When someone lives far away from friends and family, the desire to hear from them grows more intense as time goes on. To hear a good report, or good news, from them satisfies a fundamental craving in our soul—a craving for connection and relationship. There is wisdom in sending good news to our loved ones, for we know the beneficial effect it can have upon their soul. 

Illustration: Chong Bates and the search for her lost son. 

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Setting aside a portion of the wealth we earn and planning to pass it on to our children is a demonstration of godly wisdom. But an inheritance should be more than just money, it is a way that we can share our knowledge of success and discipline to help our children live with wisdom and steward well the gift we give to them. 

Illustration: Scott Nash, owner of MOM’s Organic Market, and his perspective on his children’s inheritance. 

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If managed correctly, an inheritance can be a great blessing during hard times, help purchase a home, or be the means by which one starts their own business. But that requires the recipient to be prepared to wisely manage it, which takes self-discipline and time to learn. An inheritance can be wasted is a person is not prepared to wisely handle it so that they can enjoy the blessings that it can provide. 

Illustration: John Forsyth, a successful Canadian businessman, and the wasted inheritance of his children. 

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Looks can be deceiving, and a fool can pass himself off as being wise. But a wise person is not deemed as wise because of their stature, demeanor, or appearance but according to their manner of life by living in obedience to Yahweh. This manner of life is demonstrated distinctly in what a wise person says and does, but a fool will not display this wisdom in their life. 

Illustration: Aesop’s Fable, “The Donkey and the Lion’s Skin” 

Verses: Prov. 17:28  

Teacher: Jerry Wierwille 

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Wisdom tells us that we should be careful in how many words we use and when we use them, and that in response to being provoked, less words is often better and can keep us from saying things we would later regret. Moreover, keeping a cool spirit is essential so that we can think clearly about what we should say before we say it rather than responding out of heated emotions.  

Illustration: The lives and conduct of Calvin Coolidge & George Whitefield 

Verses: Prov. 17:27; Matt. 12:36-37  

Teacher: Jerry Wierwille 

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Being aggressive and making demands from someone is likely not going to have a desirable outcome. Whether it is a person in a position of authority, someone at our place of employment, or even someone within our own family, if we make a request or plead our case with patience and gentleness of speech, we will more likely succeed in being persuasive and having them genuinely consider what we have to say.  

Illustration: The famous Jewish Rabbi named Rabbi Akiva. 

Verses: Prov. 25:15 

Teacher: Jerry Wierwille 

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All broken promises produce disappointment on the part of the recipient who never received what they eagerly looked forward to. Sometimes the disappointment is small and other times great. With wisdom, we can learn to be discerning about the individual who is making the promise and what exactly is being promised, knowing that not everyone is honest and intends to keep their promises.  

Illustration: The Seattle Art Museum and the Ebsworth Collection. 

Verses: Prov. 25:14 

Teacher: Jerry Wierwille 

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It can be challenging to connect and break through a person’s defenses. But when used properly with an honorable motive, a thoughtful gift that is given at the right time and in the right way can open doors, remove obstacles, and place you in a more favorable light in the eyes of others. A purposeful gift shows that you care and want to someone to know that they matter, and that can make all the difference in the world. 

Illustration: The incredible success of Cutco salesman John Ruhlin 

Verses: Prov. 18:16  

Teacher: Jerry Wierwille 

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