#845 "Boy, don't shrink your thinking! - Pops - Proverbs 11

What does Proverbs 11 teach us about expanding our capacity for success, relationships, leadership, business, wealth, and the blessings God has for our lives? My Pops used to tell me, “Boy, don’t shrink your thinking”—and Proverbs 11 might be one of the clearest biblical blueprints I’ve ever found for building a foundation strong enough to think bigger, live bigger, and handle more. Yesterday, a friend told me about a phone call that happened because of one relationship—and that conversation could lead to a $25 million investment capable of shifting the landscape of one of the most well-known sports in the world. Then we talked about Maddox getting serious about photography and what we were doing this weekend. Normal conversation. Oh…and I forgot. My morning started with one of the most elite trial lawyers in Atlanta talking about preparation, motherhood, serving her community, and some of the highest-profile cases in the country. And it hit me: Relationships expand your world—but your foundation determines your capacity to handle what enters it. Proverbs 11 lays that foundation out in almost ridiculous detail. Do the right thing. Integrity wins. Pride brings disgrace; humility brings wisdom. You can’t buy love. Relationships cannot be faked. Put your hope in the right place. Speak Life. Preparation creates confidence. Be generous. Be good to people. Watch your mouth. Gossip never wins. Foolish people talk about people. Wise people talk about ideas. Seek wise counsel. Stay out of debt. Do right business. Honor what is truly valuable. Honor your family. Trust God to provide. Years ago, Mark Palermo told me that most challenges in business ultimately come down to capacity. I think that’s true about life too. If we want to expand our capacity, we have to strengthen our foundation. Proverbs 11 shows us how. Because when the foundation is strong, maybe we stop shrinking ourselves to fit our circumstances—and develop the capacity to receive the relationships, opportunities, responsibilities, and blessings designed for our lives. Pops, you were right again. And somehow you summed up an entire chapter of Proverbs in five words: “Boy, don’t shrink your thinking.” Sit with that for a second. Wisdom doesn't have to be complicated. Thanks, Pops. I miss you every day. I love you. Subscribe to The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas for INCHSTONES on Proverbs, biblical wisdom, leadership, personal development, relationships, business, faith, mindset, purpose, entrepreneurship, and becoming the person capable of carrying what you're asking God for.