Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:17

by David Chadwick

“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”

Proverbs 18:17

Our world is full of so many perspectives, sides, and stories. And in this social media generation, opinions are running wild. Everyone is a self-acclaimed expert, and there are many different stances everywhere you turn.

So, what do you do when you hear something about someone? Or when you catch someone’s opinion about something occurring in the world? Or when you read a story in the news? How do you intercept so much information and so many opinions with wisdom and discernment?

Proverbs 18:17 tells us exactly what to do, and it is so practical. Let’s look at it today.

This verse essentially encourages all of us to pause. It teaches us that someone’s opinion sounds right until you hear the other side.

What a powerful insight this is, especially when trying to mediate two different opinions. You hear one side, and you think you have the necessary insight to draw a right conclusion. Then you hear the other side, and you realize it's a completely different story. Most often, the truth lies somewhere in between the two sides. But it's important to always hear both sides of a story.

The Bible also encourages us to have two or three witnesses whenever an accusation is brought against someone. Why? Because we all see things differently. That's why this proverb provides important wisdom before reaching a conclusion.

This verse is a great truth for parents, bosses, pastors, coaches, and leaders. Anyone who finds themselves in a position of leadership must practice this principle when presented with any difficult situation.

Go slow. Listen. Take in all sides. Most often, the truth lies somewhere in between, something my dad used to say all the time.

Above all, pray for discernment. Sometimes you must examine to find the truth. It must be searched out.

Remain shrewd as a serpent, innocent as a dove. Search out the truth with all vigilance, but as you do, keep your heart pure. Don’t let your heart become hardened as you see the complexities you will inevitably witness in this broken world.

One day, Jesus will make all things right. We will know his truth in all things.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 29:18, The Power of a Dream

by Marilynn Chadwick

“Where there is no vision the people perish”

Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Our God-given dreams can impact the entire direction of our lives. The Bible reminds us of the importance of dreams: "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Some of the most courageous parents I know have raised their children in fragile neighborhoods. For them, dreams can divert their children from drugs, gangs, and prison. Dreams mean survival.

My young friend Dominique was just ten when some gang members befriended him. “I was kind of a mascot,” as he puts it. But gang mascots eventually become gang members, and he was headed for trouble. One day, Dominique discovered an online chess game. He got the hang of it and became good—really good. Before too long, he was “busy” when gang members called. Dominique was way too busy finding his purpose to run with gangs.

By the time he was in high school, Dominique had become the top scholastic chess player in the state of North Carolina. In his college application, Dominique wrote, “By getting closer to the One who allowed me this chance, and continuing with the plan that we dreamed up together when I was a young child, I feel that I will be able to help someone else and make a lasting impact.”

Dominique didn’t attend church growing up. But as a small child he had a sense of God’s destiny and a mysterious awareness of his calling through his childhood dreams of playing chess. And when he heard a clear presentation of the Gospel his first semester in college, the vibrant young man accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Dominique won a prestigious Seeds of Hope Scholarship. He finished college and began to teach kids how to play chess. He met the love of his life, also a chess player. They married, bought a home, and had a little baby girl. He is now on the board of the Seeds of Hope Scholars program, opening doors to college for talented kids who simply need a financial boost and some Christian mentoring.

And Dominique continues to play chess. He’s made his way into the realm of international competition, competing against some of the best in the world. He continues to work in schools, helping kids learn chess.

One thing is clear. Dominique’s earthly dreams had eternal implications that went far beyond the mastery of chess. A good reminder to take seriously the hopes and dreams of those children entrusted to our care. Mother Teresa put it this way: “Tread gently around the dreams of a child. You might be treading on the dreams of God.”

Seeds of Hope is dedicated to building community and providing financial support for talented young adults. The Seeds of Hope scholars are leaders with big dreams and have a heart to serve their communities. Click here for more stories and to learn how Seeds of Hope is helping to make big dreams come true.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:12, The Virtue Nobody Wants

by Marilynn Chadwick

“Humility comes before honor.”

Proverbs 18:12

If you want to be strong, be humble. Strength comes through humility. The Bible consistently reminds us of this paradox. As believers, we are called to be servants. To give up our rights and die to self. I’m reminded of Paul’s realization that only when he was "weak" was he truly "strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We hear a lot about humility, but it seems to be the virtue nobody really wants. We admire it when we see it in others. But it’s so against our nature to walk in humility that most of us run the other way. I once read a quote that said something like this: “Truly great people are also the humblest. Arrogance is the consolation prize for the less talented.” I’ve found this to be true. The most outstanding and honorable people I’ve met are also humble.

Bottom line? If I truly want to be strong in the Lord, I must also be humble. So let’s reflect on the delicate balance in the Bible between strength and humility.

The Bible is clear about the connection between humility and honor. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up,” comes the strong admonition in James 4:10 (KJV). Humbling ourselves literally means "to be made low." Another Bible version adds weight to this promise: “He will lift you up and make your lives significant” (James 4:10 AMP).

A friend of mine who has always appeared to be quite confident expressed his understanding of humility this way: “Without Christ, I am an incredibly insecure person, and so I stick close to him.” Isn’t that what humility really is? Apart from Christ, I’m weak, and I know it. So I’m going to make a point of sticking close to him.

Sticking close to Jesus is called “abiding.” Jesus himself made it clear that abiding in him is the secret to strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV).

If you want to be strong, be humble. More importantly, learn to abide in Christ.