Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician and physicist, is quoted as saying, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." With this statement, he was discussing the physical advantage of proper leverage. In many ways, when dealing with people, patience is like Archimedes’ lever. Proverbs 25:15 teaches us that “By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.” To understand this, let’s build some an

Some days just don’t go your way. Maybe you don’t sleep well, so you start the day tired. Everyone in the family seems to be extra annoying. You burn breakfast. Your car will not start. Traffic is heavy. Someone insults you. Your kid gets in trouble at school. That difficult coworker will not leave you alone. A customer loses their temper at you. Whatever it may be. The day is simply FRUSTRATING! Let’s see what the Proverbs have to say on this topic...

In our examination on the importance of joy, one might get the impression that being joyful is good in every situation, unless sorrow is specifically called for. However, situations exist in which people should not take joy - yet some people do. When this happens, it is generally a symptom of deeper problems. The one who lacks sense. Proverbs 15:21 says, “Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.” This proverb is interesting because...

Proverbs 23:23 states, “Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.” The truth is important enough that we are told to acquire it, even if it costs us something valuable. Right there we see an important principle. The truth is worth it!..

Cost-benefit analysis is an important skill that most of us use in every part of life. When looking for a job we ask, “Is the expected income worth the time and stress?” When considering a large purchase, we ask, “Is this item worth the money it will cost?” When considering dessert, we ask “Is the taste worth the calories?” When deciding if we will travel in the snow we ask, “Is my reason for getting out today worth the chance of a car accident?” We do cost-benefit analysis a

It was the night before Christmas, when all through the house people were grumpy, even Aunt Gail. Uncle George brought up politics without any care, grandpa lost his temper right then and right there. Grandma hid in her room consumed with dread, while visions of disaster danced in her head. Aunt Jill and Uncle Tom were fuming that James brought that girl to dinner, and his sister was stoking the fire with her sarcastic ire...

Habakkuk gives us a great example of humbly trusting God, even when he didn’t like what God had in store.