Words of Wisdom Podcast

Being careful with our words is the mark of wise living. But when we speak rashly rather than carefully weighing the impact our words can have, we deem ourselves to be of greater importance than the hearer. Impulsiveness when speaking reveals, at best, a heart of foolishness, and at worst, a heart filled with pride, lack of restraint, and overconfidence. People who speak carelessly often fail to weigh the consequences, listen first, or exercise self-control. Real wisdom begins with humility and being mindful of how what we say can and will affect others around us. Illustration: From the TV show […]

Generosity and compassion lie at the heart of true wisdom. When it is within our power to help, we must not delay or make excuses, for withholding good from those who deserve it is a failure of love. Whether it is something like money or food, or advice or encouragement, when we act with generosity, we are, in essence, lending to Yahweh, who promises to repay our faithfulness and generous giving with blessing. However, it is the ever-present struggle with self-centeredness and procrastination that often hinder one’s compassion and decision to act. But the wisdom of Proverbs calls for us […]

Trust and social order are disrupted when the personal property of others is not respected and honored. While ancient boundary markers designated the extent of land ownership, and people were not to move those and take advantage and expand their property, today people still attempt to move “boundary markers” to get what they want. Everyone agrees that there are invisible “boundary markers” around their personal belongings that indicate others should not take them and do what they please. But people blatantly disregard them and seek to take what they want for their own gain. Illustration: Jonathan Jacoby trespassing and cutting […]

We all make choices that get us into trouble. But fools will tend to make lots of those choices. Even when danger is staring them right in the face, they will still press on, naively turning a blind eye to it. What wisdom tells us is that we should “hide” ourselves to prevent getting caught up in trouble that we could avoid. Otherwise, we will end up paying the price for the foolishness that got us there in the first place. Illustration: The story of John “Chickie” Donohue and his decision to bring his friends beer during the Vietnam War. […]

Words can be weapons! And that is exactly what they become in the mouth of a fool. Surely, we have all used our words in a foolish manner at one time or another and hurt someone. That is because words are powerful and can cause great injury to others. If not used carefully, words can bring a whole world of pain into a person’s life. But words can also be used to help and heal. However, it all comes down to whether we choose to be wise or foolish with them. Illustration: The story of Nabal and Abigail (1 Sam. […]

We all want things in life, but sometimes we just don’t put forth the effort to achieve them. It is not a complicated principle to know that if we don’t do anything, then we don’t get anything. Diligence is about doing what we know is right in a situation to achieve our goal even if we don’t see anything change immediately. But if we just wish for something to happen without putting in the necessary effort, we will never be able to obtain what we desire. Illustration: The diligent effort of Dr. Jonas Salk who tirelessly pursued researching a vaccine […]

Ever come across someone who thinks they know it all? Maybe we tend to think that we have got the answers at times. But a wise person realizes that the journey in gaining knowledge and understanding is never complete. No matter how experienced we are, how much we have studied, or how skilled we have become, there is always room to become even better. Illustration: Expert surgeon Atul Gawande’s decision to hire a coach after 8 years so that he could become an even better surgeon. Verses: Prov. 9:9; 1:5; 12:15; 3:7 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Everyone experiences tough times in life. Some tough times are really hard or filled with deep anguish, sorrow, and pain. But we are not alone through them. We are strengthened and comforted by Yahweh, and if we trust in Him and make Him the one that we depend on, then we know that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we can get back up and keep living for His glory. Illustration: José Hernández and his persistence in applying to the NASA Space Program to be an astronaut every year for over a decade. Verses: Prov. 24:16 Teacher: […]

Sometimes we may think of people who do evil and benefit from it as the ones who end up winning in the end. But that is not the case. Evil people have justice coming, whether it is in this life or at the final judgment. Calamity and destruction will befall those who think they can take advantage of others and get off scott-free. Illustration: Bernie Madoff and his multi-decade investment deception with the largest Ponzi scheme in known history. Verses: Prov. 6:14-15; 16:30; Jer. 17:11 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

The world is not a safe place because there are many people who are seeking to do evil to others. Individuals who have chosen to follow the wickedness of the Devil are called the “Devil’s children” because they do the works of their “father”—the Devil. Wisdom instructs us to be observant and discerning as we live in the world since there are many who desire to take advantage of us and do us harm. Illustration: The Tran Organization casino ring and their deceptive methods to cheat by using non-verbal gestures and signals. Verses: Prov. 6:12-13; 16:27; John 8:44; 1 John 3:10 […]

