A Manual for Living Stupid is as stupid

A Manual for Living Stupid is as stupid does.

William Bennett was the Secretary of Education during the Reagan-Bush years. He said: "We live in an era that almost seems dedicated to the corruption of the young, to assuring the loss of children’s innocence before their time. Since 1960, there has been more than a 500% increase in violent crime, more than a 400% increase in out of wedlock births, tripling of the percentage of children living in single parent homes, tripling of the teenage suicide rate, doubling of the divorce rate, a drop of almost 75 points in the SAT scores of our students. ”

Chuck Colson stated in his radio program “Turning Point”— “America has moved away from a moral spiritual foundation, we have now at the end of the 20 th century, for the first time raised an entire generation of young people who have no conscience because their parents have no sense of morality of right and wrong. Since the parents had nothing, they had nothing to pass along to their teenagers. ”

Newsweek calls this the “age of enlightenment skepticism, ” where it’s OK for you, but not OK for me; it’s right for you, but not right for me; wrong for you, but not wrong for me; you’ve got your way and I’ve got my way. There are no standards of absolute right and wrong. But if there are no absolute standards, then dishonesty is just as good as honesty and hatred is just as good as compassion and laziness is just as good as hard work. That’s what happens to a society that loses the concept of what’s right and what’s wrong.

For a world that has lost its way, God wrote a book, called Proverbs, to bring us back. Practical, down to earth teaching about what is right and what is wrong, and how we ought to treat people and how we ought to live, how our behavior ought to be different if we call ourselves a believer in Jesus Christ.

The Book of Proverbs was written 3000 years ago, and it speaks to us today. It is practical, down to earth, timeless, and relevant. What is a proverb? Proverbs are principles not absolutes. It is a collection of wise sayings & good advice for daily living--, a “short sentence founded upon long experience. ”

All of us carry with us the collective wisdom passed on to us by the people who’ve been most significant in our lives. Right or wrong, we’ve picked this wisdom up from parents, friends, teachers, leaders, relatives, barbers, and just about everybody … all the people who shaped and molded us as we were growing up. Some of this wisdom has been valuable and some, not so much.

The early bird may catch the worm, but the second mouse…gets the cheese.

Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.

It’s all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

It isn’t difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill -- just add a little dirt.

The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.

The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.

You’ll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

Some of the wisdom passed down to us, led us in the wrong direction. • Look out for number one. • If it feels good, do it. • Image is Everything • Shop ‘till You Drop • Rules are Made to be Broken • Live and Let Live

Because of all of the confusing information in this world, God gives a book that tells us how to live godly in an ungodly world. He teaches us skills for living.

Who Wrote Proverbs?

I, Solomon, David’s son and Israel’s king, pass on to you these proverbs—a treasury of wisdom— 1

There a number of individuals who contributed to the Book of Proverbs, “Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel” is listed as the one responsible for the compilation and structure of Proverbs. Others whose writings appear in Proverbs include Agur (30), Lemuel (31), and advisors to King Hezekiah of Judah (25 -29). Solomon is believed to have authored the section from 1 -24.

We know that God gave Solomon great wisdom. But we have to wonder, how much wisdom Solomon exhibited as he had 700 wives & 300 concubines. . & 1000 mother-inlaws!!!

What is the Purpose of Proverbs?

2 So that you would recognize wisdom and value discipline; that you would understand insightful teaching 3 And receive wise guidance to live a disciplined life; that you would seek justice and have the ability to choose what is right and fair.

We need discernment: To improve efficiency, a company hired a consultant, who called a meeting of all shop personnel. Stressing the need to listen to experts, he said, "Imagine you're on the Titanic, and it's sinking. You climb into a lifeboat. Which direction would you row? "

Then he asked, "What if you had the ship's navigator with you? Now which way would you go? You'd row the way the navigator told you to, right? " There were murmurs of agreement until a guy in the back piped up, "Well, I don't know. He's already hit one iceberg!“You need discernment concerning whom you'll take advise.

We need wisdom in our problem solving. A small town had three churches: Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist. All three had a serious problem with squirrels in the church. Each church in its own fashion had a meeting to deal with the problem. The Presbyterians decided that it was predestined that squirrels be in the church and that they would just have to live with them.

The Methodists decided they should deal with the squirrels lovingly in the style of Charles Wesley. They humanely trapped them and released them in a park at the edge of town. Within 3 days, they were all back in the church. The Baptists had the best solution. They voted the squirrels in as members. Now they only see them at Christmas and Easter.

