships. It takes strong character to refuse the dainty morsels.    

I hope you have enjoyed these ponderings on some proverbs. I also hope that as you read them, you can see your next steps to grow in wisdom. The only person who thinks they are perfectly wise…is a fool.        

In Christ,     

Scott Nelson 

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