The health and vitality business is a multi-billion dollar industry. Why? I guess we Americans are still looking for the fountain of youth.
Americans are living longer, and obsessed with looking younger, fit, and living healthy. We're not just a consumer culture, we've become an obsessive-compulsive culture.
Are we happier? Do we live more fulfilled lives? What do you think?
Scripture
“If you correct someone who makes fun of wisdom, you will be insulted. If you correct an evil person, you will get hurt. Do not correct those who make fun of wisdom, or they will hate you. [vss 7-8a]
But correct the wise, and they will love you. Teach the wise, and they will become even wiser; teach good people, and they will learn even more. [vss 8b-9]
“Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord, and understanding begins with knowing the Holy One. If you live wisely, you will live a long time; wisdom will add years to your life. The wise person is rewarded by wisdom, but whoever makes fun of wisdom will suffer for it.” [vss 10-12]
(Proverbs 9:7-12 NCV) [Context– Proverbs 9]
Key phrase
understanding begins with knowing the Holy One
Digging Deeper...
- What are we told is not a good course of action? What do these actions lead to?
- What is a better pursuit than the first course of action? Do these things appear opposite to what a person might expect?
- What are we told is the key to gaining wisdom and understanding? What are the benefits of this pursuit?
- Is any of this advice hard to understand or surprising to you?
Make it personal...
What has been your experience in giving advice or counsel to others?
Why do you think those who already have wisdom tend to gain even more?
Do you pursue wisdom as something to know or pursue God to gain wisdom?
In what ways are you pursuing God in a personal way that benefits you with wisdom?
Reflection...
For all our attempts at clinging to life (most of us), it doesn't seem to be paying off. Demand for prescriptions of antidepressants and tranquilizers is at an all-time high. Not just that, but our children battle ADHD and obesity. Americans, in general, are not a bunch of "happy campers."
All our effort at getting and having more still leaves us with an empty feeling. Our obsession with social media and digital awareness doesn't take away our sense of loneliness and lostness. Why? We're so focused on ourselves, we've neglected the most valuable of relationships. The most important relationship of all—our personal relationship with God—can too often be given lip-service more than genuine attention.