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Six Wisdom Keys for a Good Life
A. THE KEY TO A LONG AND PEACEFUL LIFE...
1. Heed the guidance of your father (parents) - Pr 3:1-2
2. The same thought as expressed by Paul - Ep 6:1-3
3. Place more stock in this secret to longevity, than those given by the world
a. Diet, exercise, etc., are important
b. But here is a commandment of God with promise!
-- Do we honor our parents by giving them careful heed?
B. THE KEY TO POPULARITY...
1. Some think the way to popularity is good looks, intelligence, or athletic ability
2. The qualities of truth and mercy are key to lasting popularity - Pr 3:3-4
3. Truth and mercy are more enduring, because they are more endearing!
a. They find great favor in the sight of God - cf. Mt 5:7, 37
b. Likewise in the eyes of men
1) No one likes a liar
2) Mercy (compassion, forgiveness) is admired by many
-- Are we developing the qualities of truth and mercy in our lives?
C. THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL VENTURES...
1. Have the Lord "direct" your paths - Pr 3:5-6
a. The word "direct" means to make smooth or straight
b. The Lord can help our journey in life go smoother with His blessing.
2. To ensure that the Lord directs your paths...
a. Trust in Him with all your heart - cf. Ps 37:3-6, 23-24, 34-36
b. Acknowledge Him in all your ways - cf. James 4:13-16
c. Don't lean on your own understanding - cf. Pr 28:26
-- Do we involve the Lord in our decision making?
D. THE KEY TO GOOD HEALTH...
1. Do not be arrogant, fear the Lord, and depart from evil - Pr 3:7-8
2. Do not underestimate the harmful effects of anxiety and stress
a. Some authorities suggest that 85% of all illnesses may be Psychosomatic
b. Our body's immune system is certainly weakened by anxiety and stress
c. Guilt is a major cause of anxiety, and can weigh heavily on our body - Ps 32:1-4
3. There is also the physical cost of sin
a. E.g., the effects of drunkenness (cirrhosis of the liver)
b. E.g., the effects of fornication (STDs)
4. Yet if we truly fear the Lord...
a. We will depart from evil - Pr 16:6
b. We will be freed from much anxiety, stress, and many diseases
c. And that will be good for our bodies! - cf. Pr 14:27
-- Is developing the fear of the Lord part of our "wellness program"?
E. THE KEY TO PROSPERITY...
1. Give of your best to the Lord - Pr 3:9-10
2. In the OT, that involved paying tithes and putting God first
a. When tithes were not given, it resulted in hardship - Mal 3: 8-12
b. When God was not first, likewise - cf. Hag 1:6-11
3. In the NT, it is not that much different
a. Put God and His kingdom first, and we enjoy His providential care - Mt 6:31-33
b. Give cheerfully and liberally, and God will empower us to give more - 2Co 9:6-9
-- Do we give to the Lord the "first fruits" of our time, energy, and money?
F. THE KEY TO ACCEPTING THE LORD'S DISCIPLINE...
1. Value divine chastening as the actions of a loving father - Pro 3:11-12
a. Even the righteous may be allowed to suffer - cf. Job 1:8-22
b. And God may deem fit to compensate for it even in this life - cf. Job 42:10-13
2. Whatever persecution or hardship God allows, it is for our good
a. We should expect discipline, if we are His children - Heb 12:7-9
b. But it will produce the fruit of holiness and righteousness, if we let it - Heb 12:10-11
-- Do we appreciate the positive role of discipline in our lives?
[How blessed many lives would be if people implemented these "Six Wisdom Keys
For A Good Life."
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