Proverbial Wisdom

INTRO.- Some more quips and quotes, which give us some insights into life and perhaps some wisdom for daily living.

- How to handle a bad temper. Be like a kettle – sing when you boil.

Temper is something that most of us have (even a little or a lot) and we have to learn to deal with it. Some people used to recommend that a person count to ten before they blew their top or something along that line.

I think this quip is very good, however. There is nothing like singing praise to the Lord to change your tune in life. And the same holds true for anger. Sing when you boil.

Acts 16:25-26 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open and everybody’s chains came loose.”

Before Paul and Silas were imprisoned they were first stripped and beaten. Acts 16:23 says they had been severely flogged. How would you feel if that had happened to you? Don’t you think you’d be just a bit angry? Maybe a lot angry? Most of us would have been. And it may be that Paul and Silas were somewhat angry too, but they devoted themselves to prayer and praise. And that’s when good things started to happen.

How to handle a bad temper. Sing more praise to God. Get away immediately and start singing gospel songs and no telling what it and God will do for your spirit.

- There was a time when people ordered steak rare. Now they order steak rarely. Why is that? Cost.

- The trouble in life is that by the time you know how to play the game, you’re too old to make the team.

Much truth in that statement. Why is it that it takes us all so long to learn certain things? And why is it that God wastes energy on young people? Why not give some to us senior citizens? Or as some say, “Why waste youthfulness on youth?”

- When a fellow starts living within his means, folks wonder what else is wrong with him.

Living beyond our means is not good, but that’s the American way. I figure the Joneses will always be ahead of us so why try to keep up with them.

Also, I have heard that some Christians believe that since Christ is coming back very soon they subscribe to the philosophy of: Charge your cards to the max because you won’t have to pay them off! Not sure I agree at all.

- The biggest shortage of all is the common sense shortage. This may be true. An old southern gentleman has a simple philosophy for life. Fill what’s empty. Empty what’s full. And scratch where it itches. That’s common sense.

- Unless you have never been tempted, don’t pass judgment on someone who has yielded. We shouldn’t pass judgment on anyone for any reason. We have no right to do that, because we are not God, but we humans are notorious for doing it. We like to play God and that’s what got Satan, the beautiful One, into a lot of trouble.

Matt. 7:1 “Do not judge or you too will be judged.” What you dish out is what you will get.

Matt. 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye, and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

Was Jesus trying to be funny or what? One thing for sure, He was trying to drive home the point that when we judge others for their mistakes, wrongdoing, etc. we are guilty of far worse sins.

- The trouble with being punctual is that, 9 times out of 10, there is nobody there to appreciate it.

Being punctual. What is that? It’s called being responsible, which is something the Christian should be. Being at work on time. Working a full schedule, a full 8 hours or whatever. Keeping your word.

- Some people have to moonlight just to see daylight. Have you been there and done that?

ILL.- When I was 18 years old my dad was very sick and in the hospital. He was only 53 at that time. Mom wasn’t working either so I took on a second job to help out. I worked 40 hours a week at a grocery as a stock clerk. And then I went to work for my girlfriend’s father who had an ornamental iron business. I was a sander and painter. He did the welding. I worked 7 days a week but it didn’t hurt me at all. And it also didn’t hurt me to contribute to the family needs.