King Solomon, known as the wisest man in the world wrote and coauthored biblical text giving instruction on wisdom and Godly living. Proverbs, King Solomon’s first book, contains prose and poetry and to note wrote by a young King Solomon. Proverbs 21: 5 reveals, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (New International Version). Proverbs 16:16-17 affirms, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives”. This essay provides insight of these verses meaning and its blessing to one that adheres its principles.
Biblical Integration
Wisdom:
Proverbs 16:16-17 affirms, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver. The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives”. Wisdom is priceless, a value that is immeasurable. Insight gives one the clarity in any situation and guides one through their decision making. Living a life of wisdom prevents the upright from evil and helps preserve their life. To gain wisdom and insight gives courage and excitement. Proverbs 4:7 expounds, “Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding” (Holman Christian Standard Bible). One looks forward to the future with an expected hope, and faith that God’s blessings will meet them wherever God leads with abundance. When one uses the lessons from Proverbs as the model one receives the wisdom and the spiritual growth from practice.
Integrity:
Proverbs 21:5 affirms “haste leads to poverty” which is a direct result of lack of integrity. Integrity holds one accountable for actions and demands preparation and e...
... middle of paper ...
... the next Hemmingway; we must all keep integrity and persevere. Practicing to be a student of integrity helps us all to a student of God. Exemplifying integrity means learning to follow God’s will. The key is to go to the source.
Time Management
Proverbs 21:5 first mentions “the plans” meaning one must make a plan. Through time management, one can appoint a plan and course of action for each class. The success of each student depends on plans for studying and completing assignments. Proverbs 21:5 furthers that the one who plans becomes “the diligent”. Time management requires two things: a plan and diligence. The benefit of time management is that it allows one realistically to see what time is available to commit to one’s school life. In order for one to become the diligent a plan is necessary and respecting that plan and time allotted leads to overall profit.
According to Fleishman (1981), outlined in O’Leary’s book, a person with integrity, genuinely, wants to do the right thing in all situation evidenced by the steps they take. The conflict may arise because there is no one code of conduct for society, therefore, the person is left to their own devices and moral fiber to figure out the steps (O’Leary, 2014).
In our society there excites a general feeling of distrust. We live in a culture of false advertising and as a result we don’t know who we can trust. People are constantly afraid that the government, corporations and media, are lying to them. Stephen L. Carter’s article The Insufficiency of Honesty, captured my attention because it addressed this issue at its core and left me contemplating the issue of integrity vs. honesty. Currently, there is an outcry for honesty. But in truth honesty is not enough and not quit what we are looking for. Honesty is often used to deceive, to induce harm and to avert blame. What people are really searching for is integrity. Carter’s article address the difference between honesty and integrity and how honesty can be used dishonestly. He also discussed how long held beliefs effect our perception of honesty. All of these factors affect how we view our society and add to our feelings of mistrust.
“Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble and in choosing the lesser evil.”
“Grant me the strength, time and opportunity always to correct what I have acquired, always to extend its domain; for knowledge is immense and the spirit of man can extend indefinitely to enrich itself daily with new requirements.” - Oath of Maimonides
Webster’s dictionary defines wisdom as, “the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.” (p. 724) To gain such knowledge, one may consider many years of school. Perhaps a Bachelor’s degree or even a Master’s degree will help one to achieve great wisdom. Or maybe just a life time of experience is what one needs to gain this kind of wisdom. Wright (1989) defines wisdom as “The practical translation and application of the Word of God to everyday life.” (p. 69) Wright (1989) does not speak of the kind of wisdom gained through scholarly books. He speaks of Biblical wisdom. He speaks of the wisdom that comes from great scriptures such as Proverbs 2:10-11, “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.” (The Holy Bible NKJV, 1986) According to Wright, (1989) there are 4 important components to achieving the kind of wisdom he speaks about.
