When I opened my Bible to proverbs 11, there was a verse that seemed to jump out at me. It’s a very colorful verse that has been highlighted a few times with different highlighters! It’s important to me, because this verse summarizes my past…
“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11: 2
I definitely had the pride part down, but humility…what’s that? I had no clue. I was convinced I was sitting on top of the world. Then without much warning, things changed….for quite some time I thought they were changing for the worse, but just like Joseph said to his brothers at the end of his adversity, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50: 19-20. It was a radical transformation from pride to humility! My memoir tells the story…A Blessing in the Storm…
“When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength. The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. Godly people find life; evil people find death.” Proverbs 11: 7-8, 19
These verses contrast two very different paths in life. As God’s people, we all know that were not excluded from heartache and pain, but if we follow God’s wisdom ~ God can rescue us from trouble. But the Bible tells me that a wicked person will fall into his or her own traps. Even if God’s people suffer, they can be sure they will ultimately be rescued from eternal death. We have God’s Word on that. Another way of looking at “Godly people find life” is simply, they find life because they live life more fully each day. Evil people not only find eternal death but also miss out on how good life can be on earth.
“A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.” Proverbs 11: 22
That was me too! Not exactly a nice visual! Physical attractiveness without discretion is soon discovered to be quite ugly indeed. I’ve learned the hard way, that we should be seeking those character strengths that help us make wise decisions, not just those that make us look good. Here is the gospel truth (sarcastic)…Not everyone who looks good is pleasant to live or work with***Amen?
“The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.” Proverbs 11: 30
Birds of a feather flock together. Like a tree attracts people because of its shade, a wise person’s sense of purpose attracts others who want to know how they, too, can find meaning and purpose. Gaining wisdom yourself can be the first step in leading people to God.