I‘ve spent a lot of time reading Proverbs over the years. The succinct wisdom shared in pity statements helps me drink in the nectar of others’ contemplative observations and take the time to downshift in hopes of going further not faster. In Proverbs, I am reminded to seek wisdom and buy truth and, when I gain them, to never trade them off for lesser, passing things.

Easier said than done.

Shiny things just call and look so…shiny.

Sometimes the next shiny thing comes along with beauty, so alluring, we fail to see the dark overtones which foretell destruction and loss. For a time, the pleasure of that thing eclipses good sense and draws us into the idea that diligence and fidelity is antithetical to one’s deep enjoyment of life. We can be fooled into living as though comfort and ease will bring the same results as planting, building, saving, and investing in God’s kingdom.

Sooner or later, left unchecked by good counsel or thoughtful introspection, “an arrow” comes along to pierce so deeply that there remains little hope for life to continue or flourish. Poverty comes to claim its reward. The result of pursuing a string of the next shiny things.

So, what is the hopeful cure? Pick up Proverbs, the book of wisdom and find out. Bring it into your prayer life. Ask for the gift of wisdom. Talk with God and others about how to gain wisdom, and once you get some, treat it like the precious thing it is, something that will make your life better.

Then, you will be a son or daughter who is wise and brings joyful honor to your Father in Heaven.

[Suggestion: Read a chapter a day – there are enough for each day of any month – and see how it changes you and your outlook about what are the true riches waiting for you.]

— George Davis

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.