Sharpen Your Wisdom Saw Today (Read Proverbs 18)

Wisdom is skill for right living.  Wisdom is the saw we use to cut our way through life. We need a sharp saw if we are going to cut our way through life.

Proverbs is one of the best ways to sharpen your wisdom saw.For many years, I have made a practice of reading the chapter of Proverbs corresponding to that day’s date.  Today, for instance, is November 18.  My goal is to read Proverbs 18.

Lest I exaggerate, I don’t do this every single day.  But, I do it many days and across years it makes a tremendous difference.

Often when I read Proverbs, I paraphrase a note as a way to talk to myself about wisdom.  Below are some of the verses that recently struck me from Proverbs 18 with my notes to self.

  • 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; be breaks out against all sound judgment . . . Note to self: “Get thy sorry carcass to church this Sunday.  Attend small group.  Invite someone over.  Don’t be isolated.”
  • Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.  Note to self  “Shut and listen".”

  • Proverbs 18:8 Words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.  Note to self “Gossip affects your spiritual waistline,” see here.

  • Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.  Note to self  “Get to work.”

  • Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.  Note to self: “Shut up and listen.”

  • Proverbs 18:17 One who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.  Memorizing this one.  Note to self:  “Don’t be too impressed when someone comes in and gives you one version of a story.  Listen to the other side too.”

    Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.  Note to self:  “Thank God for Jamie.  I am the most favored man in human history.”

  • Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  Note to self:  “Thank God for Les, Chip, Jeff, Dave, Dan, and many others.”

What stands out to you from Proverbs 18?

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