May 8, 2019

If you want to live a productive, fulfilling life then pay close attention to Solomon’s book of Proverbs.  Even though these words of wisdom are thousands of years old, they are just as meaningful today as they were then. 

Don sent me the following modern day proverbs.  Sadly, I know most of these from first-hand experience.

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered… not yelled.
Meanness don’t just happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.
Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
Most of the stuff people worry about, ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
Don’t interfere with something’ that ain’t bothering you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every morning’.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
If you get to thinking’ you’re a person of some influence, try ordering’ somebody else’s dog around.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and enjoy the ride.
Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just shoot you!

While all of these proverbs are especially good advice, the single most important proverb is:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

There’s a lot of good advice out there.  Pay attention to it.  But remember, always trust God above all else.  He’ll never let you down.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those times when I am weak, give me strength.  In those times when I am tempted, give me pure intentions.  In those times when I am afraid, help me to trust in you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Following the advice of Proverbs will make your life much better.  I promise.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins