Most conversations these days seem to stem from the current political landscape we are observing. So, I thought it might be helpful to share some thoughts from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Proverbs was written to help us gain wisdom for avoiding struggles that want to trip us. Its goal is to give the naive the ability to self-discipline in a very practical way. The wisdom we gain is based on knowing and living for Jesus. First let me break this down in the simplest of terms. This article is not a political conversation but a human one. Recently one of my grandchildren interviewed me for a school writing project they had. One question they asked me was “what are four valuable things you learned from your parents?”
This question brought me to Proverbs 14:30 “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones.” My parents taught me to work hard and always be willing to give to others. I highly value those things among others that I learned at a very early age. You see the word passion here means envy. My body will be wasted away, and my mind will be bitter when I want something that someone else has or pursue something that in the long run will hurt me. This is not passion that responds to the needs of others that is called giving. I don’t want to become cynical because there are a lot of wonderful people in this world that still look out for others. But I do think that there are takers and not givers. This verse clearly speaks of the effects of these two different people. To one the effect is worry along with the pursuit of seeking something that someone else has. There is a phrase that is often used to describe this it is “Keeping up with the Jones”. The effects on the other group is having a tranquil heart. It is being content with what you have and sharing with others what you can. Please understand I am not saying you cannot accumulate wealth or possessions but rather understand where they came from and what they are to be used for. I am thankful that I was taught that the world does not revolve around me and that I am only a caretaker for a short period of time for what I have been given. May we learn to share wisdom, experience, and yes even financial blessings with others. If you are willing to do that, I am sure you will be able to live with a tranquil heart.
So, in the coming months if you would like to hear encouragement from a verse in the book of proverbs please send me an email to newlifecurrituck@gmail.com.