No one likes to wait for what they want. We live in a world that seeks immediate gratification. While waiting for something takes patience, the payoff when it comes to pass can be huge. If we are willing to stick with things even when the goal seems far off, we will experience deep satisfaction when it finally arrives. So, we must not quit too soon, or we won’t get to experience the joy of success. Illustration: Australian swimmer Emma McKeon failed to qualify for the Olympics, and it almost made her quit swimming altogether. Verses: Prov. 13:12 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Have you ever said, “I don’t want your advice” to someone? Well, if that person is someone you trust, then you just shot yourself in the foot, because why would you not want to hear what they have to say? We often think our perspective is complete and the best, and therefore, what need do we have for the insights of others? But as life will teach us, we are better off asking others, “So what do you think?” Illustration: Queen Elizabeth I’s formation of the Privy Council—her royal advisory board—when she ascended the throne. Verses: Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 20:18; […]

Everyone likes a good deal when buying something, but some people are looking to take advantage of others in a dishonest manner in order to profit off of them. Everyone is out to get something for nothing, if they can. The challenge as a seller is to be wise enough to realize the value of an item and to not allow others to sway you through deceptive means or rhetorical trickery, because people can have hidden agendas. Illustration: When Jerry goes to sell his motorcycle, a buyer tries to depreciate the value and get him to sell it for considerably […]

Everyone likes to be right. But who’s to say whether we actually are or not? Do we get to decide? If it were up to each of us, we would probably claim that most of our actions and behaviors are right. However, the desire to be right is so strong in us that we can tend to make up reasons to legitimize what we have done or are about to do. But only Yahweh can determine if we are deceiving ourselves or living out of a pure heart. Illustration: In the 1964 NFL season, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall […]

Everyone carries their own perspective based on what they know and have experienced. But that perspective may be incomplete, faulty, or misguided, which shows us that information is a fickle thing. One person’s report can seem true at first, but then when we compare it to a second opinion or another source, we spot potential limitations in the first person’s knowledge; this changes our perspective, and we then draw a different conclusion. Thus, the truth is in the whole story, not just the first version we hear.   Illustration: Movie plot from “My Cousin Vinny” (1992) about charges of murder […]

Our world tends to prize brawn over brains, thinking that the stronger you are, the better you are. But muscle can only get you so far. Wisdom and understanding in a situation can get you much farther than brute strength alone. A sharp mind with understanding will outdo strength any day because it is not just working hard physically that yields success, but working smart as well. Illustration: American wrestler Rulon Gardner’s shocking victory over undefeated Russian champion Alexander Karelin to claim gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games  Verses: Prov. 21:22; 16:32 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Everyone has an innate desire to be right and to be knowledgeable about what they are doing. Sometimes this desire grows out of control, and we lose perception of reality by thinking that we are always right and have all the answers. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we are smarter and more understanding than we really are. Until our mindset changes, we are hopelessly lost in a fiction of our own making. Illustration: Alaskan bush pilot Mark Rose mocked God and was full of pride until near-death circumstances caused him to change his mind and believe in God. Verses: […]

When things go wrong in life, we tend to look for someone to blame. Rarely do we naturally like to assume responsibility for our poor choices. Instead of realizing that we made a stupid decision, and it is our fault for why things are the way they are, our sinful human inclination is to transfer the fault to something or someone else. In doing this, we forfeit the opportunity to recognize and learn from our mistakes. Illustration: Bruce Nolan suffering the consequences of his foolish choices and then blaming God for the misfortune in his life, from the movie Bruce […]

Some things in life it seems like we can escape from, or at least avoid the direct consequences of them. But when it comes to sin, the consequences always seem to find a way to come around and bite us in the end. That is because sin is destructive no matter which way you look at it. It will destroy you and likely also injure those around you. And if it is the sin of adultery, you can be sure the damage will be severe. It will bring great harm upon you, everyone involved, and countless others.   Illustration: Carl […]

Yahweh intended man and woman to be united in marriage and to enjoy sexual intimacy within that union. Our world condones people seeking to satisfy their sexual cravings in various ways that do not honor Yahweh’s design for the flourishing of humankind. Husbands and wives are to see their spouse as the sole avenue for sexual pleasure to protect and honor their marriage covenant. Faithful husbands and wives will be blessed as they enjoy many years of satisfying each other and being captivated by their love. Illustration: Bill Yaconis, a dear friend and wonderful example of a faithful husband for […]

