Proverbs 12:15-16
15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Have you ever felt the need to prove yourself to other people? If you have then you probably know that overwhelming feeling that comes over you saying, “You’re not good enough” or something to that nature. In those times, it’s easy to retract back into your shell and try desperately to accomplish everything on your own, no stopping to ask for help, just a persistent go so everyone will see you as something special. Problem with that is that we all are better with other people than we are by ourselves. In every walk of life, community trumps solitary living. Don’t get me wrong; I am a person that enjoys spending time alone, dreaming new dreams, solving problems and admiring creation. But when it comes to doing life in the best way possible, there’s always someone who’s walked the same path you’re walking and may have great words to share to help you overcome your current obstacle. Shake off that “not good enough” feeling. John3:16 says that God loved this world so much that He sent His only begotten son to pay the ultimate price for us to be reconciled with Him through salvation in Jesus Christ for His good and perfect will for our lives. This means that you are good enough. You are loved and cherished by God almighty. Moreover, you are created fearfully and wonderfully in His image. Perk up and seek out wisdom that is readily available to you. All you have to do is ask God and the bible says He freely gives without measure. That also means to keep good people around you who will build you up but also who will be honest with you to help make you the best version of you that you’re meant to be.
16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
When I first got married, I found out very quickly that I wasn’t as calm natured as I once thought I was. For some reason I felt myself losing my cool at many things that I would never have normally lost it over. Looking back at that time in my life, I’m grateful to my incredible wife for her patience as I learned to rule my temper in all the little moments that got the best of me. I know now that there were a lot of various things contributing to my sky rocketing temper during that time. It all came down change. My life was changing and unknowingly, I was not handling it well. Thankfully, I became aware of my temper issue and was able to cling to scripture. Nothing but destruction came out of my “lost” moments. Even though my good wife was(is) patient, I know I hurt her every time I gave her a side glare, answered with a sharp tongue or was just simply selfish in my actions. I was a FOOL. But although I was once a fool, I’m now striving for wisdom through redemption in the Lord and taking every human thought and outburst captive in Jesus name, choosing to act, the best I can, how Jesus would act and treat his loved ones. Staying calm when insulted is one of the most difficult things to learn and even harder to put into diligent practice. Sometimes we just want to vent, right? Think realistically about the consequences “just venting” might cause to you, your relationships, etc. Give it to God, breathe and receive the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. After that, do it again! Every day, every moment, decision and thought require our best. This world needs Christians to be what God says we should be. The good thing is that Christ knows our struggles and invites us to freely go to Him and He promises to give us rest and a light yoke. Trust Him; He is our salvation after all.