Since the purpose of the Proverbs is that we might know WISDOM. This brings us to the question-What is wisdom and how do we acquire it? 7 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Most Bible teachers view this verse as the motto or theme of the entire book of Proverbs.

910 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 813 All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 1533 Fear-of-GOD is a school in skilled living— first you learn humility, then you experience glory.

What does it mean to “fear God? ” 1. It is not cringing terror. It is respecting God for who he is. The fear of the Lord is to bow the knee before Almighty God and acknowledge that he made the world and that it runs according to his plan. 2. It is an affectionate awe & reverence that results in humbly bowing to the Father's will. 3. Submission. It is a desire not to sin against Him because His wrath is so awful and His love is so awesome. 4. "Fear" also includes a correct relationship with Yahweh.

Wisdom comes from God, not from education, experience, or age. Proverbs 2: 6 -7 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. ”

Wisdom comes from God, . An imbecile man decides one day that he is sick and tired of people calling him stupid, so he decides to show his wife that he is really smart. While his wife is off at work, he decides that he is going to paint a couple of rooms in the house. The next day, right after his wife leaves for work, he gets down to the task at hand. His wife arrives home at 5: 30 and smells the distinctive smell of paint. She walks into the living room and finds her husband lying on the floor in a pool of sweat. She notices that he is wearing a ski jacket and a fur coat at the same time. She rushes over and says, “Honey, are you all right? ” He slowly nods his head yes.

“What are you doing? ” she asks incredulously. “I wanted to prove that I’m not so dumb, ” he started, “and I wanted to do it by painting the house. ” “Well why do you have both a ski jacket and a fur coat on? ” she asks dumbfounded. “Well, ” he says, “I was reading the directions on the paint can and it said: For best results, put on two coats. ”

Acquiring wisdom means boldly asking God. James 1: 5— “If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking. ” We can also pursue wisdom by reading the Bible.

Another way we pursue wisdom is by developing the art of observation. A person is walking along the road and he notices the yard of a lazy person. He notices that the yard is overgrown with weeds, that the walls around the yard are broken down and in need of repair. “A nap here, a nap there, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!” Observe the world around you, watch how people respond, what kind of consequences come from certain actions.

At Disneyland almost all the rides and attractions have a hidden set of Mickey mouse ears somewhere in the attraction. This was the designers’ way of putting Walt Disney’s thumbprint on every attraction. Yet if you don’t know about the hidden Mickey ears ahead of time, you don’t see them. But once you know about them, you start looking, and then you start seeing the hidden Mickey ears everywhere.

Like hidden Mickey mouse ears on every Disneyland attraction, all of God’s creation has within it the fingerprint of God’s wisdom. Once you know that, you can start to see that wisdom simply by looking at the world around you.

Who was Proverbs Written for?

4 -6 A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.

In its original context, Proverbs is practical wisdom passed down from parents (especially fathers) to young men who are preparing to enter a life of adult responsibilities: family, business, community leadership, and so on. A parenting strategy as moms and dads tried to equip their children to live God centered, successful lives.

A Texas judge on Tuesday sentenced a wealthy 16 -year-old boy to 10 years of probation for a horrific drunken driving crash that killed four people and seriously injured two others this summer.

Prior to sentencing, a psychologist called by the defense, Dr. G. Dick Miller, testified that Ethan’s life could be salvaged with one to two years' treatment and no contact with his parents. . Miller said Couch's parents gave him "freedoms no young person should have. " He called Couch a product of "affluenza, " where his family felt that wealth bought privilege and there was no rational link between behavior and consequences and he was unable to understand right from wrong.

According to police, Couch was going 70 miles-per-hour in his father's Ford F-350 pickup in a 40 mph zone when he lost control and started a deadly chain of collisions that claimed the lives of four and seriously injuring two of the seven passengers riding in his truck.

Earlier in the night, police say that several of the passengers were caught on camera stealing two cases of beer from a local Walmart. At the time of the crash, Couch had a blood alcohol content of 0. 24, three times the legal limit for an adult, and also had traces of Valium in his system.

8 So, my son, pay attention to your father’s guidance, and do not ignore what your mother taught you— 9 Wear their wisdom as a badge of honor and maturity, as fine jewelry around your neck.

Let’s look at some “mommy” words of wisdom and draw some life-lessons from these quotes.

