“Like a trampled spring and a polluted well
Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”
Proverbs 25:26

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There are people who look to us for nourishment. People whose hungry eyes look to us with longing for the sustenance to help them make it through another day. People who would grow weak and perhaps even become ill and die without the nourishment we can provide. Yes, there are people whose lives are nourished by ours. People who drink from the fountain of our example, eat the bread of our influence, and long for the fruit of our praise.

The writer of Proverbs likens the life of the righteous man to water, a source of strength and refreshment to life’s weary travelers. If only we knew how many people draw from the well of our life. If only we knew the numbers of people who depend upon the consistent purity of our water. If only we knew.

On occasion we are made aware of how others have been refreshed by us through expressions like: “You are a blessing to me,” or “I have been greatly encouraged by you,” or “I appreciate you.” These are indications of the fact that other people’s lives are indeed nourished by ours. That others draw from the well of our example. That many drink from the stream of our influence.

It is therefore, incumbent upon us to carefully guard ourselves from contamination, lest we become a source of injury to others. There are two sources of contamination that we must guard against.

First, we must guard against the contamination that comes through compromise with the wicked. The term “wicked” is a general term that refers to those who are out of touch with God. Such compromise introduces foul elements into the water, elements that make it muddy and unclear.

Second, we must guard against the contamination that comes through cowardice, or through giving in to the demands of the wicked. Such cowardice allows the wicked to pollute the water with impurities. The contamination of the water may be evident by a change in color or by a foul odor. And if the contamination in the water is bad enough it may kill those who partake. It may lead men to apostasy or keep men from ever coming to faith in Christ.

The contamination however, may be present but not noticeable at all. It may not be strong enough to kill but may simply lower the standard of health in those who partake. It may cause men to have an unsteady walk or to stumble. It may rob men of health and cripple them with ineffectiveness.

And so, we have a responsibility to guard the purity of our water. There are people who watch us and notice what we do and how we do it and why we do it. There are people who look to us for the encouragement to go on, for the reassurance that life’s obstacles can be overcome, and for a greater understanding of how to live life in terms pleasing to God.

Jesus said that salt that has become tasteless “is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men” (Matthew 5:13). And so with water that has become polluted. May our lives be a refreshing drink of holy water to life’s weary travelers.

“Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
But who can find a trustworthy man?”
Proverbs 20:6

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There is something about us that finds comfort in rhetoric. Rhetoric, after all, can be used to make up what is lacking in both our characters and careers. Like the paints of an artist, rhetoric can be used to create an image of us that is not quite the same as what we truly are.

Like a cosmetic, rhetoric can be used to hide almost any blemish and fool almost anyone who has not lived with us out of the public eye. Like a salve, rhetoric can dull the pain of our hurts and make us feel better about our failures. Like a drug, rhetoric can numb us to the guilt of things done or left undone.

There is power in rhetoric. A few well-chosen words can help us to rewrite our own history and redefine the ordinary events of our lives with greater significance.

The writer of Proverbs understood the power of rhetoric. Through observation, and perhaps personal experience, he learned how men can use words to promote themselves. He also came to understand that those who toot their own horns are a dime a dozen, but that it is not always easy to find a real musician! His observations led him to these conclusions. . .

Performance is better than promises. Talk is cheap, but a man’s record speaks. It is better to perform than to promise. A man who performs well does not have to use words to either defend or promote himself. Proverbs 25:14 declares, “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.”

Being is better than boasting. What we are speaks louder than what we say. Peter boasted of his loyalty to Christ, but when it came time to actually be loyal to Christ, he failed.

Humility is better than hot-air. Hot air rises. And those who are full of hot air usually have their heads in the clouds. They are always ready to promote themselves even at the expense of others. They are never short for words about themselves. François de La Rochefoucauld said, “Conceit causes more conversation than wit.”

Humility, on the other hand, is heavy. It keeps your feet firmly anchored to the ground. Humble people can be honest about themselves and their shortcomings. They have no need to make themselves out to be something they are not.

God listens to what we say. He has never been impressed by pride or hot-air. Jesus told a parable (recorded in Luke 18:9-14) about a proud Pharisee who pompously proclaimed his righteousness in the temple. God was not impressed by either the man or his rhetoric. While we can fool others with our words, we can never fool God. He knows what we really look like when we are not clothed in our own words.

“A man of great anger shall bear the penalty,
For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.”
Proverbs 19:19

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You can easily spot them as you travel down the highway of life — individuals who are given to hot-tempers and outbursts of anger. They are among the most careless people on life’s highway.

They drive and maneuver their lives without regard to others. Their fenders are usually stained with the blood of those they have run over. They bear the visible and corrosive marks of the damage caused by bitterness.

Their windshields are cracked and filthy to a vision-obscuring degree. Their mirrors are improperly adjusted because they never look back to consider where they have been or what they have done. Their noisy mufflers signal their approach and their suffocating exhaust let you know they have arrived.

They never park between the lines and they never put a dime in the meter. They travel life’s highway on their own terms and dare anybody to challenge them.

