What's In a Dream?/Go Deep

It's probably dangerous psychoanalyzing your own dreams.
Especially in a blog.

But, this is one I need to work through. I hope you can forgive the introspection. Maybe, though, you'll see yourself somewhere in the exchange.

Life's been busy in our household, it seems like, forever. But especially in recent years. There have been medical issues, a job change, and a basement refinish. Issues surrounding an elderly parent are always in the background these days. Our children are starting families of their own and we engage in those exciting changes. I started a mentoring blog.

Add to all that the normal, everyday emergencies that seem to buffet life, and it can be overwhelming. As I think through this dream, it's very reflective of certain parts of my life--a pressure-filled pace, a crowded scene, a lot of clutter, a frantic feeling, a sense of frustration at not being able to accomplish all that I wish.

But there's another side to this coin, and it's very shiny. If I'm busy, it's because I have a lot of opportunity. If there's pressure associated with work, it's balanced by the excitement of a challenging position. The problems inherent with family are countered by the absolute pleasures of loving relationships. A nice house brings with it chores. You get the idea.

Life IS busy. Managing your attitude about the busyness is every bit as important as managing THE busyness.

So for me, the crux of the issue is how I'm doing with my attitude in the face of the extreme activity. Let me think about it some more.

Going Up or Down?/Live It!

One of Solomon's prime teaching techniques was the use of contrasts.

Not like the Gov. Eliot Spitzer versus Billy Graham type of contrast. Well, yeah, like that. But without the names.

Solomon was so accurate describing the consequences of following the downward path called Foolishness--as seen played out days ago in the life of Gov. Spitzer--it makes sense that his description of the ever-upward road named Wisdom would be equally accurate.

I've picked out three critical areas of life that will be blessed if a man chooses to pursue Wisdom's path--physical health, mental health, and upward mobility propelled by sound judgment.

I find four references to Wisdom prolonging life in the first nine chapters of Proverbs. One of the first is in chapter 3, verse 16, "Long life is in her (Wisdom's) right hand..." The right hand was considered symbolic of power in Old Testament writings. References to a long life for Wisdom followers are also found in 3:2, 7:2, and 9:11.

It makes sense that a disciplined life would include making smart decisions that would insure a healthy lifestyle, which in turn would contribute to long life. Look at the contrast in today's headlines. How many stories do you see in the news involving young men making bad choices and paying for it with their lives?

The second benefit of a wise life falls in the category of mental health. Solomon references peace of mind (3:17), sleep that's sweet and undisturbed (3:24), a lack of fear (3:24-25), and self-confidence (3:26).

Look at the opposite of these and you witness a window into the mind of a criminal--always looking over his shoulder, waiting for the time when the law will bust down his door, worrying about friends and foe alike, and loathing himself because he can't control his actions. Looking back, I'm sure he wonders why he chose the road he did.

The man who travels the path of Wisdom also is promised sure steps, with no stumbling along the way. Why? Because discretion and understanding will guard his steps (2:11), he'll find favor and a good name in the sight of God and men (3:4), and he will be surrounded by safety and his "foot will not stumble" (3:23).

All that speaks to a successful life professionally, relationally and socially. Building a good reputation is a life-long endeavor. That's why Solomon calls it a "pursuit" of Wisdom. Trashing that reputation can take just minutes, usually involving just one misstep on the wrong path followed by a lifetime of regrets.

In the New Testament age of Grace, a redeemed life is possible whether we take a few baby steps or a giant leap on the wrong road. (Consider the example of Chuck Colson.) But, by acknowledging up front the wisdom of pursuing Wisdom, we can build defenses around our life that will keep us from missteps and insure a healthier mental outlook and physical existence.

For the Christian, the goal is not as much avoiding sin as it is abiding in Christ, keeping him close by acknowledging his presence in every situation of life. If we do that, we're more likely to keep our steps where they should be. ("What would Jesus do?" is more than a catch phrase.)
Again, I choose Wisdom. God help me stay on the right road.

Going Up or Down?/Go Deep

How could a man who lived almost 3,000 years ago so accurately describe an event as current as today's headlines?

Solomon did when he described the downward path called Foolishness. And nearly 3,000 years later, the newscasts are filled with stories of the downfall of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

It's alleged that Gov. Spitzer hired a high-priced prostitute, transported her across state lines, paid for those services through some off-shore financial maneuvers, and broke a variety of local, state and federal laws in the process.

What by all accounts was considered to be a highly successful political career is suddenly in the tank. A dazed wife, the mother of three beautiful teenage daughters, stands by her fallen husband at a news conference as he admits his errors and resigns.

Comedians have a field day. Ideological enemies feed on the carrion. Political allies make excuses. But, universally, everyone shakes their head at the tragic disaster that overtook this man. A tragedy created by the man's own actions.