Whenever you were going somewhere that required an overnight bag, she would always remind you to pack clean. . . Why?

. . . underwear. " Why? (In case you got in an accident. )

Mom always warned you to wear clean underwear - in case you were in an accident. With that little piece of advice your mother did a number of things at once. She taught you good hygiene and personal grooming. She taught you that life is uncertain. To expect the unexpected. "In case you’re in an accident. " And most importantly, she instilled within you a sense of healthy shame. She taught you there were things to be ashamed of. That you should always do what is right - even if it is unseen.

The Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York Harbor in 1886. It was 151 feet to the top of her head. That is 15 stories high, and in the middle of the harbor. It wouldn’t be until the early 1900’s - at least after 1908 - that the first plane would fly overhead. That would be nearly 36 years. Yet Bartholdi designed Lady Liberty with a part in her hair. (The model for the Statue of Liberty was his mother. )

Num. 32: 23, "Be sure your sins will find you out. ” Hebrews 4: 13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. ”

Always do right. Even when others can’t see or when no one seems to be looking. Otherwise you may be embarrassed. And if you question your mother’s wisdom, you can put it to the test. Wear dirty underwear. You are guaranteed to get in an accident.

Sitting on the living room floor, how many times did you hear these words, "Don’t sit too close to the…. Why?

television. " Why? (It’s bad for you eyes. )

Mom told you not to sit so close to the "television" because it was bad for your eyes. Mrs. Jean Luber, professor of zoology at the University of Alberta exposed 20 chickens to TV 24 hours a day for 2 ½ months. She found the chickens exposed to continual viewing developed glaucoma, Were blinded and staggered around in a daze.

Jesus said, Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body is full of light. But when they are bad your whole body is full of darkness. (Lk. 11: 34) Jesus warned us long ago what doctors and moms have been telling us for years. Getting too close to TV - too close physically, too close mentally and psychologically and philosophically - is bad for you. “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. . . "

At the supper table you heard this. . . "Clean Your. . . Why?

…plate. Why? "There are starving children in India, Africa (or any foreign country) who would love to eat that. "

For some of us this was our first introduction to the world of missions. This discouraged waste and greed. It caused you to think of others less fortunate than yourself. It promoted thinking outside your own little world. It promoted frugality and consideration. You had to finish what you started. To see a project through. It reminded us that a job worth doing is worth doing well.

If you asked, "Mom, can I go to Johnny’s (Suzie’s) house? " She’d say, "Ask. . .

…your father. Why? He may have something for you to do.

It was a frustrating time in your life when you asked mom for something, and she told you to ask your father – who often answered with, "go ask your mother. " Be that as it may, this is still great advice. "Ask your father" - both your earthly dad and of course your Heavenly Father as well. When we are faced with an important decision and we are not sure what to do - ask the Lord. If you are not sure if it’s right or wrong to do something - ask God.

Another little piece of sage advice your mother often gave you was, "If you are not sure if it’s right or wrong to do, picture yourself doing it with your father or me beside you. " If you can’t imagine doing something with God at your side, it is best left undone. Prov. 3: 5 -6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Or, direct your paths) Jam. 1: 5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Parents work at protecting their children from physical danger. But there are other dangers as well. Solomon, was concerned about the people who would pose spiritual danger to his son.

When Mike Wood began to advertise his sign company, he didn’t know how useful his work would become. Some of his signs were life-size cardboard pictures of kids, which he put close to the street. Besides advertising his business, the signs had another effect. Motorists thought the cutouts were real children and began to drop their speed. Now Mike sells the cardboard kids to parents who want to slow down speeding drivers in their area. Mike said, “We truly hope that some of our stand-ups help to control speeding in neighborhoods around the country. ”

We need to protect our children by teaching them God’s Word and training them to avoid evil influences. Busy streets are hazardous for our children, but the enticement of taking an evil path is far more dangerous. --Anne Cetas

10 My son, should your less honorable peers pressure you to do what is wrong, you should be strong enough not to go along. 11 If they should say, Evildoers: Come on! Everyone, hide and let’s wait to see whom we can beat to a pulp. We’re going to jump some unsuspecting chumps for no reason at all. 12 We’ll have our way with them, and when we’re through, there will be nothing left, as if their bodies were swallowed whole by the grave’s dark pit. 13 We’ll take whatever we want —all their wealth and their fancy clothes—and when we’re through, we’ll have piles of their treasure for our own. 14 You have to join us; forget about God. We’re going to rake in the goods, and we’ll share all we take!

