Wisdom-Trek ©

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 694 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Commitment Is The Key – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 694 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life.

You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life. 

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this trek airs, I will be in Arizona working with our partners as we prepare for Phase II of the townhome project. It takes a significant commitment to make projects of this size successful. There is rarely a short term financial gain, so we must be committed long term, exerting blood, sweat, and tears in the process.

Many people today don’t seem to have the commitment to long term success as we have become all too comfortable with instant access and gratification. We need to have a mindshift where we come to the realization that…

Commitment Is the Key

History is full of people who were advised to quit just short of a great accomplishment. Experts told Benjamin Franklin to leave alone all that foolish experimenting with lighting, that it was a waste of time. Fortunately, Franklin did not quit. He was committed.

Christopher Columbus had to face an impressive panel of experts, headed by Spain’s leading geographer and scholar, who examined his plans and presented their findings to the king and queen of Portugal. They wrote, “Columbus’s plan cannot be accomplished. Quite impossible.” Columbus did not quit. He was committed.

Orville and Wilbur Wright built bicycles but decided to invest time and energy on a contraption that hopefully would fly into the air. Finally, in 1908 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers taxied their crackpot idea down a sandy runway and launched the human race into the air. The Wright brothers would not quit. They were committed.

Thomas Edison performed nearly 1,000 experiments before discovering the proper material for the filament in the light bulb. Edison would not quit. He was committed.

Interestingly, Edison urged his friend Henry Ford to abandon his work on the fledgling idea of a motor car. “It’s a worthless idea,” remarked Edison. Ford would not quit. He was committed.

Experts told Madame Curie to forget her experimentation with radium. It was a scientific dead end, she was told. She went onto invent the x-ray machine. She would not quit. She was committed.

Abraham Lincoln ran for state legislator and failed. He started multiple businesses that failed and invested 17 years paying off his debt. He ran for Congress and was defeated. He ran for US Senate and lost. He finally became President of the United States. Lincoln would not quit. He was committed.

To be committed requires a continual mindshift to keep on going. The key that unlocks the door to success is the key of commitment. Without that key, the doors will never open. No amount of genius, talent, finesse,

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 693 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Standing in the Face of Fear

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 693 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless.

This does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today on our trek we will explore how to stand in the face of fear.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our granddaughter Hazel who is battling leukemia will have a delay in her treatments this week as her immune system count needs to rebound a bit more. Her appointment for the next round of chemo and steroids has been postponed for one week. She will have an additional blood test this week to verify where her immune system level stands.

We are praying that it rebounds sufficiently so they can proceed with her regimen. As we battle this cancer with her, if we are not careful and trust in God for effective healing, then the monsters of fear and doubt will subtly creep back into our minds and try to destroy us. Today on our trek we will continue to explore how we need to be in a continual mindshift mode so we can daily be…

Standing In the Face of Fear

Fear ignites in us the natural response to run, which is called the flight instinct. This is especially true when we cannot control the situation. When we have no opportunity for flight, as is the case in most fearful situations, then the fight instinct needs to kick in so that we can move forward to deal with the fear. We cannot always conquer fear, but we can fight to keep it controlled. God desires for us to fight and move forward, overcoming our fear. A clear example of this was when Pharaoh and his armies were chasing after the children of Israel after the exodus and when they were hemmed in by the Red Sea.

This story is found in in Exodus 14:10-15, "As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?  Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, 'Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!'

But Moses told the people, 'Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.' Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!'"

When faced with the fear of death from Pharaoh and the impossible task of crossing the Red Sea in front of them, the Israelites responded naturally. In the same way, we would, they wanted to run back to Egypt. They wished they had never left. Suddenly, the pains of slavery faded in their minds. Our minds have the uncanny ability to settle for known misery opposed to the unknown.

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 692 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Comes From Grace – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 692 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Chuck Sink who said, "Wisdom comes not from age and experience so much as it comes from grace."

Wisdom Comes From Grace

All that we are or ever hope to be is provided by God. It is because of God’s grace to us that we are able to obtain it. As Acts 17:28 puts it, "For in him we live and move and exist." The dictionary definition of grace is, "The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings."

