Remarkably Easy Steps For A Better Life
Could it be that an ancient king’s writings would give me direction for my life in 2020?
I don’t know about you, but I do know I want direction in my life. I once was young and knew a lot, now, I’m old and don’t know much. Knowledge increases at such a rapid pace. I can’t keep up with it. But I remain eager to know what I don’t know. So, I continue my search for guidance for living a productive life.
Let’s open the book of Proverbs and read what the ancient King Solomon wrote thousands of years ago. Proverbs is a treasure trove of wisdom relevant for today.
Real breakthroughs, [let us call them, ‘steps forward’], in life are in Proverbs. You’re not looking for a sudden burst. No, sustained growth is what you and I are after in living the joyful life God intended for us. I have three steps forward from the book of Proverbs. Let’s get your steps moving in the right direction.
- Here’s a step forward I know you want to take. You want to build better relationships with your family and your friends. The ancient king writes;
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3–4
Solomon says to bind mercy and truth around your neck. That’s interesting since your neck is between the brain and heart. The connection between your mind and heart is crucial in building long-lasting relationships. You’re not to lose sight of the importance of being a person that exudes kindness in your relationships. Be sure to wrap the truth you speak with empathetic mercy. You will reap the benefits of favor and respect in your community of friends. The admiration of your family will be yours.
Warren Wiersbe says; “The most miserable prison in the world is the prison we make for ourselves when we refuse to show mercy.”
2. Here’s another thought, I’m sure you want to end stupid mistakes? Yes, of course, you do. So, the ancient king says, do this;
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors, there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
The key here is to eradicate STUPID errors, but not all mistakes. Some mistakes become stepping stones to a better life. Admitting our foolish miscues is a prerequisite for us to achieve growth in our life. Old Ben Franklin warns us, “When in doubt, don’t.” The doubts you have about your next step provides the clue. You need advice. It is good to take the necessary time to ask for the help of others.
3. Another step forward is how to capture more joy in your life. Let’s see what wisdom the ancient king has for us?
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23.
I can’t tell you, no, I don’t want to tell you how many times I tried to take back the words I spoke. So many times, I have hurt myself by my words. Once we talk, we become the owner of those words. We either suffer the consequences or reap the benefits from the ownership of those words. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the U. S., known as Silent Cal, said, “I’ve never been hurt by anything I didn’t say.” Oh, that we would think before we speak.
How good it is to speak words of encouragement to others. It is better to leave your family or friend with uplifting words ringing in their ears. I remember the feelings I had when I gave compliments to the person I was in conversation with, so, so good.
So, according to the ancient king, you can increase your joy with the words you speak.
Let’s sum this up. The ancient king’s words reverberate down through the centuries nudging us to take steps forward to attain a productive full and enjoyable life.
- It is in your power to build better relationships.
- Take a clue from your doubt about your next step. To eliminate stupid mistakes, seek advice.
- The words you speak are seeds that will blossom into more joy for you.
Look here. I have seven reasons to be happy.
Subscribe to my Rich List, it’s free.
Thanks for reading,
Richard