It has been said there are two main motivations for all actions: achieving pleasure and avoiding pain. Avoiding pain far outweighs the motivation of achieving pleasure. Avoiding pain necessitates clear warnings, and Proverbs does not fall short of this task. The book introduces a personified Wisdom; her wise words warn readers who would listen and […]
The Pitfalls of Peer Pressure
“My son, if sinners entice you, DO NOT CONSENT.” Peer pressure is as old as the human race. In every culture, in every time, in every place… people have wanted to influence, and be influenced by, one another. This is the “herd instinct” of humanity. It’s plainly evident in creatures of nature: cows walk like […]
Wisdom and the Fear of God
Implicit in all wisdom, there is the element of knowledge. One can attain knowledge, and one can attain wisdom, but the manner of attaining is essential to the process. As in all processes, there is a natural, appropriate starting point. First and foremost, a “fear” of God creates the framework upon which all pursuit rests. […]
Words of Wisdom – A Parent’s Greatest Gift
Perhaps one of the greatest blessings of being a parent is to be able to influence the lives of our children with words of wisdom. To have the opportunity, the authority, to direct children in a way in which we know will benefit them is an immense blessing. Here in the Proverbs, the author refers […]
The Path to Inner Peace
Mankind is yearning for one, single and solitary condition: inner peace. This is not world peace or the lack of war. It is not financial freedom, or the elimination of poverty. It is not eradicating hunger, or healing disease. These things are mere symptoms of the issue. The issue is, and has always been, one’s […]