Month: June 2024

Our wisdom today comes from Proverbs 10:7.

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

We all leave a legacy! A legacy is not about money or things. It is the enduring impact and memories you leave behind that continue to influence others long after you are gone.

All men and women leave a legacy, either for good or for bad. Most of us have walked through cemeteries and read, “Gone but not forgotten.” Very few will be remembered for 100 years, but for three or four generations, our legacy will still be shaping someone. If our legacy is good, then it will be a blessing. If it is wicked, then it will still be leading some to rotten actions.

In Numbers 14:18, the Bible talks about the iniquity of the fathers coming to bear upon the third and fourth generations. This doesn’t mean that God will grab our children and punish them. It means that the memory of the good or the evil you have done will still be influencing children for generations.

500 years before Jesus came to earth, Pericles wrote, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Your legacy is the echo of your life!

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 18: verse 1.

“He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.”

This proverb emphasizes the value of being part of a community. Just like a tree needs sunlight, water, and soil to thrive, we need the presence of others to grow and flourish. Don’t let selfish desires cut you off from the nurturing environment of shared wisdom and support.

Consider the story of Jonah. His selfish desire to avoid preaching to Nineveh resulted in a series of disastrous events. Jonah’s rebellion against sound judgment led to a storm that endangered everyone on the ship, and he ended up in the belly of a great fish. It is only when Jonah acknowledged his need for God’s guidance and the importance of his mission to others that he found redemption and success. Jonah’s isolation and selfish motives led to unnecessary suffering.

An old African Proverb wisely states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In your life, you need to go far, so go with someone. Don’t isolate!

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 16:23.

“The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.”

Wisdom begins in the heart and influences our speech. This profound truth is illustrated in many ways throughout history, but one of the most powerful examples is Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. You remember how it started: “Four score and seven years ago…”

Although Lincoln’s words were delivered during a time of great turmoil, they were not just crafted for eloquence but were born from a heart deeply moved by the values of freedom and equality.
When we speak from a heart filled with wisdom, our words carry a weight and authenticity that can persuade and uplift others.

We should consider how wisdom can influence our speech. We should reflect on the values and truths that reside in our hearts and let them guide our words. By doing so, we not only communicate more effectively but also touch the lives of those who hear us.

Here are some wise words about our words:
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words;
Watch your words, they become your actions;
Watch your actions, they become your habits;
Watch your habits, they become your character;
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom today is from Proverbs 10:3.

“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.”

This verse is a core tenet of biblical wisdom: God actively cares for those who follow His ways.

This proverb promises not luxury but sufficiency for the righteous. It reassures them that God will provide for their basic needs, fostering trust in divine provision. This encouragement to righteousness is balanced with a warning to the wicked. God will frustrate their cravings—often excessive or immoral desires.

This proverb doesn’t guarantee immediate reward or punishment but rather speaks to God’s overarching care. It challenges readers to consider the long-term consequences of their choices. By contrasting divine provision with divine opposition, it urges reflection on one’s life path.
Ultimately, this verse invites us to trust in God’s care and to pursue righteousness, knowing that such a path leads to divine support.

I love the quote by Spurgeon, “He who feeds the birds will certainly feed His children.”

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 18:9.

“Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.”

Here is the same thing said differently – “The lazier a man is, the more he plans to do tomorrow.”

Laziness is a silent destroyer, gradually eroding our potential and opportunities. Proverbs 18:9 draws a parallel between the lazy person and the actively destructive individual. The outcomes of both are equally ruinous. This proverb serves as a wake-up call to those who might underestimate the consequences of habitual procrastination and lack of diligence.

The imagery of the sluggard’s field in Proverbs 24 powerfully illustrates this principle. It shows a field overgrown with thorns, covered with nettles, and its stone wall in ruins. This neglected land stands as a testament to the owner’s laziness.

In our own lives, laziness might manifest as unfinished projects, neglected relationships, or unrealized potential. Each time we choose inaction over diligence, we allow thorns and nettles to creep into our lives. The consequences of such neglect are compounded over time.

Laziness is not a neutral state – it actively works against us. By recognizing the true cost of laziness, we can be motivated to cultivate habits of diligence and responsibility, ensuring that our fields remain productive and our walls stand strong.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 6:9 -11.

