So what, you're going to say "yes" to everything?

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, 
 but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25

There are many people in our lives whose approval we seek.  Often opinions are pushed upon us from all directions and it can be hard to know what is right.  The advice of those you respect is invaluable, but seeking to please everyone will only lead you in circles.  How do you sort out the truth through all the noise?

Something that stands out in this proverb for me is the opening line, 'fear of man'.  If you are afraid of what people may think of you and you seek to keep everyone happy, you are effectively succumbing to this fear.  It takes courage to stick to your guns and do what you know is right.  I have heard it said that if your actions do not cause offence to someone, then you are probably not doing anything truly great. This is not to say that causing offence should be your aim, rather that in achieving great things in life you will always come across opposition.

So where does that leave us?  Simply put, the answer lies in trusting God.  I don't want this to sound all airy fairy, but when you understand that God actually does have a plan for your life, you can ask him and trust that the right door will open.  

Build strong relationships and don't disregard the wisdom of those around you.  This has been a key factor in my life.  Find people you trust and respect, and listen to what they have to say.  Surround yourself with those who are wiser than you, and you may find that wisdom is contagious.

Do not spend your life seeking to please everyone. Rather, develop relationships with people whose advice you respect, and above all else, trust in God and he will direct your paths.

How to get rich quick...or not

A stingy man is eager to get rich 
 and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
Proverbs 28:22

Do you want to be rich?  It's not an unreasonable desire, but it's your motives and actions that will determine your true success in the long run.

Money has the potential to change lives, for good and for bad.  The ability to save and sacrifice is essential in accumulating long lasting wealth.  The trap is not to become stingy and forget that generosity is one of the greatest gifts that money has to offer.  You have to ask yourself why you want to be rich in the first place?

The man who is consumed with the accumulation of money for selfish purposes will find himself all alone, having burnt all his bridges, leaving a trail of broken relationships in his wake.  Wealth can disappear and leave you in poverty before you know what hit you.  Just ask all the people who won the lotto only to end up in a worse position than when they started.

Poverty can be both financial and emotional, guard your heart and never let money or its pursuit consume you.

A man's wealth is measured not by the amount of money he accumulates, but by his generosity.

Warning! Your life will self-destruct in 3..2..1..

The prudent see danger and take refuge, 
 but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 27:12

Are you one step away from self-destruction without even realising it?

Throughout life we are faced with many circumstances that require us to re-evaluate our situation and decide on what our next move might be. The ability to make a timely decision can greatly affect the direction in which our life travels and save us from unnecessary pain and suffering.  Can you take action now that will save you from catastrophe?

This proverb differentiates between two responses, the simple and the prudent. A quick search on Google gives this definition for prudence: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.  To me this really speaks of having a big picture mentality.  In looking to the future and understanding the long-term ramifications of our actions we can make more informed and constructive decisions.  In contrast, the simple don't even want to think about it and keep ploughing forward with their head down.

Maybe it's time you took a long hard look at where you stand in contrast to where you want to be in the future. A little perspective might free you from a destructive relationship, a dead end job,  excessive spending habits, alcoholism or maybe just laziness that has prevented you from even thinking honestly about the your future.

Investing 101, simple as planting a seed

First plant your fields;
 then build your house.
Proverbs 24:27

Cars, clothes and holidays to warm sunny places. It's such a nice feeling to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.  The challenge is to achieve a balance between sowing (earning) and reaping (spending).

To help us understand this proverb here is a simple investment principle for you.

Assets put money in your pocket                   Liabilities take money out

In this proverb fields represent the ability to generate income.  By planting your field you are creating an investment that will return profit in the future, an asset.  Therefore this proverb is saying that it's important to secure your financial security first before spending your money on things that aren't necessities and keep costing you money, liabilities. And as much as I try to justify it to myself an expensive car is not an asset.


There is light at the end of the tunnel.  The proverb doesn't say not to build your house, it just shows us how to do it responsibly.  There are many people who have spent their early years building their assets to such a point that they earn a large income without even getting out of bed.  Being in such a financial position as this provides you with endless opportunities for not only using your finances but also freeing up your most important asset, your time.


