Tag Archives: conventional wisdom

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”  (Proverbs 25:20-21, NIV)

What may be regarded by the common person as foolishness is tactical brilliance in the eyes of God.

Today’s scripture is a blueprint for how the Christian disciple is to engage his or her adversary.  The benefit of this counter-intuitive approach is two-fold: (1) It confounds the enemy beyond words and: (2) it assures the positive notice of our heavenly Father.

To act in this way toward our enemies requires faith in God, and courage.  Be neither ashamed nor afraid to stand both firm and fast wherever it is that God has directed.  – Luther

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“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”  (James 3:17, New Living Translation)

In today’s scripture selection, James contrasts earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom.

Earthly wisdom’s perspective is 70 or 80 years — enough only to cover our time on this earth.  If you think you can outrun to the grave the scales of human justice, what is to prevent you from being contentious, rude, and unyielding in your dealings with others?

On the other hand, heavenly wisdom has an eternal perspective.  It recognizes the reality of spiritual things, and of God’s reckoning.

Resist earth’s Siren call to its ways and to its wisdom.  Other people may scoff at your “naivete,” but only for the short span of their lives.  The approval of God is forever!  – Luther

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“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25, NIV)

Today’s scripture turns conventional wisdom on its head.

Conventional wisdom says that one prospers by conserving. God’s wisdom says that the more we give, the more we are given.

Will you accept the challenge to be a liberal, cheerful, giver of your time, talent, and treasure?  – Luther

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