Some say that experience is our greatest teacher. And its true that when we make mistakes, and they come with far-reaching effects, we realize very quickly how wrong the choice was that we made. But we can’t go back and change what we did. All of the choices in our lives are one-way streets, and once we figure out that we have been heading down a particular road, it’s too late to undo what has been done. We have to live with the consequences. Illustration: Two stories of men who share how their adultery cost them everything they hold dear. […]

Some choices in life will result in loss no matter which way you look at it. Certain things may appear to offer adventure, excitement, and discovery, but hidden beneath the surface is a world of destruction and suffering. Marriage brings many trials and challenges to life, and some might think that the grass is greener elsewhere. But that is a dangerous thought. The temptation to be unfaithful carries with it an untold amount of hurt and pain. And in the end, it will become a regret that you can never take back. Illustration: Francisco Huizar, who was sued by Keith […]

You can never be too cautious so as to recognize when someone might be trying to seduce you. People can say all kinds of nice things about you and tell you how great they think you are, but if they are trying to manipulate you, watch out! The power of seduction is a deadly venom that if foolishly swallowed will lead to one’s peril and demise. We must guard ourselves against “dangerous” people who would seduce us and have us join them on their journey toward destruction. Illustration: Joseph and the seductive attempts of Potiphar’s wife in Egypt (Gen. 39:1-20) […]

Few things are more deceptive than the promise of pleasure that lust brings. While there might be pleasure for a brief time, inevitably it ends with pain and suffering. Adultery is one of those deceptions. Few people who commit adultery truly understand the far-reaching implications and consequences of their actions. Only after they have sinned do they begin to realize just how destructive adultery can be to their life—and no one is immune to its effects. Illustrations: Jonathan Amerault, who had an affair with the wife of Armando Barron. In a fit of rage on account of Amerault committing adultery […]

Yahweh God created us to experience deep emotions. But not all emotions are created equal. Some are more difficult to deal with than others. Anger and other agitated emotions can quickly lead us into different ways of thinking and acting. And when that happens, we may say and do things that we later regret. We need to be cautious about our emotions and control them, or they will control us. Illustrations: 1) Kanye West interruption during Taylor Swift’s best female video award at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony. 2) Tom Brady’s careful response to the press after Tampa […]

Being “shrewd” or “clever” may not be a characteristic that many seek to grow in. But that is what it means to be “prudent.” We can develop our ability to look ahead and understand where things lead. Contrarily, a person could be content just following their own ideas and desires, and in the end, be misled and deceived. The great deception begins with our own—to be deceived is to deceive. Illustration: Sergei Anatolyevitch Torop (“Vissarion”), Russian cult leader of “Church of the Last Testament,” who professes to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and has a large following living with […]

A person might think that they can enjoy some benefit or personal gain through dishonest means as long as they don’t get caught. The problem is what might seem good in the moment will eventually sting in the end. Wrongdoing can taste “sweet” at first because of the immediate gratification it offers, but the bitter pain of its consequences will eventually find you, either now or in the future. Illustration: Jeffrey Skilling, CEO of Enron, who implemented fraudulent accounting practices to deceive shareholders and investors. Verses: Prov. 20:17; 24:12 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Children watch the behavior and life patterns of their parents and innately model their life after them. If the teaching of the parents is godly and their lives exhibit wisdom, their children will see that and learn how to live with wisdom in their life as well. But parents also must explicitly teach their children about wisdom in hopes that the children listen to and hold onto their words. Illustration: The example of the obedience of the Rechabites to the commandments of their ancestor Jonadab. Verses: Prov. 4:1-4; 9:10; Jer. 35:1-17 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

