Success Secrets are Not That Secret

The secrets to a successful life are pretty simple - do the opposite of whatever comes naturally. Proverbs 13 introduces us to some of those very things. 

First, learn to stop sharing every opinion and thought and rather seek to learn and be taught.
Proverbs 13:1 (ESV) A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:3 (ESV) Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

The old saying is true, "God gave you two ears and ONE mouth for a reason." Therefore listen at least twice as much as you speak. Plus, the truth of all of us is there's a lot of nonsense in us that comes naturally from that sin nature. But if we listened more and spoke less we'd learn and grow wise. 

Second, keep your head down and focus on your work. Stop looking to get rich quick. 
Proverbs 13:4 (ESV) The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
Proverbs 13:11 (ESV) Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Life offers us distraction with useless things. We are often taken captive by empty ventures and vain pursuits. Or we waste time "craving" as verse 4 says - that is, we spend our days looking at everyone else's life instead of focusing on what can improve our condition. The Bible promotes work as a gift from God, an opportunity not to be wasted. There's always growth and blessing in the one who gives themselves fully to the endeavors of their labor. 

Third, make God's Word the guide of your life. 
Proverbs 13:13–14 (ESV) Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

There's a temptation to listen to your culture over God's Word. There's a temptation to ignore what God has written in favor of what we feel or perceive to be true. But what makes us think we are true? You are either banking your life on what YOU think or what GOD SAYS. Forsake what you think and listen to what He says, there is life and reward in that. 

Fourth, guard your relationship circle. 
Proverbs 13:20–21 (ESV) Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 21 Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.

You will become more like the people to whom you are the closest. That's good news. You can pick who you'd like to be by guarding your relationships. This again calls for wisdom as not everyone who wants to be around you is really the right person you should be around. Find wise people who are living according to the first three "secrets" and spend your time with them. 

Finally, pass it on to the next generation. 
Proverbs 13:24 (ESV) Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Your wisdom and discretion should not die with you. Give it to your children. They need it and you must give it. For they will face the same temptations you did. Let them learn from you and through you so that when they outlive you, the world is blessed and so are they. 

The secrets to success are not new, they are just ignored. Dig in to them, give your life to them, for God is working through them for your good. 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

God’s View of You

The Stain of Slavery

Leaders Who Later Fail