Today’s Community Scripture – 1/23/2025

Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing. The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life. Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything. Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives. A good person hates false talk; a bad person wallows in gibberish. A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch. A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats. The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys. Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel. Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off. Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells! Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness. Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life. Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of soul. Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

                              Proverbs 13:1–20 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                Walk With The Wise

We all have people who are influencing us, people who are in our ear. We’re listening to their counsel, following their suggestions, and trusting what they say. The question is: Are they the right people? You shouldn’t take advice from everyone or be swayed by every opinion. You need to look at their track record. Have they made good decisions? Do they honor God? Do they have your best interests at heart? You have to be careful about who’s in your ear. If you have wrong voices, you’re going to make wrong choices. If you hang around friends who compromise or coworkers who gossip, their example, their advice, and how they influence you will keep you from your potential.

– Where do we go from here?

Be selective. Some people will tell you how to run your life, but they can’t even run their own lives. They’re giving you relationship advice, but they’ve been through six breakups. They’ll tell you how to invest and spend your money, but they can’t pay their own bills. Before you take that advice, consider the source. Are they people of integrity and excellence?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, I thank You for those who inspire, challenge and improve me. Please guide me in discerning about whose voices I heed and the advice I accept. Help me distance myself from anyone whose influence could hinder my growth. I aspire to walk alongside the right people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach