Words of Wisdom Podcast

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If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at  https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate

The wise person fears Yahweh and does not over-estimate themselves but is sensible and even-tempered, unlike the fool that is cocky and self-reliant, recklessly endangering themselves because they fail to see the need for any concern or restraint. The fool laughs in the face of evil thinking that it can’t touch them. The pretensions of their own superiority have blinded them so that they cannot re...

Is it more meaningful if we brag about ourselves, or if someone else speaks highly of us? Faithfulness, kindness, generosity, good character, virtue, and other admirable qualities are often noticed by others. But even if people don’t recognize us to the degree we would like or say enough good things about us, Yahweh sees everything and nothing escapes his notice.   Illustration: Jack Hearp, Church...

The wise person doesn’t boast about the future plans they have. Instead, they live day by day, trusting in Yahweh and the plans that he is bringing about in their life. While the future is unknown to us, Yahweh knows what is ahead and he will provide and take care of his people regardless of what happens tomorrow. Who else can we trust in concerning the uncertainty of the future except Yahweh our...

Yahweh designed us to work, and there is an inherent pleasure in honest, hard work. Those who understand this will find life more fulfilling and satisfying. If we are faithful as trustworthy and reliable workers, Yahweh will bless the work of our hands and will provide what we need. Honoring Yahweh with our integrity and character and being content with the blessings he bestows upon us is of great...

The reward of hard work is not more work (as the popular saying goes), but rather being able to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor. Hard work might not seem pleasant in the moment; it requires exertion, dedication, and much time. But all that effort is not lost or sacrificed for nothing. There is an exchange that happens when we work hard, and wisdom tells us that the perseverance and steadfast commit...

As we seek to walk with wisdom and to give a fitting answer at the right time, we need to realize and be confident in the fact that our words can shape the future of others and can help them overcome an obstacle, be comforted when hurting, or give them courage to do what they know is right. Our words are powerful, and we must learn to speak what is right, in the right way, and most importantly…at...

If we are willing to work hard and be mindful of the money we receive, God can help us steward our finances well and receive the greatest value and blessing from them. The key principle is really not how much you earn, but it’s what you do with it. Those who stumble across money or cheat others for it typically don’t give much thought to how they should care for it and use it, and thus they almost...

We should always weigh our words before we speak. As small and harmless as some might think words to be, caring little for whether they use them properly or not, they are more powerful and impacting than we often realize. We must become wise and handle our words with care, keeping watch over what we allow to pass through our lips. In this way, will watch over our life from trouble.   Illustration:...

Hearing bad news can have a dramatic effect on us. But the same is true with good news. Whether it is a smile or it is simply a bit of uplifting feedback or story of success that we can share with someone else, sharing positivity and joy with others has a profound life-giving impact. A wise person spreads the health and nourishing effect of good news knowing its positive effect in their lives.   I...

God blesses those who give freely and generously with the finances and belongings that they have and those who will use those blessings to serve his purposes—one of which is to provide and care for the poor and needy. And if we will gladly share a portion of our finances that God blesses us with, we will be blessed in return.    Illustration: Yu Panglin, a very successful Hong Kong hotel and real-...

How many times has it worked out well to answer someone impulsively before taking a moment to think? We must develop the habit of not answering or making decisions rashly, rather to always listen first and listen fully so that we can respond appropriately and effectively. Many heartaches and mistakes in life can be avoided if we will but take a step back for a moment before opening our mouths.   I...

In general, reproof is meant to be a good thing that helps us become better. There will be plenty of criticism in life that does not qualify as being helpful, but part of growing in wisdom is to discern if the reproof is leading to life. It will require much humility to admit when we are wrong and to change our ways, but that is how we acquire good sense for making wise choices.   Illustration: Fa...

Why should we listen to what others have to say? If we think we have all the right answers, then we shouldn’t need to. But we must never perceive ourselves as having sufficient wisdom in all circumstances. That is why the wise person will ask other (especially God) for wisdom, because part of being wise is knowing that more wisdom is always helpful to make the best decision in any circumstance.  ...

Wisdom tells us to be discerning and careful with what we say and how we say it. It is a best practice to pause and collect our thoughts before responding because once foolish words proceed out of our mouth, we can’t take them back, even if we want to. We will have shot ourselves in the foot, and people will call us the fool instead.   Illustration: Apple CEO Steve Jobs properly responding to a di...

When someone lives far away from friends and family, the desire to hear from them grows more intense as time goes on. To hear a good report, or good news, from them satisfies a fundamental craving in our soul—a craving for connection and relationship. There is wisdom in sending good news to our loved ones, for we know the beneficial effect it can have upon their soul.   Illustration: Chong Bates a...

Setting aside a portion of the wealth we earn and planning to pass it on to our children is a demonstration of godly wisdom. But an inheritance should be more than just money, it is a way that we can share our knowledge of success and discipline to help our children live with wisdom and steward well the gift we give to them.   Illustration: Scott Nash, owner of MOM’s Organic Market, and his perspe...

If managed correctly, an inheritance can be a great blessing during hard times, help purchase a home, or be the means by which one starts their own business. But that requires the recipient to be prepared to wisely manage it, which takes self-discipline and time to learn. An inheritance can be wasted is a person is not prepared to wisely handle it so that they can enjoy the blessings that it can p...

Looks can be deceiving, and a fool can pass himself off as being wise. But a wise person is not deemed as wise because of their stature, demeanor, or appearance but according to their manner of life by living in obedience to Yahweh. This manner of life is demonstrated distinctly in what a wise person says and does, but a fool will not display this wisdom in their life.   Illustration: Aesop’s Fabl...

Wisdom tells us that we should be careful in how many words we use and when we use them, and that in response to being provoked, less words is often better and can keep us from saying things we would later regret. Moreover, keeping a cool spirit is essential so that we can think clearly about what we should say before we say it rather than responding out of heated emotions.    Illustration: The li...

Being aggressive and making demands from someone is likely not going to have a desirable outcome. Whether it is a person in a position of authority, someone at our place of employment, or even someone within our own family, if we make a request or plead our case with patience and gentleness of speech, we will more likely succeed in being persuasive and having them genuinely consider what we have t...

All broken promises produce disappointment on the part of the recipient who never received what they eagerly looked forward to. Sometimes the disappointment is small and other times great. With wisdom, we can learn to be discerning about the individual who is making the promise and what exactly is being promised, knowing that not everyone is honest and intends to keep their promises.    Illustrati...

It can be challenging to connect and break through a person’s defenses. But when used properly with an honorable motive, a thoughtful gift that is given at the right time and in the right way can open doors, remove obstacles, and place you in a more favorable light in the eyes of others. A purposeful gift shows that you care and want to someone to know that they matter, and that can make all the d...

Showing ourselves to not be lax when there is trouble can take as many different forms as the trouble that we encounter in life. When the occasion arises, what we do in response to the trouble will reveal whether or not our strength is small and limited. If we trust in God, knowing that he is the one that gives us true strength, we will not fail to show ourselves strong when it is needed the most....