Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 376 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Truthful Words Stand the Test of Time – Proverbs [12:17]-28

Thank you for joining us for our 3 days per week, 12 minutes of wisdom podcast. This is Day 376 of our trek, and today is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday we will explore for the nuggets of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Today we will continue with chapter [12:17]-28.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. On the renovation front, we were able to finish painting the swingset/fort, and we are working on painting the exterior trim on the sun porch and front porch. Both areas are quite large, so we hope to finish that painting by the end of this next week. Inside, I am continuing to apply polyurethane to the woodwork and both stairways with the hope to also finish the floors before the start of next week so they will have adequate time to dry solid. Our renovation contractor was in this week and able to finish up the small amount of crown molding that had to be custom made for three curved areas on the walls. It turned out really nice.

It appears that both the parents and young hawks have left for their summer home. We will miss watching them and hope that they will return again next year.

It is now time to go exploring for those precious nuggets of wisdom that are found in Proverbs. Today our title is…

Truthful Words Stand the Test of Time

17 An honest witness tells the truth;
a false witness tells lies.

On the surface, this verse appears very obvious, but if you have ever been in the courtroom during a major trial, you know that there are many times where lies are made to appear as truth. I had a friend that went through a very long drawn out legal battle where the prosecutor pushed very hard for a plea bargain. This would have required him to confess to a lesser crime when he committed no crime at all. Although he had to suffer through the process of 18 months, he finally had his day in court and was vindicated of the charges because he was steadfast with the truth. In the same way, God desires us to always be honest in our testimony and cling to the truth. Regardless of the circumstances, we need to stand on the truth. Justice will prevail because a false witness will be known for his lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing.

Cruel words can cut to the very soul of a person, and those who speak them are not wise. You can know if a person is wise by how they talk to and about others. In contrast, a wise person will heal instead of cut. They are willing and ready to heal the wounds of those who have been cut down by the unwise. It is our responsibility to be kind and compassionate at all times and in every situation.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time,
but lies are soon exposed.

There is no substitute for always telling the truth. Although it may be difficult, there is never a reason to lie. When you practice telling the truth all the time, you never have to be concerned about what you told to whom because it is the truth and the truth does not change. Our society has become so accustomed to situational ethics, that it has become the norm in both personal and business life. Our ethics, which are driven by our integrity, should never change based on the situation that we happen to be in from one day to another. Truth lasts forever, but those who practice telling lies will be exposed for what they truly are – liars.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

You can tell a lot about a person just by their demeanor. A person who is contentious and not at peace is a person whose heart is filled with deceit. That person is never satisfied with himself or others so he is always plotting and scheming to take advantage of another person. In contrast, a person who is at peace with himself and others is a person whose heart is filled with joy. The joy promotes peace.

21 No harm comes to the godly,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

A person who is good and godly will be wise enough to not put himself in situations that may cause him harm. He dwells in God as his shelter. On the other hand, those who practice evil will end up in situations that are not good and have the potential of continual trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in those who tell the truth.

As with verses 19 & 20, lying is never wise, and God is opposed to individuals who have chosen a lifestyle that is not truthful. A person who is a habitual liar shows evidence of this every time he opens his mouth. Many times this type of person does not even realize that he is lying. The opposite is someone who always tells the truth. God takes pleasure in such individuals.

23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
but fools broadcast their foolishness.

If you are wise and have insight, understanding, and knowledge, there is no reason to flaunt it or to tell others about it. It will be evident in all areas of your life. In the same manner, those who are foolish have a strong desire to proclaim their knowledge to everyone. It will not take long for everyone to understand how foolish they are based on their continual self-proclamation.

24 Work hard and become a leader;
be lazy and become a slave.

There is no substitute for working hard. When you do, others will see your consistent persistence, ethics, and abilities and will desire to follow your example.  The opposite of this is someone who refuses to work or only works the minimum amount required.  When this happens, they will end up being enslaved by a person who does work hard.

25 Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Worry and stress are harmful and become a burden to anyone who chooses to allow them to control his life. It becomes a heavy weight that restricts the person from living the rich and satisfying life. In contrast to this, when we are free from fear, worry, and stress, then we will have the energy and capacity to proactively encourage others. When we make a habit of encouraging others, we will be refreshed and filled with encouraging cheer also.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends;
the wicked lead them astray.

A good and Godly person always wants what is best for the other person. He is ready and willing to share advice and instruction when it is needed. The wicked may act as if they desire to assist others, but they selfishly lead others down the wrong path for their own purposes.

27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
but the diligent make use of everything they find.

Lazy people waste the resources that they have earned or have been given to them. They are not willing to work hard or do what is necessary to enjoy life and assist others. In contrast to the lazy person, the diligent person works hard and wisely utilizes everything that he has.

28 The way of the godly leads to life;
that path does not lead to death.

There are two primary paths in life.  If you follow the way of the godly, then the trail leads you to a rich and satisfying life. When choosing this path, you do not have to be concerned about the outcome because it always leads to life. The path of the wicked is a downhill path of a life of destruction and eventual spiritual death.

That completes our exploration for the nuggets of wisdom found in the 2nd half of Proverbs 12. There are so many that we can apply to our everyday life so that we will become wiser. The key to this section is to be truthful in all that you do because the truth will stand the test of time.

Our next trek is Philosophy Friday when we will forge the trail of attitude within the Cycles and Seasons of Life. So, encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Friday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. As you enjoy your dose of wisdom, we ask you to help us grow Wisdom-Trek by sharing with your family and friends through email, Facebook, Twitter, or in person and inviting them to come along with us each day. If you would like to listen to any of the past daily treks, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeart Radio, and Google Play, so each trek will be downloaded to you automatically.

The journal for today’s trek is available at Wisdom-Trek.com. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Friday!