When it comes to obtaining wisdom, while age and experience should help, it is not the basis for wisdom. God provides wisdom by His grace because it is unmerited, but in His Word he clearly teaches us how to add an ever increasing supply of wisdom. The entire chapter of Proverbs 2 lays out the instruction for wisdom. Verses 2-6 are the heart of those instructions:

2 Tune your ears to wisdom,

and concentrate on understanding.

3 Cry out for insight,

and ask for understanding.

4 Search for them as you would for silver;

seek them like hidden treasures.

5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,

and you will gain knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord grants wisdom!

From his mouth come knowledge and understandingSo we see that God grants wisdom…but we are to seek for it. Also James the half-brother of Jesus told us in James 1:5-6, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."

Here we also see that God provides wisdom, but we are to ask and believe. Wisdom, it is so valuable that each of us should seek it with all of our might, and then rely on God to provide it by His grace.That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 691 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How Not to Be a Fool - Proverbs 26

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 691 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 26 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since I will be heading back to our construction project in Arizona next week, I will be recording some additional episodes ahead of time. This allows me to focus on the project when I am there. This time we are preparing the bid, budget, and schedule for Phase II of the townhome project that we are working on. It is important that we make a concentrated effort and not make any foolish mistakes that could impact the profitability of the project. This requires that we gain wisdom from the mistakes of the previous phase where we did have time and cost overruns.

Today in Proverbs 26 these lessons are appropriate as we will learn…

How Not to Be a Fool

Chapter 26 contains character portraits of five sketchy individuals:

The Fool (verses 1-12)

The Sluggard (verses 13-16)

The Meddler (verses 17-19)

The Whisperer (verses 20-22)

The Hater (verses 23-28)

This chapter is full of comparisons (the words “like” or “just as” are all over), which usually equates these sketchy people with really bad things (“like a maniac shooting arrows of death,” sheesh!). Notice how many comparisons are drawn from the natural world (sparrows, horses, donkeys, lions, etc.). The overall point is clear: “Don’t be one of these people!”

Don’t be the Fool. He is thoughtless and stupid. He cannot be trusted, nor can he be relied upon. He is a liability to all who send him. Don’t be the Sluggard. He recognizes problems but does nothing about them. He begins jobs that he never knows how to finish. He thinks himself wise but he can’t get out of bed.

Don’t be the Meddler. He goes snooping around and finds nothing but trouble. He causes strife and then calls it a joke. Don’t be the Whisperer. He instigates trouble and keeps the animosity burning. He knows which buttons to push and thinks it's delicious fun. Don’t be the Hater. He harbors a grudge yet comes off like a friend. He flatters and fawns, but his deception will be brought out into broad daylight.

As you read this chapter, invest time with each character prayerfully contemplating the prospects of each way of life.Listen intently as I read Proverbs 26...

1 Like snow in the summer and rain in the time of harvest,

so honor is never fitting for a fool.

2 Like a bird that flits and flutters or a swallow in mid-flight,

so a curse that lacks cause will never come to light.

3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey,

and a rod is for the fool’s back.

4 Never answer a fool on his own foolish terms,

or you will become like him;

5 Rather, answer a fool on his own foolish terms,

or he will become wise in his own eyes.

6 Like someone who cuts off his feet or drinks to his ruin,

so is the one who uses a fool to pass on his message.

7 As lame legs are useless, dangling on the crippled,

so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

8 Like one who ties a stone in his slingshot,

so is one who honors a fool.

9 Like a thorn in the hand of a drunkard,

so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

10 Like an archer who shoots at random and injures...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 690 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Proper Respect for God – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 690 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget:

Today’s quote is from Unknown, and it is, "Wisdom comes from a proper respect for God and a humble walk before Him."

Proper Respect For God

The very foundation of wisdom in your life is the acknowledgment that God is the creator of all things and that we should follow His precepts that are found in His Word. As Psalm 111:10 proclaims, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!"