Now hear Solomon's words from almost thirty centuries ago:

Proverbs 2:18 - "For her (the adulteress') house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead."

Proverbs 4:19 - "But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

Proverbs 5:22 - "The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast."

Proverbs 6:15 & 33 - "Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy." "Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away..."

Just scare tactics or words to warn the wise? Or, words to teach the simple?

The correct answer depends on who you are. Or, who you intend to be?

A Picture of Wisdom/Live It!

Are you getting the picture?
When you analyze Solomon's picture of two women--one named Wisdom and the other Folly--you begin to understand in a practical sense where the lines are drawn between the two.

As you read this blog, you have the advantage of observing Wisdom and Folly do their things from a detached perspective, and it's easy to think "I would choose Wisdom." But what happens when you hit the street. Will you use the same cool judgment to avoid Folly's traps? Will you embrace Wisdom (as Solomon suggests) and take her along with you? Or will you determine you know best and go it alone?

If you desire to live a life of Wisdom, there are things you can and should do in advance to improve your chances of taking the right path when the temptation comes.

Let's follow the outline I introduced earlier--place, posture and pitch.

Place. Determine in advance where you will go and won't go. You know the places that lead you to Folly, to the crooked path. It may be a channel on cable, or a URL on the Internet, or a corner establishment on the way home from work.

Apply understanding to the places in your life. Be honest. Which places are productive and which are destructive? Make a solid decision to only be in the places that will lead to your long-term benefit. When you find yourself in the wrong place, practice quickly thinking through the consequences of being there. Choose to move locations and tell yourself why it's important to do it NOW.

Posture. Remember that Wisdom was standing, but Folly was sitting. We see in that picture a contrast between a productive life and a life wasted on trivial pursuits. We see a pro-active stance that seeks out opportunities. In contrast, we see a person who plants his hind end on a comfortable place and expects life to come to him.

Wisdom engages life and benefits others through her productive pursuits. Folly sits with folded hands, lazily letting life go by until she sees a gullible passerby who can be swayed to join her party. In the process, Folly profits from her hapless victim's loss.

If you find yourself sitting--a lot--determine to change your posture.

Pitch. Pay attention to the pitches you hear. They are constant these days. If it seems everyone wants a piece of you, it's because it's true.

Analyze what you hear. Will the action or direction that's being pitched reward you with only a fleeting pleasure that has attached to it some significant negative consequences? Or will it yield a long-term benefit and the satisfaction that comes with building something positive and permanent?

Dismiss the pitches that promise a sumptuous meal, but leave you with a mouth full of dry dirt. Our world is littered with them. From "Girls Gone Wild" to "This Bud's for You" to "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas," it feels like Folly has men surrounded.

Remember that to choose Folly is to slip into a hollow life and to miss out on the significant and fulfilling life that real men are capable of and were created for.

A Picture of Wisdom/Think About It

Wisdom is a woman, says Solomon.
But be careful. Solomon pictures Foolishness as a woman as well. They are two totally different women, of course, and how he pictures them tells us a lot about the contrast between wisdom and foolishness.

Let's concentrate on the picture of Wisdom first.

Wisdom "takes her stand" in a very public place, the "gates that lead into the city." In Solomon's time, all paths converged at the gates of a walled city, so everyone walked past this point as part of their daily living. Solomon pictures Wisdom standing prominently in the midst of everyone and calling out an invitation.

The picture is of a person who is not embarrassed to be on display in front of everyone. She is at home in public and confident when people gaze at her. She has nothing to hide. In fact, she is certain that what she has to say is both pertinent and productive for every person to hear.

There's no lurking in the shadows for this person, no cowering from the light of day, whispering, "Pssssst, have I got a deal for you." Wisdom loudly proclaims to everyone, "What I have to offer is more valuable than gold or silver or rubies. Test what I have to say!"

Important business took place at the gate in Solomon's time. Cases were heard and judgments made at the gate. Business transactions were negotiated and sealed. Goods were traded. Fortunes were made and lost. Even families were brought together as marriages were arranged.

You see, Wisdom is at home in all arenas of life--whether business, civic, judicial, or relational. Everywhere people transact important business, it's wise to invite Wisdom. Both the knowledge and the judgment she brings to the table will contribute to your success.

But, people passing through a gate are often occupied with other things, too busy to pay attention to what Wisdom is saying--even though she is staring them in the face. Wisdom is a lady. She makes her presence known, but she doesn't force herself on others.

So the question is, every time you metaphorically pass through the city gates, do you choose to slow down and have a conversation with Wisdom? She is calling.

Wisdom That Makes You Effective/Live It!

Editor's Note: My hard drive crashed this week, causing me to be without a home computer for about 2-3 weeks. I will work to keep my schedule of Mon-Wed-Fri posts up, but anticipate needing some grace during this time. Thanks!

