A story is told about an old boy who tried to have all his gold put in his coffin when he died. But here’s the thing: the gold we value so much here on earth is simply what they used to fill the potholes in heaven. Proverbs 15 tells us that a dinner of vegetables with love is better than the house with the fatted ox with hatred. Today, what are spending our time, our energy, and our lives on? The stuff that doesn’t matter, or the relationships that do?

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Good morning. It’s a pleasure to be with you on this Monday morning, especially as we reflect on Martin Luther King Day. Today serves as a reminder for all of us, regardless of our location, to focus on contributing to a better world. Our globe is filled with numerous needs, and Dr. King’s legacy encourages us to extend help and encouragement to those around us.

As we continue our journey through Proverbs, we discussed some themes last Friday. In these chapters that delve into the wise sayings of Solomon, there are myriad concepts that we could explore. Personally, I underline verses that resonate with me, acknowledging that each reader may find different points that speak to them. In today’s reading, a few verses particularly caught my attention.

Verse 1 of chapter 15 is a timeless piece of wisdom: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This echoes our discussion on Friday about the importance of avoiding reactive behavior.

However, what stood out to me the most in today’s reading were verses 13, 16, and 17. Verse 13 states, “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance.” Moving on to verses 16 and 17, we find profound wisdom: “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is the dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it.”

These verses speak to the essence of a fulfilled life. They remind us that the quality of our relationships and the love we share are more valuable than material possessions. In a world fixated on accumulating wealth and status, these verses challenge us to prioritize love over material abundance.

Verse 22 further emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and advice: “Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Additionally, verse 28 provides valuable guidance on communication: “The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.”

For me, the essence lies in verses 16 and 17—choosing a life centered on love and meaningful relationships over the pursuit of wealth laden with troubles. It prompts us to reconsider our priorities and invest our time, energy, and resources in what truly matters.

In conclusion, let’s reevaluate our choices and focus on what brings lasting fulfillment—our relationships with God and one another. As we navigate life, may we place importance on the enduring treasures of love and connection, recognizing that these are the elements that truly define a meaningful existence.

Thank you for joining me today. I look forward to exploring chapter 17 tomorrow. Enjoy your day!