Where do you go to get advice? Perhaps you ask a godly friend, a spiritual leader, or a person at the local church’s prison ministries. Hopefully, you open up your Bible and look for God’s wisdom. Our Bibles are packed with life-changing wisdom on living our best lives. Not sure where to start? The book of Proverbs has an incredible amount of wisdom in 31 short chapters. Let’s look at a few principles from Proverbs today.
Here are 5 practical ways to live by God’s wisdom.
1. Be slow to get angry.
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
Have you ever misunderstood a situation and angrily said things you later regretted? If so, you can understand how important this principle is. God instructs us to be slow to anger because quick anger usually leads to sin. We might say wrong things, do wrong things, and hurt important relationships. You’ll never regretting taking the time to think beforeyou allow yourself to get angry.
2. Avoid getting into debt.
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7
Unfortunately, many Canadians are up to their ears in debt. It’s culturally acceptable to have massive car loans, student loans, maxed out credit cards, and more! Although these things promise convenience and a better standard of living, they actually enslave you to debt. This verse from Proverbs means that, if you owe something, you are a “servant” to your lender. You have to work to pay back the money you borrowed. And that debt will prevent you from spending money on other things—even good things!
If you have a problem with debt, check out the free resources available on Dave Ramsey’s website. He has a lot of Biblical wisdom on money management and has helped thousands of people get out of debt.
3. Be kind to animals.
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
Proverbs 12:10
One thing our culture does right is promote kindness to animals. As you can see from this verse, this is a Biblical principle. God wants His people to show mercy and compassion toward their animals. If you have pets, treat them well and be patient with them. If you find your neighbour’s lost dog or cat, bring it home. Don’t turn a blind eye if you see an animal in distress. Instead, help the animal (and get professional help, if necessary). God wants us to be kind to people and to animals!
4. Listen to your parents’ advice.
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be a ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
If you’re over 25, you can probably appreciate this quote (attributed to Mark Twain), “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
Teenagers and young adults often (mistakenly) think that they know better than their parents. However, they usually realize their mistake as they grow into adulthood. If you have godly parents, you should always listen to and follow their advice. They may have different strengths and weakness than you, but they have one key thing that you don’t have…experience. Learn from their mistakes and successes! It will save you a lot of trouble.
5. Speak encouraging words to others.
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25
When was the last time you told someone what a great job they were doing? People need to be encouraged. They are hungry for affirmation and acceptance. And this cold, competitive world often ignores their hard work and says nothing. You will be amazed at how people react when you speak an encouraging word to them! Start today by looking for the good in others. Thank them for their efforts. Praise their successes. This will strengthen your relationships + make you feel good, too!
Let’s Chat:
Which of these five tips was your favourite? And which one are you going to apply today? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries to learn more!
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