We all need money to live. With the ever-increasing cost of living and the invention of so many new things to make life better, getting rich can sound like a good plan to solve that problem and acquire everything we want. But wealth is deceptive in that it is inherently unstable. One day we can have it, and the next day it vanishes. Illustration: Sean Russell’s disastrous 2017 investment in bitcoin. Verses: Prov. 23:4-5 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Emotions are a powerful part of who God created us to be. He did not intend for us to be controlled by our emotions– we must learn to master them. Without self-control, we become dangerous and unpredictable. We don’t often make good decisions when emotionally embroiled, tending to hurt others by our words and actions because out of control emotions tend to result in foolish choices. Illustration: Russell Crowe assaulting a hotel desk clerk with a telephone in a fit of rage Verses: Prov. 25:28 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Sometimes we only learn our lesson after the consequences of our actions catch up with us. Why is it so hard at times to see the pain down the road that our actions will cause? Foolishness causes a wide range of damage to our lives, and one of the areas it can drastically affect is our finances. Being enticed by sin and making poor choices, especially when it comes to sexual conduct, can have far reaching and harmful effects where we destroy our wealth in the process. Illustration: The Parable of the Lost Son (Lk 15:11-24) Verses: Prov. 29:3; 5:8-13 Teacher: Jerry […]

When life knocks us down, it may seem impossible to stand back up and keep going. But we don’t have to face our struggles in life in our own power. The person who submits to Yahweh will never walk through life alone, and when adversity knocks them down, they can rise again; disaster doesn’t have to end in our defeat; we can get back up again! Illustration: Michael (“Eddie the Eagle”) Edwards and his struggle to qualify for ski jumping in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. Verses: Prov. 24:16 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please […]

Everyone needs friends. Life is better being in relationship with people, and friendships are an important part of that. But not all friendships are equal. Some friends are better friends than others, and some friends are merely social. However, true friends and will stand by your side. What distinguishes one friend from the next and why does it matter? Wisdom reveals that knowing who your true friends are is important. Illustration: Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee in the The Lord of the Rings on the slopes of Mount Doom in Mordor. Verses: Prov. 18:24; 17:17 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille If you […]

People often strive for satisfaction in life through money, status, family, or other life accomplishments so they can live at ease and not worry about life any longer. But there is only one thing that can give us true life, rest, and contentment. If we seek to attain the fullness of life on our own, we will be left with only disappointment and heartache because we can’t do it ourselves. Illustration: The Parable of the Businessman and the Fisherman Verses:  Prov. 19:23; 14:26-27   Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille  If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at […]

Living wisely or foolishly has long-reaching effects. We experience many consequences of our choices in our present life. But some consequences will not become known until in the future. Wisdom provides health, success, and well-being, but more importantly, long life now, and everlasting life in God’s future kingdom. While the wicked might seem to prosper now, there is a day coming where they will be “cut off” and will be no more. Illustration: Sheila Fields, who is a landlord in Buffalo, NY, suffered immense loss from the behavior of a deceptive and violent tenant. Verses:  Prov. 2:20-22  Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille  If […]

We all desire to be spoken well of but we must be careful that we don’t get caught in the trap of flattery from others where we might then make poor choices that we normally wouldn’t. Sexual sin (like adultery) rarely happens suddenly. The seductiveness of flattery is that it works little by little over time until a person decides to make a foolish decision that they will regret the rest of their life. Verses:  Prov. 2:16-19  Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://stfi.org/donate

The world is filled with people who are seeking ways to take advantage of others. Wisdom will protect those who listen to her from all manner of evil perversions, twisted paths, and devious ways of the wicked. Wisdom is a guardian who will provide safety from the unrighteous schemes of evil people who would gladly exploit others for their own benefit. Illustration: Charles C. Parker, a New York con artist who sold the Brooklyn Bridge to wealthy immigrants for over 40 years. Verses:  Prov. 2:12-15   Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://stfi.org/donate

Wisdom is a multi-faceted reality that can be described as consisting of understanding, insight, discretion, discernment, and many other important qualities. The practical value of wisdom is that it safeguards us against making bad choices and suffering the consequences of foolish mistakes. In this way, wisdom is our protector and guardian, watching over us and helping us, if we will let wisdom come into our heart and be willing to learn what it means to be wise. Illustration: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings’ vision for online movie streaming to avoid company failure and bankruptcy and to lead the entertainment industry into […]

The Book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom, but where does that wisdom come from? Many of the proverbs are the words of Solomon, but their origin lies with Yahweh who is the source of all wisdom. If we desire to have true wisdom in life, then we must seek Yahweh with all our heart and ask him to give us wisdom so that we can live in righteousness, integrity, and humility. Illustration: King Solomon receiving wisdom from God to administer justice among the people of Israel Verses:  Prov. 2:6-8; Jas 1:5-8   Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille  If you were blessed by […]

