Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 541 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

There Is More Hope for a Fool – Proverbs [29:15]-27

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 541 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore the 2^nd half of chapter 29.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. On the day this trek is released we will be on the last full day of the Podcast Movement cruise. It is our hope that it will be both relaxing and a good opportunity to listen and learn from others who podcast. On Wisdom-Trek Day 537 we explored the concept of how we can do better at listening. We need to listen to learn. Anytime we are speaking, we cannot be learning, and verse 20 of this passage reminds us that if a person speaks without thinking…

There Is More Hope for a Fool

Let’s start our trek as we explore verses 15-27.

These are More Proverbs of Solomon recorded by King Hezekiah.

¹⁵ To discipline a child produces wisdom,

but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Most of us think of discipline in a negative connotation. It definitely does not need to be. The root of discipline means to disciple or mentor another person. Children and even adults need to be a disciple throughout their lives. A parent is neglecting his or her children if he or she does not discipline them because that is how they learn and gain wisdom. Otherwise, they will disgrace themselves and their parents.

¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,

but the godly will live to see their downfall.

This is so evident in a nation, in businesses, in organizations, in schools, and even in families. When they are led by a person without integrity, then bad practices and wicked deeds will flourish. If we have integrity, do what is correct, and follow God’s precepts, then we will see victory over those who do not.

¹⁷ Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind

and will make your heart glad.

This is the same concept as verse 15. We as parents and grandparents need to actively disciple and mentor those whom we influence. When they learn the lessons, it will bring peace of mind and a glad heart to all.

¹⁸ When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.

But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

Whether as children or adults, if they do not accept the lessons that are being taught there will be chaos, heartbreak, and anger. Those who do learn the lessons will have joy.

¹⁹ Words alone will not discipline a servant;

the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.

As part of discipline and mentoring we just cannot tell someone, we must actively show them both through lessons and examples. It is one thing to have “head knowledge” about a matter, quite different to have a working “hands on” knowledge.

²⁰ There is more hope for a fool

than for someone who speaks without thinking.

We all fall victim at times to engaging our tongue without engaging our brain. When we do this, what spews out of our mouth is not good. If we continually make this a habit, then we become a fool, and a fool that is without hope.

²¹ A servant pampered from childhood

will become a rebel.

Everyone needs to be disciplined as part of their training. Whether it is a servant, employee, or child if we do not have discipline in our lives, we will rebel and do that which is foolish.

²² An angry person starts fights;

a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

Controlling your anger is so important. When we cannot control ourselves, then we will all the time be getting into fights and all sorts of trouble. As with many other verses in this passage, the lack of discipline in a person’s life will result in unruly behavior. Self-discipline is so important.

²³ Pride ends in humiliation,

while humility brings honor.

Pride is the downfall of many. In fact, most sinful or wicked behavior has its roots in pride. Inevitably a person who is full of pride will end up in a very humiliating situation which could impact multiple areas of life. If instead, we choose to remain humble ourselves we will find that honor is granted to us. It is important, though, that honor does not lead us to become prideful.

²⁴ If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself.

You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.

We should not assist or support those who do wrong. In this verse, it mentions a thief, but could apply to other actions. If we assist those who do wrong, when we are called into a legal battle, we will either have to lie or avoid testifying to protect ourselves. Neither is a good or right option.

²⁵ Fearing people is a dangerous trap,

but trusting the Lord means safety.

We should not be fearful of other people. I realize that in certain situations they could cause us harm either physically or emotionally, but they should not be able to harm us spiritually. By trusting in the Lord, we will have His safety over us.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor,

but justice comes from the Lord.

We all have a tendency to seek approval from those who are in authority over us. While there is not anything inherently wrong with that, as long as it is with pure motives, realize that true and pure justice comes only from God.

²⁷ The righteous despise the unjust;

the wicked despise the godly.

This is as old as time itself. Those who follow God’s precepts have difficulty dealing with those who do not. On the flip side of that, those who practice wickedness despise those who strive to follow God and His precepts found in His Word.

Today on our Wisdom Trail we continue to explore a series of Solomon’s Proverbs that were assembled by King Hezekiah. Next week we move onto the final segment of Proverbs. All of the proverbs provide us with wisdom, insight, and understanding on a myriad of relationship and life issues. Regardless of where you are in your faith walk, if you follow the precepts in Proverbs, your life will be rich and satisfying. Take them and plant them in your heart so that you will reap a harvest of wisdom. I would challenge you to take just one precept that we learn today in Proverbs and commit yourself to applying it to your life.

Tomorrow we will hike another short trail of Wisdom Unplugged where we will discover an inspirational wisdom quote. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!