15 My son, do not join them; keep well away from their violent, destructive paths. 16 For they run right away, every time, to do wrong, and they are thirsty for blood. 17 You see, it makes no sense to bait the net and set the trap while the bird is watching, 18 But these hiding in the shadows and waiting to spill innocent blood are really just hastening their own destruction! By giving in to their sinful desires, they set themselves up to be ambushed. 19 This is what happens to everyone who tries to profit by violence; violence will eventually rob them of their very lives.

The warning that Solomon gives is not to let sinners entice you, allure you, deceive you, flatter you, persuade you into following them. That is how gangs work today. They are on a fishing expedition using various baits to lure their catch into taking a bite and getting hooked. One of the ways they lure people is by the promise of companionship. They seek after those who are lonely, the outcasts, and befriend them. " You have to join us; forget about God. We’re going to rake in the goods, and we’ll share all we take!. " Proverbs 1: 14. The idea here is that you are not only part of our gang, but you will share in the spoils of what we take in.

Besides the companionship there is also the excitement of what they are doing. They plan to kill, steal, hurt people who are innocent victims. They get some kind of perverse pleasure in these activities to the point of it becoming a natural part of their lives. In a Newsweek article from December 13, 1993 they reported that "A 12 -year-old boy turn[ed] without a word and [shot] dead a 7 -year-old girl because she 'diss'ed' him by standing on his shadow. "

In November of 1995, in a suburb of Chicago, "A mother and two of her children [were] slaughtered, one child ripped from her womb. " After they shot the mother in the head, killing her, they ". . . extracted the 38 -week-old, 6 -LB. 8 -oz. baby. After reviving Elijah [this baby that was taken from the womb] with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Williams inexpertly cut the umbilical cord, then cleaned and dressed him. " After this ". . . the threesome fled with the newborn and his brother Joshua, 8 yr. old. . . His captors then allegedly tried poisoning and strangling Joshua before stabbing him to death. "

The reason that gangs continue to grow is because there is the companionship in joining these groups, being part of the so-called family. But ultimately the driving force becomes greed. "We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil. " Proverbs 1: 13. Greed is a horrible monster that is never satisfied but continues to consume more and more till it has destroyed your life.

At Westside Middle School in Jonesboro, Arkansas, two students, ages 11 and 13, pulled the fire alarm at the school, and waited in the field by the school in camouflage clothing, heavily armed. When the students began to exit the school, these two kids opened fire on them and killed 4 girls and 1 teacher, and injuring 10 others. Many wondered how and why this happened. How could two young teenage boys commit such monstrous acts? There truly is only one answer to this problem of evil and that is a heart transplant.

If America is going to change, the hearts of people have to change one by one. Those who have no moral compass, no internal integrity, have to see Christians who hold Godly standards and values and believe in righteous ethical behavior. But until they see the difference incarnated in us, it will just be talk.

A parable is told of a community of ducks waddling off to duck church one Sunday to hear their duck preacher. After they waddled into the duck sanctuary, the service began and the duck preacher spoke eloquently of how God had given the ducks wings with which to fly. He pounded the pulpit with his beak and said, With these wings, there is nowhere we ducks can not go! There is no God-given task we ducks cannot accomplish! With these wings we no longer need walk through life. We can soar high in the sky! Shouts of Amen! were quacked throughout the duck congregation. The duck preacher concluded his Message by exclaiming, With our wings we can fly through life! WE. . . CAN. . . FLY!!!!¨

More ducks quacked out loud AMENS! in response. Every duck loved the service. In fact all the ducks that were present commented on what a wonderfully convicting message they had heard from their duck preacher. . and then they left the church and waddled all the way home. Too often we waddle away from worship and live the same way we waddled in. . Unchanged.

The apostle Paul, who is admonished us to shine in a world filled with darkness, and not to have our light dimmed or put out by those we are with. Philippians 2: 14 -16 a “Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night. "

Proverbs was written so that you and I can become wise people who will be more disciplined, and able to do what is right. To help us acquire and apply God’s wisdom to the decisions and activities of daily life; and in the process, not only change our character but those whom we encounter.

Terry Blankenship--Words to Live By Daniel Villa --Pursuing Wisdom Glenn Branham--Things My Mother Said Tito Dizon--A Book to Bring Us Back