We desire many things in life, and we often expend much energy striving to attain them. But sometimes we don’t put forth the effort that is needed, or we don’t stick with it long enough to see the results. We must not have that sort of short-sighted attitude or half-hearted effort in our search for wisdom. Wisdom is like a crown jewel or the finest silver—wisdom is the greatest treasure. The question is, “Do we have the desire and determination to find her?” Illustration: Howard Carter and the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Verses:  Prov. 2:1-5   Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille  […]

In a succinct and powerful statement, Lady Wisdom exhorts listeners to “Leave their naïve ways and live.” We all have areas of foolishness in our lives, but sometimes changing our habits and ways of thinking is difficult and takes time and determination. But walking on the road of understanding will yield a life that cannot be achieved with foolishness. We must turn away from and leave it behind in order to experience the life that Yahweh intends for us to have. Illustration: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) – the younger son comes to his senses and leaves […]

Lady Wisdom is a personification of the attribute of wisdom. She invites people to come and dine with her as a metaphor for listening to her and learning from her. In her presence, her guests can experience many wonderful and satisfying things that show how gracious and beneficial she is to those who accept her invitation. If this is a picture of what life is like by having wisdom, then we should desire to find Lady Wisdom and enjoy the good life that only she can provide. Illustration: Preston Bailey, internationally acclaimed event designer, who has designed some of the […]

The voice of Lady Folly tempts people to see sweet and pleasant things in what is mischievous and rebellious. Her allure is in the excitement and thrill of getting away with what we want. But she doesn’t tell you that her rewards are superficial and temporary, and they often come with drastic consequences. She calls out to people, inviting them to join her in secret pleasures, but little do they know that, in the end, it will always leave a bitter taste in their mouths. Illustration: Jordan Belfort, stockbroker busted for investment fraud, nicknamed “The Wolf of Wall Street” Verses:  Prov. […]

Lady Folly is a personification of the attribute of foolishness. She imitates wisdom as she tries to seduce people to listen to her, offering enticing and appealing things to lure naïve people into her trap. But that is like any replica, it is designed to look like the authentic. If we know what to look for and if we examine where the road leads, we can easily spot that Lady Folly is a complete fraud. Illustration: Wolfgang Beltracchi, the most famous art forger of all time. Verses:  Prov. 9:13-18  Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille  If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting […]

We might think of foolishness as a relatively harmless characteristic of a person, but the Book of Proverbs thinks much differently about it. Foolishness is very harmful and destructive. We might not immediately perceive the wickedness in foolishness, but its consequences will come to bite everyone who is involved. Danger abounds when encounter a fool in their foolishness, so we must be wise and cautious to avoid it. Illustration: Bear attack in Montana, and three friends killed on a fishing trip in Florida. Verses:  Prov. 17:12  Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille  If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by […]

What sort of person would you call upon if you were in a pinch and needed help? Should what you know regarding a person’s character affect your degree of confidence in them? Wisdom is about having discernment, and therefore, knowing someone’s character and established pattern of behavior is important for knowing whether it is wise to put your confidence in them. If a person isn’t a “faithful” individual, then your confidence is misplaced. Illustration: Rescue scene from the movie Toy Story featuring Woody and Buzz Lightyear. If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate

Justice is something that Yahweh God cares deeply about. Judicial systems are set up to maintain justice, but they are flawed. Sometimes the innocent are convicted while the guilty go free. In Yahweh’s eyes, any perversion of justice is an abomination. He is disgusted when wrong is called right, and right is called wrong. How can we strive to live with justice in our lives with the fear of Yahweh? Illustration: Horace Roberts, wrongfully convicted of a crime but exonerated 20 years later by DNA testing. If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate

What Proverbs teaches us is that our attitude and way of thinking can send us down two drastically different roads. One ends in disaster, and the other in glory. Pride does bring glory and honor; rather, humility is what does that. When we live with humility, willing to submit to Yahweh and live with the fear of Yahweh, then he will exalt us and give us glory and honor. Illustration: Aesop’s Fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare,” 800-meter runner Taoufik Makhloufi, and financial guru Dave Ramsey If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate

Pride makes us think more highly of ourselves than we should, and it produces in us a sense of overconfidence and self-importance. When we are full of pride, we can lose sight of thinking things through clearly and sensibly. Thus, as a consequence, pride leads us to experience disaster in our lives. We are warned against succumbing to the temptation of pride because the consequence can be very high, even deadly. Illustration: Kami Rita Sherpa, the world record holder for the number of times summitting Mount Everest If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate

If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate