Proverbs 22 - 24

 Read Proverbs 22 - 24 by clicking HERE.

While there are numerous take-aways from reading these 3 powerful and insightful passages, I'd like to share with you 5 passages that I've personally taken note of and find as being very powerful life and business tools.

1.  A good name!

Right at the very beginning in 22:1 we read, "Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold."

This is quite something for Solomon to say.  He's the richest guy in the world at the time and has realized that having a good testimony with those around you and to the public was worth MORE than all the money, gold, silver, building projects, and tremendous wealth he has accumulated.  Sadly, we've seen MANY who have relinquished honesty, integrity, kindness, generosity, and fairness in their efforts to seek their fortune in wealth. In fact, I have an acquaintance who's tried every "get-rich-scheme" known to man and has pulled numerous family members and friends into these shady deals.  He's always come out on top, but the same can't be said for everyone else he's pulled into these crazy projects. Today, his reputation as an honest business man (and even as a friend) has been enormously tarnished. Over the past 15 years, I've gained an earful of complaints about this person - even from his closest family and friends. They simply have lost their trust in him, and relationships are built on the foundation of TRUST.  

What about you?  When people mention your name, what do you suppose is the first thing that pops into their mind?  Do you have a GOOD name?

2.  Unity!

There's nothing more soothing than having co-workers, family members, and friends getting along almost effortlessly and truly enjoying the presence of others.  However, you get a few people together with all those different personalities, and you might struggle to find or even keep unity intact.

In 22:10, Solomon gives us a recipe for keeping unity.  He says it's real simple.  "Throw out the mocker, and fighting and quarrels, and insults will disappear.  Easier said than done...right?  But, it's true!  

Who is it among your co-workers, friends, and family members that always seem to be that "thorn in the flesh" within the group?  Finding a way to either approach them about how they're attitude is creating disharmony or choosing to leave them out of the group will be necessary if you want to find peace.  It's a tough decision.  The question is, how important is unity to you?

3.  Focusing on the right things!

In 23:4, Solomon advises us, "Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."

We all wake up each morning to take on the responsibility to work and earn money to feed our family and fulfill the financial obligations we have. While I believe (and Solomon too) in working "smarter, not harder", Solomon warns against wearing yourself out for the almighty dollar.  Here's a simple question - Do you live to work or work to live?  Money is NOT the most important goal or focus in life. Money is necessary and hard work is good, but if your life is all about money you're missing the boat.  You may look at your wealth and think you're smarter than others, but what kind of riches are you laying up in Heaven?  You may have wealth, but are you losing your family over it?  Why wear yourself out only to leave your wealth to someone else who really didn't work for it and doesn't appreciate the hard work you've put in to gain it?

4.  Don't waste your breath!

Conversation can take a lot of energy when you're trying to dialogue with someone to help them out. I don't know about you, but whether it's been providing marriage counseling, or defending myself on an issue, or in trying to convince someone about the truth of an issue I've often left the dialogue worn out.  What about you?

In 23:9, Solomon warns us, "Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice." I understand exactly what he's saying!  There are just some people in your life that will argue and/or reject the truth you give them...even when you have proof!  Solomon tells us to "don't waste your breath" on them.  Advice to a foolish person is just another argument getting ready to happen.

5.  Love your enemies!

I know this is hard to do, but Jesus commanded us to do it in Matthew 5:44 where He says, "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."

In 24:17, Solomon gives us the flipside version of what Jesus said and tells us why!  He says, "Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them."

God doesn't want us to enjoy seeing others being judged by God, or hurt, or in tough situations.  You may feel like God is even vindicating you for something someone did to you or your family, but God is displeased when we find pleasure in seeing others fail. Instead of rejoicing, pray for them!  And instead of saying to yourself, "Well, they got what they deserve", love on them.  This is NOT the world's view, but it is God's way.  Follow it or He might eventually turn on you!