Summary Biblical wisdom is inseparable from truth. Proverbs teaches that the wise are truthful, guard their hearts, speak godly words, and live sexually pure lives. These qualities reflect Jesus Himself. In contrast to a culture that excuses dishonesty, godly wisdom shapes thoughts, speech, and conduct, making wisdom both visible and audible in daily life. Can we be wise without being truthful? Steven Ussery said, “ Nope. True wisdom includes the fact that honesty is, after a

Summary Biblical wisdom flows from humility. Wise people live to glorify God, reject pride, seek counsel, do good intentionally, and promote peace. They recognize their dependence on Jesus and imitate His humility, service, and peacemaking. Rather than self-promotion, their lives reflect Christ through obedience, reconciliation, and a sincere desire to honor God and serve others. Humility and wisdom share common characteristics. Humility is a requirement for wisdom (Proverbs

Summary Biblical wisdom is visible in righteous behavior, integrity, and peaceful living. Proverbs teaches that wise people do what is right, walk in the light, live with unwavering moral integrity, and trust God rather than fearing harm. Wisdom is not merely spoken but demonstrated through consistent, godly conduct that honors the LORD and reflects confidence in His justice and care. Biblical Wisdom in Action Wisdom in Proverbs is audible and visible. It is biblical wisdom i

Summary Biblical wisdom is Jesus-likeness lived out daily. Wise people follow Christ’s example, displaying joy, loyalty, kindness, and integrity. Their obedience brings deep joy, faithful relationships, compassionate living, and a good reputation with God and others. Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom is not merely skill or knowledge but a life that reflects Jesus in character, conduct, and devotion. I admire people who can fix broken things and solve everyday problems. But

Summary Biblical wisdom equips believers for godly self-management through discipline and self-control. Wise people steward time well, manage stress through prayer, adapt to change, and align their lives with God’s purposes. Discipline shapes choices and welcomes correction, guiding believers away from harmful paths. Unlike fools, the wise live humbly, respond to instruction, and grow through God’s loving correction. Wise self-management benefits God, others, and ourselves. W

Summary Just as a garden begins with one shovelful of dirt, biblical wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Reverent awe for God shapes obedience, turns us from evil, and provides security and blessing. God is the source of all wisdom, and choosing a God-centered life lays the foundation for lifelong spiritual fruit and faithful living. In 1996, I dug up a small part of the yard to plant cherry tomatoes. My garden was four feet long by four feet wide. It was a small beginni

Summary Biblical wisdom is God-centered skill in godly living. It begins with fearing the LORD and shapes every area of life. Unlike fools who resist correction and live self-centeredly, the wise live visibly and audibly for God. Jesus perfectly modeled this wisdom, producing God-honoring fruit. True wisdom leads believers to know God more deeply and live lives marked by devotion, purity, and peace. What is biblical wisdom? As a young, inexperienced pastor, I gleaned advice f

Summary The prosperity gospel distorts Scripture by equating faith with material gain. God does not promise wealth but provides spiritual riches, daily provision, and contentment. Abundance is given to glorify God and bless others, not satisfy greed. Scripture teaches that judgment will focus on spiritual fruit and generosity, not possessions. True wealth is found in following Jesus and remaining devoted to Him. Biblical Abundance Versus the Prosperity Gospel Our hearts yearn

Summary Scripture draws a clear line between the godly and the ungodly. Godly people abide in Christ, turn from sin, pursue righteousness, and rely on God’s power to live transformed lives. The ungodly are driven by sinful desires and reject truth, yet they are not beyond rescue. Through faith in Christ, the ungodly can be justified, changed, and made godly by God’s grace. Two letters make all the difference—un. Everyone wants to be fortunate. No one wants to be unfortunate.

