I’m good at solitude. I’ve never been unhappy alone. But I remember times when being alone felt unhealthy and I had to go be with people. When solitude turns into isolation, it’s time to find some fellowship. We need solitude. We need quiet and “white space” in our lives. But more as a retreat—you getContinue reading “Solitude v. Isolation.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
The Mouth of a Fool.
I said one thing this summer that people have repeated back to me more than anything else: “Steven, you’re a good kid. But your mouth’s gonna get you into a lot of trouble.” My father was right, of course. I would say anything, no matter how rude or hostile or mean or inappropriate. I hadContinue reading “The Mouth of a Fool.”
Private School.
I often asked myself why I had children in private school. It was an extravagant luxury—something others could afford, but not me. I had spent years teaching in public schools—were they so bad? Everyone I know attended public schools. Yet each time I questioned the decision, God gave me peace. On what basis? The challengingContinue reading “Private School.”
When Friends Go Astray.
Have you seen any friends go astray? Have any gone off to college and surprised you? Why is that? What keeps some people walking with the Lord, while others go off on foolish, sinful paths of error and evil? One factor is peers. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts goodContinue reading “When Friends Go Astray.”
Choose Your Friends Wisely!
Do you choose wisely? It is SO important. Why? Because no one will influence you as much as your friends. So choose friends wisely—because you will become like them. “He who walks with wise men will be wise. But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20. I know the problem. The problem is,Continue reading “Choose Your Friends Wisely!”
Mining Hazards.
Do you know the term “undermine”? It is often used in reference to authority. For example, if a principal walks into a classroom and tells students “Don’t bother with that assignment your teacher gave you,” the teacher will likely complain the principal has undermined her authority. UNDERMINE. Think about what that word means. It isContinue reading “Mining Hazards.”
Listen to Wise Counsel.
Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, had a question. He got advice from the old men who had served his father, then from the young men who were his childhood friends. Guess who gave the better advice? The old men. Why? Because they had experience. Don’t you realize how valuable that is? Rehoboam took the advice of theContinue reading “Listen to Wise Counsel.”
Choose Your College.
How do kids choose a college? Location? Beauty? Reputation? Degrees offered? Friends going there? What do parents consider? Price? Safety? Future job prospects? The considerations are enormous—as is the time to be invested. It is a huge decision, and one for which you must hear from God. Proverbs 9 uses a picture similar to collegeContinue reading “Choose Your College.”
Rebuke.
Have you ever rebuked anyone? Ever told friend he was wrong? Ever spoken up for what is right? You can tell a lot about a person by the way he responds to rebuke. Wise people accept it, humble themselves, and listen. Foolish people are not able to accept rebuke; they will be angry and defensive.Continue reading “Rebuke.”
Wisdom Has Built Her House.
Yesterday I watched a documentary about a talented athlete whose career fell apart because his life was a dumpster fire: parties, booze, drugs, and selfishness. This is the life of foolishness. Even though I published my first book Friday (!), the biggest event of this year will be the work involved in honoring the lifeContinue reading “Wisdom Has Built Her House.”
Household Words: 