“How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

Benjamin Franklin echoed this sentiment when he wrote, “Watch the little things; a small leak will sink a great ship.”

In these verses, we are reminded of the powerful impact of seemingly insignificant actions. The writer of Proverbs warns us about the consequences of small, lazy habits. A little sleep and a little slumber, while appearing harmless, can lead to a cascade of negative outcomes. Much like a minor leak can eventually sink a ship, small acts of negligence can lead to significant downfalls.

To put this in perspective, On January 28, 1986, the Challenger disaster resulted in the loss of seven people and a $3.2 billion spacecraft. On liftoff the O-rings became brittle, allowing a catastrophic explosion. The O-rings cost would have only been a few dollars to fix.

Just as the failure of a small O-ring led to a massive disaster, so too can small acts of negligence in our daily lives lead to significant downfalls. By staying vigilant and diligent, we can prevent the “robber” of poverty and want from overtaking us. It’s a call to embrace discipline and diligence in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that little things indeed mean a lot.

I’m Lonnie Davis 

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 6:6-8.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.”

Winston Churchill must have known this verse when he said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

In life, we often admire tales of extraordinary courage and achievement, like David facing Goliath. Yet, behind such feats lies a profound lesson in self-motivation. David, a shepherd boy, took on a giant not because someone told him to, but because he saw a challenge that demanded courage and faith in God. Similarly, the ant in Proverbs diligently prepares for the future without external prodding, teaching us the power of initiative and foresight.

Self-motivation, as exemplified by David and the ant, is the fuel that propels us beyond mere existence to meaningful accomplishment. It’s about seeing beyond the present, taking responsibility for our goals, and persisting despite obstacles. Like the ant storing food for winter, our actions today shape our future.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 18: verse 2.

“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.”

This text reminds me of Plato’s remark, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”

In the Book of Job, we see a powerful example of this. When Job faced unimaginable suffering, his friends arrived not to comfort him but to straighten him out with their words. They were convinced that Job’s plight must be a direct result of his own sins. Without true understanding of God’s ways or Job’s innocence, they offered lengthy, misguided advice. They were completely wrong, but never in doubt.

Their folly is revealed when God Himself rebukes them in Job 42, stating, “You have not spoken of me what is right.” Job’s friends were more concerned with expressing their own opinions than seeking truth.

We should try to listen and understand rather than rushing to voice our opinions. True wisdom seeks understanding and compassion rather than just being heard. We must reflect on how we can be better listeners and more compassionate friends, taking a step back to seek true understanding before speaking.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 3:9.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” 

The principle of this proverb is illustrated in the story of the widow’s offering. (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus observes a poor widow placing two small coins into the temple treasury. Despite her poverty, she gives all she has, showing her devotion to God over her own financial security.

This act of sacrificial giving highlights the importance of putting God first in our finances. The widow’s offering, though small in monetary value, was immense in spiritual significance. It demonstrated her unwavering trust in God’s provision and her commitment to honor Him above all else. By giving from her poverty, she exemplified the true essence of generosity and faith.

This proverb challenges us to reflect on our own financial priorities. Do we give out of abundance or from a place of true sacrifice? The widow’s example encourages us to place God at the forefront of our financial decisions, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we honor Him with our wealth. 

God is not requiring that we be destitute because of our giving. He is teaching that we must have a heart that shares the good things that he gives to us. God never praises a stingy heart.

Remember, “Giving to God is a recognition that He is the source of all we have.” (Rick Warren).

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 3:9.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” 

The principle of this proverb is illustrated in the story of the widow’s offering. (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus observes a poor widow placing two small coins into the temple treasury. Despite her poverty, she gives all she has, showing her devotion to God over her own financial security.

This act of sacrificial giving highlights the importance of putting God first in our finances. The widow’s offering, though small in monetary value, was immense in spiritual significance. It demonstrated her unwavering trust in God’s provision and her commitment to honor Him above all else. By giving from her poverty, she exemplified the true essence of generosity and faith.

This proverb challenges us to reflect on our own financial priorities. Do we give out of abundance or from a place of true sacrifice? The widow’s example encourages us to place God at the forefront of our financial decisions, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we honor Him with our wealth. 

Remember, “Giving to God is a recognition that He is the source of all we have.” (Rick Warren).

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.