November 14, 2026
COLD seems to best describe today. At 4:30 a.m. the thermometer shows 36 degrees, perhaps gaining 10 degrees for today’s high. A stiff south wind will make this a good day to work inside if possible.
As we pick up Proverbs 3:7, we are confronted with another anatomy lesson, “Do not be wise in your own eyes;” reminding us that real wisdom is not from us. Isn’t it interesting that even the most outrageous ideas seem to be capable of gaining an audience? As I listen to some of the spiritual ideas folks have concocted, I have to ask myself, “Where in the world did that person come up with that idea about God and eternity?” The answer, within their own “eyes.”
Don’t think of physical eyes but instead understand it to mean a person’s perspective as to how they see and understand life. I remember doing a seminar once upon a time titled, “Perspective determines perception.” You see, a person’s perspective is gained by outside and inside influences, which are usually different for all people.
Where you were raised, how you were raised, by whom you were raised, educated and trained are all elements of your perspective. As such, your perspective can easily be as individual as you are; and that is the primary purpose of the book of Proverbs – it is an attempt to place each of us upon common ground so that we will see life from God’s perspective, not man’s.
As Proverbs 3:7 continues, “Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” You see my friend, left to my own “understanding” will soon find me walking down the wide path of “evil,” which here, literally means “badly made.” If a person’s perspective is from only worldly influence, their “understanding” will soon be “badly made,” causing anxiety, bitterness and fear.
In contrast, “Fear of the LORD” brigs calm, compassion and trust – verse 8, “It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” A sentence that reminds us that spiritual health impacts physical health. A healthy respect of God, leads to a inner peace and tranquility.
Interestingly, Solomon uses the words of verse 9 to remind us that a healthy spiritual perspective adds to a healthy body, which is then displayed through wanting to give of our time, talents, and finances to the LORD – “Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all you produce.” Solomon here reminds us that what we cannot love without giving. “For God so loved the world that He gave…” As I have often stated, “We can give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.”
As humans, we all give our best to that which we love the most. The unwise person gives their best to and for themself, leading to pride. While the god-fearing person will give the best of their life earnings to the LORD, resulting in blessings – verse 10, “So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.” Remember, we are blessed to be a blessing!
So, for today, examine your blessings, give thanks for each of them and then use those blessings to bless someone else. Give away as you have been given to. To live life with open hands helps us to constantly depend upon our LORD for “our daily bread.”
Living, loving, giving with you, Neal
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