Solomon’s book, Proverbs, I read at twenty-three,

Launched me on a journey: wise, I wanted to be.

God’s word, like a mirror, preparatory school,

Revealed my starting point: I saw I was a “fool!!”

“Foolish,” “fool,” and “folly,” all three indicated,

Marks that were true of me, though all three, I hated.

“Prefer the easy way!” “Don’t expect much from me.”

“It can’t be that complex!” “Please don’t ‘criticize’ me.”

Weak, unengaged, passive, simply procrastinate.

Responsibility? If it’s too hard I’ll wait.

Afraid that I might fail, the blame I will refuse.

“Surely it’s not MY fault!” (Armed with a “good” excuse).

My pleasure, on demand, was top priority,

From what was I running? Inferiority?

I’ve got to “feel good now!” To that I’ll gravitate.

Driven by my feelings, a hollow man, no weight.

With the fear of the Lord so begins real wisdom,

To His warnings take heed, commands of His kingdom.

A fool just trusts himself; a wise man gets advice.

A learner he becomes, his own thoughts won’t suffice.

Relationships? He builds, engages, not passive.

Responsibilities? On the move and active.

Problems? Not surprised. Prayer. Advice, act and adjust.

Expectations? To God, his needs he will entrust.

Angry? He looks inward, the culprit lies within.

Anxiety? His hope misplaced on prospects thin.

Disappointments abound, if his heart’s discouraged.

Neither are surprising; calls on God for courage.

He will do what is right no matter what the cost,

And to gain life in Christ, considers all things loss.

Walks in the ways of God; his house not built on sand.

Puts them into practice, his house, on rock, will stand.