It's simple, don't spend money you don't have.  If you want to spend money, build assets first and then let them finance your expenditure.

Sex, money and fast cars, it's all about the look

My son, give me your heart 
 and let your eyes keep to my ways
Proverbs 23:26

Obesity, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, consumerism...shall I go on?  Everyday we are bombarded with stuff that seeks to grab our attention and redirect our actions.  The success of advertising demonstrates the ease as to which our decisions are affected by sexual innuendo and the lure of fortune and fame.  Our eyes wander and then the desires of our heart follow.

This proverb instructs us how to live life without giving in to temptation.  A man whose legacy is told thousands of years after his death, King David, demonstrates this lesson.  He was described by God as 'A man after my own heart'  and was made king of a great nation, yet just like every man he struggled with temptation.  He became lazy and self absorbed which led him to be consumed with the desire to sleep with a hot married woman. The consequences being the slaying of her husband and suffrage of much emotional torment.  Probably not really what he was after.

Giving our heart to God and living by his principles is not for the benefit of his ego, rather it provides us with purpose and protection from the unintended consequences of reckless behaviour.

A life well lived, is a life lived with God.

What is understood by a child, yet governs nations?

Train a child in the way he should go, 
 and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

The discussion as to who or what forms us into what we become, nature vs. nurture, has been constant and remains divided.  What role do parents play in this constant cycle of development?  What if you had a less than ideal childhood, are you disadvantaged for the rest of your life?


This verse shows us that even a child can learn and apply the fundamentals of wisdom.  Once understood, they provide a foundation which will serve you well till you are old and grey.  This was a verse that adorned my bedroom door in the form of a poster for many years. It's presence was non-negotiable with my parents, I think they were trying to tell me something.

As society advances, change occurs not in wisdom itself but rather the challenges to which it is applied.

Wisdom. It is never too late to start learning and its learning is never complete.

Not having any success? Here's a quick tip

The plans of the diligent lead to profit 
 as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5

For every success story there are numerous stories of failure.  Is there a simple key that can make the difference?  Is success something you actually desire?

I think that achieving success is important, but it's what you define as being successful that is more important.  This proverb tells us that it is those who diligently stick to their plans who succeed.  So you need a plan.  But to plan for something you need a goal to aim for.  First step is to determine what it is you actually want to achieve. I found this definition of success brought it together for me.

              "Success is the progressive realisation of predetermined, worthwhile goals, stabilised with balance and purified with belief"
- Success, The Glenn Bland Method

Now that you have something to aim for take the time to plan your path before you jump into it.  Because 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail'.  


A worthwhile goal, coupled with intentional planning and executed with diligence will see you achieving the things in life which are important to you.

How to earn respect, it's child's play

Even a child is known by his actions, 
 by whether his conduct is pure and right.
Proverbs 20:11

Talk is cheap.  We live in a society that gives voice to the opinions of many.  The blogging community  itself is another such example.  People strive for approval and social recognition through the words they say and the opinions they push.  Words can be very powerful, but weight is only given when they are delivered through someone whom you respect.

Actions speak louder than words.  You've heard it many times before but the truth of it is again echoed in this proverb.  Even a child who is still forming their own identity and personality, is known by their actions and judged as to whether their conduct is pure and right.  How much more an adult who has the benefit of experience and the understanding that their actions carry far reaching consequences.

It is a person's actions that show the true measure of their character.  It is when you are put under pressure that your character is revealed in how you act and react to the circumstances around you.

Measure your words and align your actions with what you know to be pure and right.

Money, How to harness its potential

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, 
 since he has no desire to get wisdom?
Proverbs 17:16

Money is understood to be a very powerful force in our modern world.  With it you can divert rivers, build cities, fly to the moon, and even save millions of lives.  But don't be mistaken, money itself is but an inanimate object, a piece of paper (or more commonly a binary bit).  It is the intention behind its use that determines the extent of its impact.

This proverb highlights the point that money is essentially useless in the hands of a fool.  I would take this a step further and say that its use can actually be destructive. When reading these proverbs I find it easy to think that I'm not the fool, of course I'm the good guy in the story.  But we all have the capacity to be both foolish and wise every day.