Summary Imitation reveals worship. True worship is not confined to music but is lived daily by becoming like Jesus. Apart from Christ, people imitate the devil's pride, but transformed thinking leads to Christlike living. Believers worship by imitating Jesus’ humility, self-denial, obedience, love, and patient endurance in suffering. Following Him means submitting our lives to His leadership and reflecting His character in every area of life. As a boy, I pretended I was vario

Summary Persistent feelings of inadequacy marked my ministry journey, yet God used them to teach dependence on His grace. As trust shifted from self to God, His strength consistently met every need. Scripture reminds us that God’s power works best in weakness. Through prayer and reliance on His promises, believers can face challenges with confidence, knowing Christ’s grace is sufficient in every situation. During my first pastorate, I frequently felt inadequate. I had an unea

Summary The Bible strongly condemns self-centered boasting rooted in pride, insecurity, or control. Such boasting ignores God’s gifts and invites judgment. Yet Scripture allows boasting that gives glory to God for what He has done in and through His people. Salvation removes all grounds for self-praise, while godly boasting highlights Christ’s work, transformed lives, perseverance, generosity, and grace, always ensuring that God alone receives the glory He deserves. A Lesson

Summary When wronged, our natural desire is revenge, but Scripture calls believers to a supernatural response. Seeking payback allows evil to control us, while withholding judgment reflects God’s mercy. God delays judgment to lead people to repentance, placing justice fully in His hands. By forgiving, showing patience, and extending grace, believers imitate Christ, display the fruit of the Spirit, and become channels of God’s transforming kindness. I was angry. Someone broke

Summary God’s judgment is not rooted in cruelty but in love, justice, and restoration. Just as disruption requires correction, sin disrupts God’s original design of joyful fellowship. God created humanity to share the Trinity’s unbroken joy, love, and peace. Judgment restores this plan by protecting eternal fellowship, blessing those who desire God’s life, and removing persistent rebellion that destroys harmony and joy. I coach track and field throwers at my local high school

Summary God’s judgment is based on a perfect standard, His own righteous character. Humanity fails the test of earned righteousness, but God offers credited righteousness through faith in Jesus. Christ’s perfect obedience qualifies Him as our substitute, granting forgiveness and new life. Unbelievers are judged for their deeds, while believers are rewarded according to faithfulness. God’s justice is exact, yet His grace makes salvation wonderfully accessible. Judgment Require

Summary Christians judge situations daily, but criticizing people often damages God’s mission. Being judgmental repels those we hope to reach, while grace draws them toward Christ. Scripture teaches that God alone is qualified to judge, blending justice and love perfectly. Believers are not the Holy Spirit. They are called to withhold condemnation, extend grace, and point others to the forgiveness made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We Judge Constantly in Eve

Summary Immature believers often choose church leaders based on charisma or worldly success rather than biblical qualifications. This results in unhealthy churches that repeat the same problems generation after generation. Scripture emphasizes character, spiritual maturity, faithfulness, and devotion to Christ as essential leadership traits. Healthy churches depend on spiritually healthy leaders who live out God’s Word, care for others, and clearly follow God’s call. Choosing

Summary God gives every believer valuable spiritual gifts designed to serve others, not themselves. While natural abilities often benefit us, God calls His children to use both natural and spiritual gifts for His glory. Like trusted servants, believers are accountable for what they’ve been given. Every Christian is “a ten somewhere,” uniquely equipped to fulfill God’s purpose by blessing others through faithful service. A Gift No One Wanted The gift was memorable if not usabl

Summary Idolatry is our natural drift, loving something more than God. How we use time, money, energy, and attention exposes what rules our hearts. Scripture warns that even good things and religious traditions can replace God. Seven practical tests help reveal misplaced devotion and restore true worship. When gratitude, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guide our lives, God remains central, and idolatry loses its grip. Passions That Reveal Our True Devotion I’m passionate about my

Summary Doing good deeds or serving worthy causes can quietly replace God as the center of life. Scripture teaches that our purpose is not generic goodness but abiding in Christ and doing the works God specifically planned. When good feelings, success, or causes take God’s place, idolatry results. True freedom comes from exclusive devotion to Christ, who alone gives meaning, direction, and lasting fruit. When Good Causes Replace God The last verse of “What I Live For” by Geor