As humans we encounter wisdom on a daily basis. One can find it in anything and everything. Wisdom can be found in a person, a place, or even an experience. It can be found in the sky, in the leaves that sway with the wind, or in the oceans powerful tide. Wisdom is everywhere, but to experience the full affects of it, one must understand that these people, places, objects, and experiences need to become part of us. Without doing this we are only merely
...rity, as with as much in life, involves a system of interconnected rights and responsibilities that reflect our mutual dependence upon one another. The success of our individual efforts in this course, as with so much in life, depends on all of us conscientiously exercising our rights and living up to our responsibilities. And the failure of any of us--even just one of us--to do what is required will diminish, however slightly, the opportunity for the rest to achieve their goals. That is why it's essential for all of us in this class to practice academic integrity, n both senses of the word practice. For practice today will lay a solid foundation for practice tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, so that through daily practice integrity will come to woven throughout the fabric of our lives, and thus through at least a part of the fabric of society.
“The beautiful words of Jesus, spoken so long ago, yet as we sing them over, dearer to us they grow, calling the heavy laden, calling to hearts oppressed, come unto me, ye weary!” This excerpt taking from the hymn the “Beautiful words of Jesus” perfectly sums up yet assures as the memorability of Christ’s words throughout his ministry. This very man who came into this world as a slave, who never attended any Ivy League school had the greatest mind this world has ever known. The words of his heavenly mind engraved in the Holy Bible speak truth and nothing but the truth. It is his words which we stand on today as Christians, that give us the blueprint in which we live and function. Most certainly his words are even at its best through the parables he spoke unto the people. The parables conveyed a powerful message, as he used them in counsel to the people of that time period, his disciples and even to us till this day. From his parables it is quite evident to pick out the top four things that Jesus talks about in scripture which I will do a thorough studies in this paper.
Proverbs 1:20-33 is a climactic telling of what happens to those who do not fear the Lord and seek knowledge as said in Proverbs 1:7. Wisdom is not just talked about in the first chapter, but found throughout the book of Proverbs. Throughout there is also a common theme about what will happen to those who do not choose wisdom. This pericope is basically a set up for the rest of the book in regards to what happens to those who do not choose wisdom. Wisdom is also personified as a woman. Woman wisdom will seek after those who are simple and hate knowledge with patience for only so long; once she has had enough she will present to them one last option that is severe in hopes that they will change their ways.
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom and before honor is humility. (Proverbs 15:33)” This Proverb is a part of a set of Proverbs in the Bible. The group of Proverbs is a list of essential life lessons. The proverb itself is used to foreshadow the rising and falling action. Jacques tries to gain honor and wealth through physical objects but learns that humility is more important and valuable.
Many people believe that wisdom actually promotes happiness, not sorrow, because of what Solomon said in Proverbs 3:13, “ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Many people find it odd that Solomon would counter his own statement “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge the more grief,” but what they do not understand is that Solomon is talking about two different kinds of wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 1 and 2, Solomon is talking about wisdom “under the heavens,” which means apart from God. He concludes that wisdom is “grasping for the wind.” The wisdom that Solomon refers to in Proverbs 3 is true wisdom, or the fear of God. The fear of God actually means to obey God. Eventually, Solomon concludes that true happiness is living a life of righteousness in obedience to God. True wisdom will lead to
Proverbs 16:9: The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
The quest for knowledge and learning has been occuring since the creation of mankind. Ever since the serpent in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve to eat the forbidden apple from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, promising she would wise as the gods, man has been battling with this endless pursuit. Some men want wisdom so that they may be able to live a good and righteous life. Other men want only the power that knowledge can bring them, to use it for their own sinful purposes.
The wise walk in the ways of God while the fool walks in the ways of sin. The wise are blessed by God while the fools come to ruin. Wisdom is from God and starts with God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). The wise obtain this godly wisdom by seeking God and following his commands. However, fools reject God’s wisdom and reject Him. “Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways” (Proverbs 14:2). The wise accept advice from others and learn from their mistakes. The folly ignore advice and are prideful. “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). The wise know how to hold their tongue and are slow to anger. The fool, however, does not hold back his foolish words and is quick to become angry. “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs
"All of it is clear to a person who has understanding and right to those who have acquired knowledge." (Proverbs 8:6-9)