I am fascinated by the Book of Proverbs. It’s like a divinely-inspired collection of fortune-cookie-sized nuggets of wisdom.
Many times throughout the year, I will read one chapter of Proverbs each day as it coordinates to the date–Proverbs 1 on April 1, Proverbs 2 on April 2, etc.
As I started this process over again on Monday, April 1, I was struck by two verses in a way I hadn’t been before.
Solomon, the wisest person to ever live, wrote that these Proverbs’ “purpose [are] to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,” (v3). No real surprise there–it’s Solomon giving this Book a mission statement.
But, I love how verse 31 brings the other side to light…
Those who reject wisdom “must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way”. Ouch!
The contrast could not be more clear: wisdom teaches those willing to listen how to be successful through a disciplined life, but those who don’t live with wisdom will bear the fruit of an undisciplined life.
Jim Rohn put it this way: “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
Our lives are bearing fruit–the question we have to ask ourselves is “Do I like the fruit I am cultivating by my choices?”
I’d invite you to try the “Proverb-A-Day” reading plan. It’s super fast, easy, and could change your life!