Proverbs 8:14

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

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I’m about to say something that may get me canceled by my own people. Some of y’all might stop rocking with me after this. Even folks close to me might say, “You’ve changed, Fred.”

But I’m gonna say it anyway. Can’t. NOBODY. Make banana pudding like my mama. PERIOD. Full stop. End of discussion.

Or so I thought.

Now look, as a Black man who has eaten plenty’ banana pudding across the span of this land and abroad, and I know good puddin’ I could call myself a puddin’ologist. But growing up? My mama’s puddin’ ...that was the gold standard. I would defend it like it was Scripture.

Until I got married.

See, I was a newlywed—still fresh, still foolish. And I messed around and said that same statement in front of my wife. I didn’t realize I was about to spark World War III up in our kitchen!

But instead of going to war with me (or with my mom), my wife did something genius. She stepped up her banana pudding game (oh my goodness)!!! How did she do that? She added shortbread cookies. Shortbread cookies! !

Look: when that shortbread hit them vanilla wafers? Bruh, another portal of revelation opened up!

I had to wrestle with some serious cognitive dissonance. I mean, how could this be? Was mama’s pudding not the absolute best? Or… was there room in this world for another kind of greatness?

And here’s the truth I landed on:

Mama’s banana pudding is unique. Legendary, even. But it’s not the only good pudding out there.

🔑 Proverbs 8:14 teaches us this: – That the Truth Belongs to Wisdom

Now let’s take a good look at the Book. Proverbs 8:14 (NKJV):

“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength..”

Wisdom here is personified—Lady Wisdom, the voice of God’s mind in poetic form. And she’s saying, I own the whole truth game. I AM understanding, you need guidance, counsel or clarity? That’s mine.

And here’s the key insight:

Wisdom doesn’t belong to one group, one church, one tribe, one nation.

Let me say that again for the folks in the back:

No religious tribe, denomination, people group, or preacher holds a monopoly on the truth of wisdom.

Just like banana pudding—there are different flavors. And you may favor your flavor. That’s okay. But to say only your mama makes it right? That’s just pride masquerading as loyalty.

🛑 This Might Make Some Folks Mad…

Look, I know this might ruffle some feathers. Some of my traditional folks might feel like I’m slipping. “But Fred, you’re a preacher—are you saying other religions have access to truth too?”

Yes. I am.

All truth is God’s truth. Wherever you find it—if it’s truly wise, life-giving, and rooted in love—it didn’t come from the devil.

Jesus Himself said to the Roman centurion, “I haven’t seen faith like this even in Israel” (Luke 7:9). He honored it. He wasn’t threatened by it.

Later, Jesus told a scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34) Jesus was honoring wisdom by recognizing it even in his religious opponent!

Truth doesn’t have a denomination. It has a Source. And that Source is God.

🌍 Wisdom Is Bigger Than Any One Tribe

Every tradition, every sincere seeker—at their best—is like Bruce Lee’s classic line:

“Don’t look at the finger pointing to the moon. Look at the moon.”

Faith traditions, when they’re healthy, are fingers pointing. They’re not the moon. They’re not the Source.

And every now and then?

Two traditions collide like shortbread and vanilla wafers…chocolate and peanut butter and boom—new flavor. New wisdom. A new way to taste what’s always been true.

Instead of fighting about which one’s “the best,” maybe it’s time we just say: “Can’t nobody do it like this… and can’t nobody do it like that.” And enjoy the unique flavor each path brings.

Remember:

Wisdom ain’t exclusive—it’s expressive. She speaks in every tongue, every tribe, every flavor, every rhythm. Don’t get caught protecting your pudding… and miss the banquet God’s laying out.

Prayer

Thank You, God, for truth that shows up in many forms.

Today’s Challenge

Today, reflect on a time when truth came from an unexpected place—another tradition, a stranger, a child, or even a challenge.

* What did it teach you?

* Where did it lead you?

* And how did it stretch your soul?

About the Author

Fred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch

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Be Wise and Be Well...peace.

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