Several nuggets of 'wisdom' from the book of Proverbs (from the Living Bible):

"Evil words destroy. Godly skill rebuilds."

~ Proverbs 11:9

Commentary: "Words can be used either as weapons or tools; hurting relationships or building them up. Sadly, it is often easier to destroy than to build; and most people have experienced more destructive words than words which build up. Every person we meet today is either a demolition site or a construction opportunity. Our words make a difference. Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction?"

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"A empty stable stays clean---but there is no income from an empty stable."

~ Proverbs 14:4

Commentary:  "It is good to be clean, but it is better to be useful. The only way to have a perfect stable is to keep all the animals out. The onlyway to keep our lives in perfect order is to keep it free of other people. But if the stable is empty, it is useless, and if we live only for ourselves, our lives lose its meaning. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, we should serve others, share the faith, and work for justice. Are our lives lean, but empty? Or do they give evidence of our serving God wholeheartedly? Be involved and productive."

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"If you won't plow in the cold, you won't eat at harvest."

~ Proverbs 20:4

Commentary:  "We have heard similar warnings. If we don't study, we will fail the test. If we don't save, we won't have money when we need it. God wants us to anticipate future needs and prepare for them. We can't expect Him to come to our rescue when we cause our own problems through lack of planning. He provides for us, but He also expects us to be responsible."

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