Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,
his heart rages against the LORD.
Wealth brings many new friends,
but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
Many seek the favor of a generous man,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
All a poor man’s brothers hate him;
how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
he who keeps understanding will discover good.
(ESV)
—Proverbs 19:1-8
by: Grace Crouch.
I once worked for two successful doctors. One is a devout Christian man who is well respected in the community. Patients choose him because they know that he seeks direction from God. They value his opinion because his life exemplifies his relationship with Christ.
The other doctor is a good man who tries to do what is right but finds little time for church and family. His entire being portrays sadness and emptiness. He has a lot of friends and most of his patients are wealthy.
Although both of these men are wealthy, one has a fulfilling life because he seeks the Lord’s will. The other seeks advice from worldly, influential men, and his life is empty. “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good” (Proverbs 19:8, KJV). Where do you seek your wisdom?