Wisdom
Is A Fountain
Of Life
Pride goes before destruction, and a
haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the
poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Those who are attentive to a
matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the LORD. The wise of
heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of
fools. The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds
persuasiveness to their lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to
the soul and health to the body. Sometimes there is a way that seems to be
right, but in the end it is the way to death.
Life has a way of exposing the flaws
of our own personal vanity. But learning the hard lesson of pride can become a
turning point in which we intentionally shift our focus away from exalting
ourselves. Then, as we adopt a humble spirit before God and man, we can become
channels of wisdom to others.
Promoting our own importance leads to
stumbling. But focusing on glorifying God and meeting the needs of others gives
us the perspective of the wise.
Pride becomes
shame. Humility brings wisdom.
Our Daily
Bread – September 13, 2007