Monday, April 1, 2013

Do Not Be Foolish

Today is April 1st (April Fools Day)
My hubby, the jokester, called me from work and told me about his "crazy" morning.
 We have had an unwelcome visitor (a muskrat) on our propertylately, so his story caught my attention.
 He said he was in the yard early this morning and got chased by the muskrat  His story was so dramatic-sounding and he had my full attention. After going on for about 2 minutes, 
he chuckled and said, "April Fools!" 
Yeah, he got me good.
I had believed him, hook, line, and sinker!

Lately, I've been reading through the book of Proverbs. There are numerous admonitions on wisdom in this book. Over and over again, King Solomon warns us to be wise. 
In the first 5 verses, it says:
 "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance— "

God wants His followers to be wise. So much so, that He says:
"Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
Prov. 4:7

What will wisdom do for us?
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
 2:12
 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
2:16
 This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.
 3:8
 For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life. 
 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you."
 9:11-12

How valuable is wisdom?
 "Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding, 
 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold. 
 She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her."
3:13-15 
 Proverbs 16:16

How to get wisdom:
1.Fear the Lord (with a reverent and holy fear).

 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQGXhwAnYsXj6BCHq0Qu0_LzocIFakYxYVyXW2qWPrXsAuviqoJKbUk5sku-qQzORZ2o4qSD_PEW4ofGrd1WQSEZeidtJEVXznUFufTdTBDwvaHZAYeL1VYDVC7l9JbsosAtDhdwnLOQ/s1600/fearoflord.jpg

 2. Humble yourselves
 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ24C5jnmtJNeADmFiPsB8ph4SDg7ITNTSX4JWRvwehzjiN_roeJmmtk4JEtf1wdMpjCtEST4wyP73PUuKxslSsEFru2VJ_ah5vX4xsgbpiy0FArKGbp28NbIj846c-Pj_q1azyUNQSbM/s1600/humility.png

3. Ask for it.
http://godisalwaysfaithful.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/james-1-5-horizontal.jpg

 4. Listen to the words of the wise, follow their advice.
 gwhizteacher, proverbs 13:10, id badge verse
 5. Trust Him...Don't lean on your own understanding...Acknowledge Him...
 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwKiOyjpQSutds8h5sMO0SK5dRP7PJNY2lxewiNKWfnjX7_98mtzFEFRnLQYBoc5sGAi-50JiFH994glE5rL7XNwkRvAnQEiF7i-ni8-GE6icDp41rgWltpDtNloyZ-BDGaECMysQ8bA/s1600/Proverbs+3-5thru8.jpgi

I find it interesting that we have a day that focus' on fooling others.
Today, I was reminded how important it is to strive for wisdom.
 
Giving thanks today, as I continue to count my blessings, and joining others at  "Multitude on Mondays".
1,280 - Finding joy, when most of the week I've been feeling somber, thinking of Christ's death on the cross and the suffering He faced.
1,281 - Learning to forgive and start afresh, when I've been hurt.
1,282 - A few days of warmth and sun.
1,283 - Easter - Christ rose from the grave!
1,284 - Easter - spending the day with my son!(Being silly)

1,285 - Easter music!
1,286 - Easter - delicious dinner with lots of family!
1,287 -  My cousin and her new puppy.
1,288 - The wind that blows across the earth, putting ripples on water.!
1,289 - Critters in the yard, both welcome and unwelcome.
 The dreaded Muskrat!!!!
1,290 - The wise words of Proverbs.

8 comments:

  1. I had a nice giggle about your husbands tale about fighting of this monstrous muskrat!!!! He really did catch you. Wisdom is truly like a wise woman who carefully plans her household. Visiting via Jenn's. I am glad you warned us to be aware of April's fool jokes.
    Blessings to you
    Mia

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    1. Definitely, Mia! God calls us to continually seek wisdom. I totally know all about how easily we can be foolish and lose out! Hope you've had a sweet week!

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  2. Your post today is a great reminder to me of Solomon's prayer. How God came to him & basically said, "You can have anything you want." And Solomon, instead of asking for riches or the death of His enemies replied, "I want wisdom to lead your people." Headed to pray this morning & I think this will be my prayer, that God will give both me & my husband His wisdom to lead our small groups, our children, & all those He puts in front of us...well. Always a blessing you linking at UNITE! ~ Jen

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    1. Of course! Solomon, the wisest of all men!! Great reminder for me, also!!! Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Awesome steps to wisdom. So many times I have run to God for wisdom. When we go to others we get conflicting answers but God's answers are always right. Great reminder!

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    1. So nice to hear from you, Pamela! Wishing you a blessed week!

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  4. Hello,
    Thank you so much for linking to Wednesday's Word. I just love your list of gifts and the pictures. I am finding the JOY DARE this year very difficult but am pursuing it because it make me look deeper. Next year - back to daily thanking Him for each minute and all the beauty I see around me. Love your dogs. Where do you live?
    Many blessings,
    Janis www.janiscox.com Author of Tadeo Turtle

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    1. Hi, Janis! I know what you mean. I went by the list last year and it was a challenge, for sure. But the results are so enlightening. My dog was the little Chihuahua that my son was holding. We also have a tan and white Chihuahua. The black and white Australian Shepherd and the puppy belong to my cousins, who we visited on Easter day. We live in northern Indiana. Spring is coming so late for us, this year! Can't wait till it stays for good! Thanks for stopping by.

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