Wisdom in Words

In chapter three of Self Talk, Soul Talk Jennifer Rothschild discusses Choosing Wise Words. (Join others at Lelia's to read more. ) Beliefs stem from assumptions. Thoughts and actions are based on our beliefs.

Root = assumptions

Fruit = thoughts

By practical means, we determine the kind of 'tree' by its fruit and not the root. Imagine if we had to dig up every tree and examine the roots before we decide if this is the fruit we want to purchase or eat.

I never thought about it but Jennifer said "the fruit of perfectionism springs from the root of low self-esteem and insecurity." Well, I do have perfectionism tendencies. I do struggle with low self-esteem and some insecurities. So you do the math...I have the root, then I have the fruit. An orange cannot grown on an apple tree without changing the root system to match that of an orange. So, we cannot change our fruit (thoughts) without changing our root system (assumptions). Shall we get out our shovel or maybe we need a back hole for our deep root system that's been growing for years. We need only to remove the roots of faulty assumptions so new roots of true assumptions can grow.

Jennifer shares three ways to gain wisdom: request it, revere God, and receive counsel.

Request It
I love, love, love the book of James. It is one well-rounded book that hits on every basic subject for living the Christian life. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 Simply ask. No condemnation. No judgment. No fault finding. Freely, abundantly given. He lavishly and liberally provides wisdom.

Revere God
When we reverence God we receive wisdom. The fear of the Lord is wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 Said another way...to revere God is wisdom. Respect. Regard. Revere. Jennifer says "to fear the Lord means holding His knowledge and truth in higher regard than our own." I had to pen this statement forever in time as part of this post. I read it over and over. Yes, of course, I regard His knowledge higher than mine, right? Or do I? Do I at times think I know better? Do I think my idea of how this or that situation should play out is better? Do I trust His knowledge in my greatest heart's desire? The answer is yes, I do revere His knowledge. Only in my times of weakness do I think I know better and know it should be done "this" way. Only in the desperation of my heart, do I say I know better because I want "this" now and in this way. That is my flesh. My heart says I trust You, Lord. Your knowledge for me is so vast and so much greater than I could ever perceive.

Receive Counsel
Pasty Clairmont gained wisdom from wise counsel. She shared with Jennifer how she combats negative thoughts. "It's a three step approach: refuse things inaccurate, unkind or unedifying; replace them with what is good, pure, just; repeat that process for as long as it takes to bring my thoughts under control."

Wisdom brings:
♥ healing (Proverbs 12:18)
♥ sweet speech (Proverbs 16:21)
♥ honor (Proverbs 3:35)
♥ future and hope (Proverbs 24:14)
♥ understanding (Proverbs 14:8)
♥ protection (Proverbs 14:3)
♥ strength (Proverbs 24:4)

God provides us with an entire book in the Bible devoted to wisdom. To gain wisdom is to read and meditate on the greatest book of wisdom: Proverbs. We see in the prologue that Solomon's purpose in Proverbs is: for attaining wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:2a

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. Proverbs 19:8a
Girlfriends, LOVE YOUR SOUL.

A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23 I leave you with one Jennifer's last statements in this chapter. "To speak wisely to your soul will shrivel some of those sick roots and nourish the good roots that may be struggling."

Ponder these questions in your heart.
Do you have sick roots that need shriveled?
Do you have good roots that are struggling?
Are you speaking wisely to your soul?

Seeking Wisdom,