Fear in this verse is the humble understanding that God is responsible for us as we are to our own children. That He loves us, cares for us, and will only allow what is in our own best interest if we follow the guidelines for a rich and satisfying life. He has given us His complete instruction manual for our lives in His Word. It is up to us to follow those instructions. When we follow those instructions, we will come to realize that He sent His Son Jesus to be our sacrifice so that we could become His masterpiece as declared in Ephesians 2:9-10, "Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

If you desire to grow in wisdom, insight and, understanding, then you must humbly allow God to be responsible for and direct your life. Your salvation and dependence will be on Him.

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 689 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Success? – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 689 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life. 

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This past weekend was a beautiful fall weekend filled with many outdoor activities. The annual Sternwheel Festival in Marietta was this past weekend also. There are always many events going on with the highlight being a huge fireworks display on Saturday night.

It rivals anything that is put on by larger cities with the fireworks being set off from a barge on the Ohio river. The fireworks display over the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers with dozens of boats watching from the river and thousands of people on the shoreline. When we are in town, we do try to attend at least the fireworks. With the great weather, the Sternwheel Festival certainly was successful this year.

With our connected society of today, we hear a lot about success. So the question has to be asked…

What Is Success?

Over many years I have collected inspirational and motivational quotes covering a variety of topics. Many of them do deal with success and what success really means. When they are all synthesized down, I have come to the conclusion that success is choosing to give of yourself to a life of legacy that is greater than yourself which will have a positive impact on your world. Seven key elements will make us a living legacy.

1. Knowing the truth and accepting it.

Since success is a choice, it involves a decision. Success is knowing the truth and accepting it. Our lives are filled with the instant gratification of fast foods, cheap thrills, entitlements, victim mentalities, false hopes and foundations of sand. We live in a day of shortcuts, loopholes, and “one more for the road,” as we look for a way to escape reality. We are not truly successful, though, until we know what is right and then do it.

2. Finding a need and filling it.

Many people can find a need, point to the problem, and size up the situation. Only a successful person goes that next step beyond finding the need. They endeavor to fill it.

The story of the Good Samaritan vividly illustrates the difference between finding a need and filling a need. Here is the story from Luke 10:30-37, "Jesus replied with a story: A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

 By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man,

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 688 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Fear Is a Cage

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 688 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise.

There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today on our trek, we will explore how fear traps us in like a cage.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We are experiencing cooler fall like temperatures this week which causes us to realize that within a matter of a few weeks we will begin our leaf harvest once again. With many mature oak, maple, and walnut trees on our property, the volume of leaves that we collect is overwhelming at times. As we explore the topic of fear on our trek today if we are not careful, fear can also overwhelm us because…

Fear Is A Cage

Fear entraps us in the same manner that a physical cage or jail cell would entrap us forcing us to become fearful as we lose our freedom to make rational choices. It closes us in and keeps us from living in freedom. Some people become so overwhelmed with fear that they cannot even leave their house. In today’s western culture it seems that phobias of all types have become almost fashionable. We label our fears and hug them tight to us as if they are things we need to keep. In our confused mental state, we coddle fears and keep them happy, so they don’t destroy us. The last thing we want to do is to provoke or stir up those fears.

That powerlessness keeps us from accomplishing great things in our lives, either personally or to advance God’s kingdom. Over the next several FearLess Fridays treks, we will explore ways to increase our faith and walk in obedience, which are the keys that will set us free from our imprisonment of fear.

As a foundation to these treks, we must believe that God, through faith in Jesus can and will help us to overcome. Too often we have faith in our mind, but not in our actions. We are like the father in Mark 9:22-24 who had a son with an evil spirit and was in dialog with Jesus, "'The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.'"  "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." "The father instantly cried out, 'I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'"

If He can? Our faith tends to stop there because we have lost our ability to trust.   Either in our minds or verbally we cry out in our fears, "If He can, if He will, if He cares enough to even think about helping." Jesus’s answer was, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” So the question becomes, do we believe, and if we believe, how do we act upon that belief?

Each believer develops their own personal faith in God through Jesus Christ. They develop their own relationship with Him. He is not the friend of a friend, nor your father’s friend, nor your mother’s friend. He is your friend. In fact, God has made us heirs explained in Romans 8:17, "And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact,

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 687 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Conquers Fear – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 687 of our trek and time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Lactantius who said, "Where fear is present, wisdom cannot be."

