聽 聽 聽 聽 聽As a published writer and complimented baker of pies, I am aware of the power of ingredients; but even more so, of the manner in which ingredients are put together. In one of my more painful experiences in life, I wrote what I thought was an excellent book and paid handsomely to have it published. Simply put, it flopped. Although there may be more than one reason, I do know my refusal to take the publisher鈥檚 advice re naming the book had a lot to do with it 鈥� the title I鈥檇 chosen didn鈥檛 adequately relate to the contents. It was a sobering lesson in learning to take wise counsel.
聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Solomon begins his dissertations by outlining his reasons for passing on 鈥渢ips for living鈥�. 鈥淗e wrote them to teach his people how to live鈥攈ow to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just, and fair in everything they did. I want to make the simpleminded wise,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to warn young men [as in everyone] about some problems they will face.鈥� (1:2-6 The Living Bible)
聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Just as I learned the hard way to value to counsel of those experienced in the publishing industry, I am thankful to have acquired wisdom from others in more than one area of my life. Here鈥檚 how Solomon put it: 鈥淲ithout good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.鈥� (11:14-The Message)
聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 鈥淭ake good counsel and accept correction鈥� that鈥檚 the way to live wisely and well.鈥� (19:20 The Message) And one last word of advice: 鈥淚t鈥檚 better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.鈥� (25:5,6 The Message)
聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 By the way, I do know how to bake delicious pies!
