Category: Bible

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Bible Proverbs wisdom

What is the Wise Known For?

“The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

We need a lot of wisdom these days. It seems that there are plenty of problems and very few solutions. So how do we discern wise voices from foolish ones? What is the wise known for?

“The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.”

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

In this information age, we are deluged with facts and opinions. It can be very difficult to discern truth from fiction. We need effective communication more than ever before. Yet, that appears to be in short supply.

There is no lack of hysterical voices spouting opinions that stir our emotions. Angry, offended voices are everywhere. Instead of more effective communication, we get more emotional voices.

Today’s proverb reminds me to be very careful of the voices I listen to.

  • Is it a wise voice?
  • Does the speaker show understanding?
  • Are the words based on facts or opinions?

We can do better by considering if the voices we allow into our minds are wise voices, or merely meant to inflame.

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Bible Book of James motivation

Why it’s so Hard to Control the Tongue

Every time we say or write something, we are in danger of starting a fire. In the book of James, chapter 3, the apostle gives us a big warning on why it’s so hard to control the tongue.

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

James 3:5 (KJV)

There are times I wished I followed the actions of this kid.

Cartoon of boy with his mouth taped and a girl

As I get ready to teach kids today, I’m thinking about how important it is to choose wise words. I pray I will do okay, or at least avoid damage. A flippant or insensitive comment can cause a lot of damage.

So I’ll keep it short today. Let’s use our words carefully and wisely.

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Bible Marketing

The Golden Rule of Marketing

Every day, we are bombarded by messages. Some of them are based on fear. Other messages attempt to smear an opponent. Many invade our lives without us realizing it. But a quote by Garth Brooks reminds me what should be the golden rule of marketing.

“Here’s my whole marketing idea: treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Garth Brooks

If we followed this rule, there would be little fear-based marketing. We would not experience deceptive advertising practices or false claims. There would be no scams or pyramid schemes. Perhaps, we could get to the point where we could trust others because all marketing would have integrity.

It is a requote of The Golden Rule, from the Bible.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

We can spot unfair rules fairly easily. This rule, when equally applied, makes it impossible to be unfair, deceptive, or manipulative. In addition, this rule makes us think of long-term gain instead of short-term results.

Would we make the same decisions if we knew we would face the person we were marketing to? Do we look at our targets as people or objects?

Practical Marketing?

Is this type of marketing practical? After all, we must focus on the metrics. We must meet the monthly sales goal or else! Can we treat others the way we want to be treated and still have a marketing career?

I believe we can. We must if we want to be a part of the solution instead of the problem. Marketing is a powerful tool. When we combine it with psychology, we can subtly influence others.

When we treat others well, we make our surroundings better. We can believe in a product or service and market it well. But at the least, we should treat others with integrity and respect. That should be the golden rule of marketing.

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Bible motivation Numbers

It’s Always Too Early to Quit

“It’s always too early to quit.” Norman Vincent Peale

This morning, I was reading in the Book of Numbers, Chapter 14. Twelve spies reported on the Promised Land. Ten of the two gave a discouraging report. The other two knew it’s always too early to quit.

Have you received some discouraging news? Are you having trouble seeing the opportunity in your challenges? Take heart and remember this quote from Norman Vicent Peale:

“It’s always too early to quit.”

Norman Vincent Peale

You may say, “But you don’t understand what is going on in my life!” And you may be right. I have had some mishaps and disappointments in my life. And I certainly haven’t experienced everything you have.

But of course, you don’t know everything about my life either. However, we can agree that life can be as messy as a stinky diaper. There are some things that we can control, and other situations we just have to ride out.

high tech diaper pail
Life can be as messy as a stinky diaper

There have been times I have had to sigh and remind myself that God is in control, and I am not. But that doesn’t give me a reason to just give up. I remind myself it is best if I give to God what I can’t control while taking care of what I can.

I’ll admit it is a very delicate dance. If we are controlling others, that doesn’t help. But if we take care of matters we can control and have peace about the people and situations we can’t, we will eventually see a much better outcome.

Therefore, it is always too early for me to quit. And it is for you as well. Just because babies keep producing messy diapers, doesn’t mean we should just give up changing them. Young parents can take solace that one day, junior will be potty-trained and the mess will be a memory.

In the same way, just because we are facing messy situations today, doesn’t mean we should just give up. Change what we can, have peace about what we can’t, and pray for the wisdom to know the difference.

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1 Corinthians Bible

Another Friend Passes

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)

This morning, I received the news another friend has passed away from COVID complications. Two years after we found out about this virus, it is still doing its dirty work.

It’s the second friend this year I know that has passed away from this scourge. Last year, my wife’s aunt passed away from this virus. But there are others who have suffered greater losses. It’s been a tough couple of years for nearly everyone.

I have comfort in knowing all three were people of faith. This passage in 1 Corinthians 15 gives me some solace that both dear souls are in a better place. It is those of us who are left behind that mourn and suffer.

Faith informs me this is not the end. One day, death will be swallowed up in victory. It gives us hope. Until then, let’s be steadfast and unmovable. To those with faith, we have a reason to press on.