Tag Archives: wisdom

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1987 movie “Summer School”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: ² for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]  knowledge and discretion to the young—⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.^{[b] 7} The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction, Proverbs 1:1-7.

Biblical Connection:

Back when I attended a public high school in the 1980’s, if a student received a 69 or lower grade for a class, they were forced to attend summer school. My final report card that didn’t count as an 8th grader was 5 A’s, 1 D in band and an F in French 1. I quit the band and retook French as a freshman. However, this experience put the fear of God into me, not wanting to ever fail a class again. As Mark Harmon shares final exam results, each student improved with many now passing.

I was introduced to Rush Limbaugh in college. While his personality and satire nature of his political talk show took years to understand, Rush preached to his listeners that learning never stops. As King Solomon starts to raise his own children as a father, he is compelled to instill within his own household the fear of the Lord. This holy reverence to God provides a sense of urgency to avoid complacency. When the fear of failure is present in your life, the desire to learn never ceases.

Closing Song:

Films of the 1980 are filled with outrageous scenes to get the attention of their audiences. This is why the younger school principal wanted to get rid of Harmon for stretching the rules. Sometimes a teacher needs to try different methods to reach a class of students. Yet, when a teacher is able to instill the words of King Solomon, the fear of the Lord will propel individuals to never stop learning.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2023 film “Stephen Curry: Underrated

Bible Verse of the Day:

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. ⁴ Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life, Proverbs 22:3-4.

Biblical Connection:

Once a decade on average, NBA stars arise from an obscure small college. Larry Bird went to Indiana State, Scottie Pippen from Central Arkansas and Stephen Curry Davidson. Today’s clip comes from Stephen’s first practice in college. When members of the media hype certain freshman players, they don’t always handle the pressure. Coach Bob McKillop tested Steph early on to see what he was made of internally. When a shining star is humbled, this serves as a wakeup call to see what areas you need to improve upon in order to become successful.

As a king blessed by God with great wisdom, Solomon writes Proverbs to impart self-discipline and understanding in life. This portion of the Bible serves as a warning against complacency by seeking refuge in God. Those who believe that they are strong enough to make it on their own will be humbled. Whether you’re a talented athletic, a confident professional or smart student, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, Proverbs 1:7. How you respond to defeat, failure and losing in life will determine the degree of your future success.

Closing Song:

On the day I wrote this blog I received a rejection email for a job that matched my life experiences. There were many years in my life when I always received an interview, and job offer for the position that I desired. Yet, in the past 10 years, I find therapy in studying the Bible, helping me take humility in stride.

by Jay Mankus