Get Wisdom
Read the book of Proverbs regularly
Many years ago, I heard something from my pastor, David R. Stokes, that changed my life. As part of one of his sermons, he mentioned casually that he read the book of Proverbs once through every month. And I remember thinking: What a great idea!
I was a Christian school teacher in Northern Virginia. I taught U.S. History, World History, Geography, American Government, and Bible at a private high school in Fairfax, Virginia. And thus I understood the importance of education.
The more I reflected on what my pastor had said, the more sense it made to me. After all, King Solomon is (except for Jesus) considered the wisest man in the Bible. Why not take advantage of his wisdom?
Sometime later, I remember hearing Christian businessman Steven Scott recount how he was challenged to read the book of Proverbs every day by relationship expert Dr. Gary Smalley.
Scott was frustrated with his lackluster career and a feeling that he was not appreciated and was living well below his potential.
According to Scott, Smalley told him to read a chapter of the book of Proverbs every day — and more than one chapter a day on those months that have fewer than 31 days. This will result in reading the entire book of Proverbs every month and twelve times a year.
“Do that every day, month after month, and I guarantee that within two years you’ll be smarter than all of your bosses,” said Smalley. “Do it for five years, and I’ll bet you become a millionaire.”
This challenge was given in 1974. And sure enough, it worked. Within two years, Scott co-founded a marketing company. Just a few months into that company’s existence, it was raking in millions of dollars — making Steven Scott a multimillionaire.
Obviously, the book of Proverbs is not a magic potion. And Steven Scott’s results may not be yours. There are lots of variables when it comes to financial prosperity. Do not read this article as some formulaic promise of certain results if you read Proverbs.
That having been said, reading the book of Proverbs on a regular basis will change your life — for the better.
While I can’t say I’ve followed the example of Gary Smalley, Steven Scott, or David Stokes completely, I have read the book of Proverbs multiple times over the years — more so than any other book. And it has changed my life.
If you want wisdom, I encourage you to make the book of Proverbs a regular part of your life.
I also encourage you to follow The One Minute Proverb.
God bless you.