The clue in this proverb is the lacking desire for wisdom.  When it comes to money, financial intelligence and wisdom in its application is vital.  By understanding how to have money work for you instead of you working for money, you position yourself to be exponentially more effective.  This may translate to philanthropy for all you budding Warren Buffetts out there or more simply freeing yourself from your fortnightly pay-check so that you can make decisions based upon helping others instead of being a slave to the line 'I can't afford it'.

First seek wisdom and knowledge, only then can you be effective in your use of money whether it be in small or large quantities.

The pinnacle of human strength, you don't even have to lift a finger

Better a patient man than a warrior,
 a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

Challenge your concept as to what is really a strong person's response to conflict. 

Warriors are always depicted as the hero in our stories, the picture of a real man.  It seems counter cultural to suggest otherwise.  Yet this proverb proposes that it is the bigger 'man' who walks away from a fight.

The power of this concept was really highlighted to me when teaching the kids from the commission flats to make good life choices.  These kids face serious confrontations everyday, whether it be due to race, religion or even the estate in which they live.  As a kid, the world tells them to fight back and stand up for themselves because no one else will.

When you tell these kids that it takes more strength to keep your mouth shut and walk away because it is only the weak who retaliate, suddenly the game changes.  I have seen a kid fired up ready to start swinging, a worker gets in their face and starts challenging them as to whether they are weak or strong.  The strong person controls their anger and walks away, this becomes the new benchmark that the kids strive for.

The challenge this proverb puts forward is next time you feel yourself getting fired up and you're justifying your anger, remember that it is only a weak person who retaliates.  The strong bite their tongue, just like my mother always told me 'If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all'.

How to find happiness and live longer, the ultimate gift

 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, 
  and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30







People are searching for happiness in all sorts of places.  Discover the giving of health and happiness and in return you may discover something for yourself. 
reading time: 1.5min


People are spending billions of dollars collectively chasing new ways to feel happiness and live longer.  With this world largely operating upon the understanding that money can buy you what you want, the questions of health and long life require a different approach.


This proverb provides an answer that really gets to the simplicity of the matter.  It comes down to our attitude and outlook on life.  Interestingly, I found that this fundamental principle has also been recognised secularly with researchers finding that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50% compared with those who were more pessimistic (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., 2002).


More than this, the proverb highlights our ability to have an effect on those around us by spreading a little bit of joy. I was stuck in the supermarket line last weekend with a 45 min wait to get to the checkout.  The staff were stressed and working well over their knock-off time to clear the back log.  The checkout chick in my line was overwhelmed in trying to calm down the angry mob.  A simple smile and friendly conversation made a noticeable difference and really highlighted the truth of this proverb to me. It may be cliché but it always works.


The lesson is to not get caught up in your own problems, but rather take a moment to brighten someone else's day.  Not only are you giving them the gift of joy and good health, you may find that you feel just a little bit more joyful yourself.

Against what do you weigh your decisions?

A simple man believes anything,
but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Proverbs 14:15

Every decision we make is subject to numerous influences. We are living in the information age and have seen the rise of the Internet and popular media with no shortage of information and opinions accessible to us.

Many people fail to understand the impact that skewed 'fact', advertising and biased media coverage can have on the choices we make.

The goal then is to be prudent.  To give proper thought to our decisions, weighing up each alternative.  

The implication is therefore that you will have something to weigh your decisions against.  If we look at the principle of the counter balance scales.  The outcome of determining something's weight is only correct if the measurement weights themselves are accurate.

Therefore we must make sure that our foundation of understanding is strong.  The Bible provides us with Godly wisdom and numerous examples of stories that demonstrate the benefits of adherence and the consequences of rejection of these principles.  It is also important to surround yourself with people whose opinions you respect, enabling you to seek advice and learn from observation.

Lord, help me to be prudent in each step that I take.  Let me grow in wisdom and understanding that I may have a strong foundation from which to draw.  But most importantly, let me trust in you and always bring my decisions before you.