Wise Words for Wise Living by Steve/Carole Parham Wicorek

Wise Words for Wise Living by Steve and Carole Parham Wicorek The Book of Proverbs might be considered God’s book on how to wise up and live. It applies to God’s principals to the whole of life – relationships, the home, work, justice, decisions, attitudes, reaction, everything a man or woman says and even thinks. The Book of Proverbs is filled with valuable life lessons for daily living and with wise words we hope our boys, Stephen and Brandon, have heard from us and will continue to use.

Life is a gift. It is in your hands to make the best out of it. Through the ups and downs, you’ll find a lesson to learn that will make you a better person. Each experience – good and bad – helps you grow. Live for today and enjoy the little things and every moment. Capture the best that life has to offer you. We have often told both our boys to live each day to the fullest. Of course, over the last year we have all had to stop and remind ourselves of this daily amid the COVID pandemic. We have to stop and count our blessings and smell the roses more each day! Be compassionate and kind to everyone as you do not know what challenges or struggles others are going through. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31.8-9). We had a proud parent moment this past February on one of the coldest Florida nights. Our younger son, Brandon, who attends the University of Florida, texted and said, “I just gave a homeless man a blanket and a pillow.” I teared up and quickly thought to myself “Job well done!” It made me thankful to our wonderful church, where our boys have grown up, and where we are so blessed to be.. I say “Job Well Done to First United Methodist!” Our boys were both baptized and confirmed here. They were acolytes and crucifers. First United Methodist has taught our boys to be kind to others. We were married at First United Methodist Church and this April we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Our family is truly blessed to be surrounded by wonderful parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, coaches and pastors who have also provided guidance and wisdom to our boys.

Through the years we have encouraged our boys to be good leaders both on and off the soccer and baseball fields. “His children, seeing his example of integrity, are encouraged to be the same kind of people.” (Proverbs 20:7)

Recently our older son was traveling from Clemson to Charlotte for a job interview. While talking to him, we reminded him of Proverbs 3:5— “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Finding the right job requires us to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and not lean on our own wisdom.

Why are the Proverbs so Important? In Proverbs 23:23 we are told to “get wisdom” and the proverbs themselves are one of the best places to observe and learn that wisdom. God gave us the book to teach us how to walk in wisdom – that is, how to conduct and regulate our lives. It helps us conform our lives to God’s character and standards.

We have often told our boys that integrity is more important than money, so be grateful with what you have, and also that your reputation is more important than your net worth. “ A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1) Read it! Then live it! Proverbs contains some of the most applicable nuggets of truth in all of the Bible. Most of the proverbs allow us to see clearly how any particular proverb might be applied to any number of everyday situations we encounter – from getting out of bed in the morning to a job interview to building a strong foundation in our relationships with others. The book of Proverbs and the wise words of wisdom can help us on this journey to be a better human and make our world a little better.