Wisdom Conquers Fear

If all true wisdom comes from God, then unfounded fear should not be present in a wise person. Acknowledging God is the foundation of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." The fear referred to in this passage is respect and honor for God and His precepts.

Baseless fear has no standing in the presence of wisdom because as you grow in wisdom, you will come to understand that God is in control of all things. Therefore we have no reason or space in our lives for fear. Worry, anxiety, and fear grows in our lives when we lack the faith that God will work all circumstances and situations out for our good. God loves us and only desires what is best for us. As we gain wisdom, fear will evaporate from within us.

Romans 8:38-39 - And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 686 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom for Leadership Development - Proverbs 25

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 686 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails, we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 25 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I have experienced continual healing on my broken femur over the past three weeks.  I am now able to walk completely unassisted. I do still have a slight limp and am experiencing some pain but we are very pleased with how rapidly it is healing. Paula and I invested Labor Day morning outside weeding and replacing the impatiens that we planted in the spring with burnt orange mums for the fall months.

I am thankful that my leg is healed to the point where I can now work outside and return to many of my usual duties. Some tasks are still a bit difficult and takes wisdom to know when to limit myself while still pushing towards that limit to strengthen the fracture and muscles. Wisdom is important in all areas of life.

Today in Proverbs 25, we will learn…

Wisdom for Leadership Development

Chapter 25 marks the beginning of the fifth major section of the Proverbs. Let’s review what we’ve covered so far:

Section 1 (Chapters 1-9) consisted of speeches from a father to a son.

Section 2 (Chapters 10-22:16) contained 375 sayings of Solomon.

Section 3 (Chapters 22:17-24:22) began the “Thirty Sayings of the Wise.”

Section 4 (Chapter 24:23b-34) included more “Further Sayings of the Wise.”

Section 5 (Chapters 25-29) enfolds even more of Solomon’s proverbs.

We know from 1 Kings 4:32 that Solomon was a prolific sage who was responsible for thousands of proverbs, though other hands are responsible for organizing and editing this book. An interesting note is that Section 5 was actually collected some 250 years after Solomon by King Hezekiah (25:1).

This section of Proverbs is all about leadership development. Chapters 25-27 are directed to royal messengers while Chapters 28-29 are addressed to people in places of authority. Imagine life as a royal servant—you’d need to know proper etiquette, protocol, and how to conduct yourself. You’d also need to learn how to resolve conflict, diffuse a tense situation, or how to make a compelling case.

All that knowledge is right here! Chapter 25 is a manual of courteous conduct for important affairs. Whether you are an ambassador for a country or a spokesperson for a company, an agent for a client or a go-between for friends and family, there is something here for you. What might the Lord teach you today about how to conduct your important affairs?Listen intently as I read Proverbs 25.

1 These words, too, are proverbs of King Solomon, words which Hezekiah, king of Judah, later told his scribes to record for posterity:

2 God’s glory is shown when He conceals things;

a king’s glory is shown in his ability to explore the facts of the matter.

3 As the heights of heaven and the depths of earth are beyond comprehension,

so are the hearts of kings.

4 Take away the impurities from the silver,

and a good smith can create something of value;

5 Take away the wicked from among the king’s advisors,

and his reign will be established with integrity.

6 Do not claim to be important in the presence of the king

or vie for a position within the company of great men.

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 685 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Kindness Shows Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 685 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today's quote is from Jean Jacques Rousseau, and it is, "What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?"Kindness, it costs us nothing and should be so easy to incorporate into our everyday lives. Why are we not kind to everyone at all times? It stems back to the fact that we become selfish and feel that getting our way is more important. Just like love is a choice that we make each day, kindness is also a choice. We need to choose to be kind to everyone and in every situation, even if others are not kind to us. In fact, it is more important that we display kindness to those who choose not to be kind to us.

Kindness is an element of the fruit of the Spirit and is a sign of maturity and wisdom.  If you desire to be wise and show the fruit of the Spirit in your life, then you must be kind to all people and in every situation. Kindness is not optional.

As we are told in Ephesians 4:31-32, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly I am your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!