Sometimes conversations happen in the oddest places.
I'm remembering a discussion on drugs that happened while in junior high orchestra. I was an eighth or ninth grader and a leader in the group. For some reason, the orchestra teacher was trying to explain how peer pressure and other influences cause teens to move into drugs. From his perspective, the decision to do drugs was understandable.

He was nuancing the logic as far as I was concerned. For me, it was a simple choice. "Drugs will harm you. They'll mess with your brain, addict you, and perhaps kill you. They are unregulated, so the dealer can be selling you rat poison as far as you know. The choice is simple--don't do drugs."

As I've grown older, I've become less judgmental about the decisions others make. I've realized I have my own weaknesses, my own blind spots. (Another blog, another time perhaps.)

But the fact remains, there are choices that ARE simple. The prudent decision is clear; yet, we struggle to choose the path that will lead to success, prosperity, and significance.

The answer can only be addressed in the spiritual terms. There is no other adequate explanation.

It's our sin nature that draws us away from the wisdom that Solomon speaks of. That sin nature is driven to rebel against God, which also means to reject his wisdom. Simply put, we don't want to do what God says.

You see it from birth. I'm reminded of this as I see my 14-month-old granddaughter throw a temper tantrum because her parents won't let her play on the stairs. She doesn't understand that her mom and dad want only the best for her. And, quite frankly, it doesn't matter in her mind. She wants what she wants.

Try to grasp what I'm about to say. We are to God what my granddaughter is to her parents. She lacks the experience, the brain power, the foresight, the maturity, the knowledge--the wisdom--to understand that her parents are showing her the right choice. Likewise, as old and as experienced as we may become, we'll never be equal to God's wisdom. Yet, we think we know better what to do with our lives than God.

That's the sin nature. That's why it's so difficult for a man to choose to follow God's direction. That's why "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7)

So, again, I say the choice is simple really. It's the choosing correctly that's difficult. And unfortunately, the choice can't be made once and it's done. We have to choose daily to follow God's wisdom in all matters.

We'll talk more about this dynamic as we explore other pictures from Proverbs in the coming weeks.

Wisdom That Makes You Effective/Go Deep

Solomon lays out a simple choice between foolishness and wisdom.
At least, you'd think it would be simple.

Then why does Solomon feel it necessary to spend the first nine chapters of the 31 in Proverbs trying to convince young men to make the choice for wisdom. Obviously, being a right choice still doesn't make it an easy choice.

Although it is never pointed out in direct terms, we see a picture of life unfolding in the first chapters of Proverbs. It goes something like this: Life is a choice between two paths.

One path is named wisdom. It will take discipline, which translates into hard work. Honesty is the hallmark of a wise life. Few will support you in your pursuit of wisdom, so plan on standing against the tide. But wisdom itself stands on the path, calling all who will listen and encouraging them to follow this way that leads to success, to fulfillment, to lasting and rewarding relationships, and to a praiseworthy life.

A good start down the path of wisdom is a knowledge of and relationship with God, the author of wisdom and the creator of the heavens and earth--a source that provides mortal man with an eternal perspective.

The second path is named foolishness. It shuns discipline, choosing instead the easier course of dishonesty in pursuit of quick gain. Many who have already chosen this desolate life seek company. Rationalizing a foolish life is easier when you can convince others to join you. This path leads to failure, to a vapid existence, to broken relationships, and to insignificance.

A good start down the path of foolishness is to ignore the God of heaven, determining instead to listen to people who are shallow, unthinking and selfish, with a perspective that looks no further than the next hour.

Seems like an easy enough choice, right? Then why is it so hard?

Wisdom That Makes You Effective/Think About It

This blog is dedicated to helping men be successful.
And by successful, I mean productive in a positive vein--you benefit yourself as you benefit those around you. Family. Co-workers. Friends.

From my perspective, if you damage others as you benefit yourself, you net out a negative.

One of the consummate works on living an effective life is the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. It was written specifically for young men by Solomon, the third king of Israel, who is said to have been the wisest among men.

The book itself contains so much advice, it's difficult to know how to approach all that is there. I'm going to begin by talking about several of the life pictures Solomon lays out as a preface to his advice.

Solomon truly speaks from his heart to young men. You can tell he understood what men go through as they leave adolescence behind and move toward manhood. He also knew the temptations, the relationship dynamics, and the pitfalls that all men have to deal with throughout their lives. So his advice is not just for young men. It's for all of us.

The first of several life pictures I want to cover this week and next is the one of two paths and a choice. As a wise man would, Solomon lays out a very simple picture. All men must choose a path. The choice is best made early as you start your journey into manhood.

But the choice--especially in today's culture--is often deferred, we think. The reality is that not choosing is actually a step or two down the wrong path. It is a choice you HAVE to make.

The question is, "Have you made it?" Think about it!