Ep 78 - Weaponized Words (Prov. 12:18)

Ep 83 - To Save a Life (Prov. 11:30)

[https://stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/words-of-wisdom-podcast-featured-img-150x150.png]https://stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast/ep-83-to-save-a-life-prov-11-30/In a world where people are craving life-giving words, they are often looking for them in the wrong places, or from the wrong people. It is rare to find a person whose words and actions offer nourishment and healing for what is needed; and while people try to fill the void inside with so many things, the real need is to be rescued from the seemingly inescapable reality of death. But while death takes away so much life in this world, wisdom is found in stealing people away from death—final death. The hope of salvation that God offers is the […]

Ep 82 - Weigh Your Words (Prov 29.20; 26.12)

[https://stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/words-of-wisdom-podcast-featured-img-150x150.png]https://stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast/ep-82-weigh-your-words-prov-29-20-26-12/Being careful with our words is the mark of wise living. But when we speak rashly rather than carefully weighing the impact our words can have, we deem ourselves to be of greater importance than the hearer. Impulsiveness when speaking reveals, at best, a heart of foolishness, and at worst, a heart filled with pride, lack of restraint, and overconfidence. People who speak carelessly often fail to weigh the consequences, listen first, or exercise self-control. Real wisdom begins with humility and being mindful of how what we say can and will affect others around us. Illustration: From the TV show […]

Ep 81 - Do Good Now, Not Tomorrow (Prov. 3:27-28)

[https://stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/words-of-wisdom-podcast-featured-img-150x150.png]https://stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast/ep-81-do-good-now-not-tomorrow-prov-3-27-28/Generosity and compassion lie at the heart of true wisdom. When it is within our power to help, we must not delay or make excuses, for withholding good from those who deserve it is a failure of love. Whether it is something like money or food, or advice or encouragement, when we act with generosity, we are, in essence, lending to Yahweh, who promises to repay our faithfulness and generous giving with blessing. However, it is the ever-present struggle with self-centeredness and procrastination that often hinder one’s compassion and decision to act. But the wisdom of Proverbs calls for us […]

Ep 80 - Hey, Don't Touch That! (Prov. 22:28; 23:10-11)

[https://stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/words-of-wisdom-podcast-featured-img-150x150.png]https://stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast/ep-80-hey-dont-touch-that-prov-2228-2310-11/Trust and social order are disrupted when the personal property of others is not respected and honored. While ancient boundary markers designated the extent of land ownership, and people were not to move those and take advantage and expand their property, today people still attempt to move “boundary markers” to get what they want. Everyone agrees that there are invisible “boundary markers” around their personal belongings that indicate others should not take them and do what they please. But people blatantly disregard them and seek to take what they want for their own gain. Illustration: Jonathan Jacoby trespassing and cutting […]

Ep 79 - Stupid Is As Stupid Does (Prov. 22:3)

[https://stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/words-of-wisdom-podcast-featured-img-150x150.png]https://stfi.org/podcasts/words-of-wisdom-podcast/ep-79-stupid-is-as-stupid-does-prov-22-3/We all make choices that get us into trouble. But fools will tend to make lots of those choices. Even when danger is staring them right in the face, they will still press on, naively turning a blind eye to it. What wisdom tells us is that we should “hide” ourselves to prevent getting caught up in trouble that we could avoid. Otherwise, we will end up paying the price for the foolishness that got us there in the first place. Illustration: The story of John “Chickie” Donohue and his decision to bring his friends beer during the Vietnam War. […]