The book of Proverbs offers some keen insight into the character of hot-tempered individuals and practical advice on how to deal with them. It would behoove every person traveling down life’s highway to learn the following defensive driving techniques.

First, don’t bail the hot-tempered individual out of his legal troubles. Hot-tempered individuals are constantly getting stopped and fined along the highway of life. Proverbs 19:19 warns, “A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again” (NIV).

Unless the hot-tempered individual changes his driving habits, he will always need to be bailed out. And so, do not use your hard-earned cold cash to bail out the reckless hot-tempered individual.

Second, don’t travel down life’s highway with hot-tempered individuals. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared” (NIV).

The Bible clearly warns us of the danger of traveling with the wrong kind of people. The danger in such associations lies in the fact that we can pick up sloppy and dangerous driving habits that can lead us to the wrong destination and ultimately to wrecking our lives. And so, Proverbs advices that it is best to give a cold shoulder to a hot head.

Third, take a detour around road hazards. Hot-tempered individuals are always stirring up trouble along life’s way. Proverbs 29:22 states, “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins” (NIV). And again in Proverbs 15:18, “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” (NIV).

Hot-tempered individuals create the kinds of hazards that can seriously injure others who are traveling down life’s road. When you see a hot-tempered individual causing trouble ahead, take a detour. Heed the warnings of Proverbs — keep a cool head and stay out of hot water.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” (NIV)
Proverbs 16:20

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We live in a world of instructions. Practically everything that can be purchased comes with a set of instructions. Even boxes and cans of food quite often include instructions on how to utilize the product in some new recipe. Instructions are a vital part of our daily lives and influence us more than we realize. It is important to follow instructions for at least three reasons.

First, following instructions frees us from frustration. How many times has a daddy gotten in a hurry on Christmas Eve, trying to assemble bicycles, doll houses, and other assorted items without reading the instructions only to find that he should have inserted Tab A in Slot B before cutting along dotted line C.

It is easy to be overcome by overconfidence when it comes to assembling children’s toys, thinking that we can do it by ignoring the instructions and simply looking at the picture on the box. After all, who has time to read all of that fine print and count to make sure that the package includes the right number of nuts, bolts, and thing-a-majigs. Ignoring the instructions inevitably leads to some very frustrating moments.

Ignoring God’s instructions for our lives will also lead to some very frustrating moments. How often we think that we have life all figured out. How often we think that we can handle life’s vicissitudes on the strength of our understanding alone. How often we fail to see the bigger picture and get completely frustrated with life, people, and ourselves.

Ignoring God’s instructions as found in His Word will eventually lead to frustration. Proverbs 13:13 states, “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded” (NIV). We need divine perspective more than we realize.

Second, following instructions delivers us from danger. There is a tag on the cord of my electric hair dryer that reads, “Danger–Electrocution possible if used or dropped in tub.” There is a warning stamped on the plastic bag that covers my dry cleaned garments that states, “Warning: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep away from babies and children. Do not use in cribs, beds, carriages, or playpens. This is not a toy.”

Our streets are dotted with instructions at the end of long metal poles: “Stop … Do Not Enter … One Way … Slow—Children At Play.” We simply cannot escape instructions, regardless of where we go. Quite often, instructions are posted to keep us from endangering our lives and the lives of others. When these instructions are neglected tragedy is often the result.

God’s Word is filled with instruction that warns us of danger. There are many negative commands in the Word of God, the “Thou shalt not…” passages. Rather than seeing God’s negative commands in a negative light however, we ought to see them as being doubly positive.

Josh McDowell once pointed out that behind every negative command stand the two positive principles of protection and provision. When God says “No” it is because He wants to protect us from danger and provide something better for us.

It would benefit us greatly to willingly follow God’s instructions lest we put ourselves and others in danger. We would be wise to heed the advise of Proverbs 4:13, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life” (NIV).

Third, following instructions enhances our enjoyment. When we follow the instructions that come with a purchased product, our enjoyment of that product is enhanced. We enjoy using the product and more than likely will discover that the product will last longer when used properly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

So it is with our lives. We will enjoy life more when we purpose to live our lives in accordance with our Maker’s instructions. In some cases we can expect to live longer when we follow our Maker’s instructions because we will avoid paths, habits, and relationships that might endanger and even end our lives prematurely. The writer of Proverbs was right in stating, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers.”

“The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who watches his way preserves his life.”
Proverbs 16:17

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Proverbs has much to say about roads, paths, and ways. One thing that Proverbs makes clear is that roads are linked to destinations. To embark down a road is to embark toward a destination and perhaps a destiny. The decision to embark down a road should therefore be made carefully and prayerfully.

God’s Word instructs us that certain roads should be avoided altogether. We read of a father’s instructions to his sons in Proverbs 4:14-15, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.”

Thus we see that some roads are clearly marked, “Do Not Enter,” and should be absolutely avoided. Other roads however, are not as clearly marked. They seem entirely safe and inviting to the unsuspecting traveler but lead to a dangerous destination. Proverbs 14:12 (and 16:25) speaks of such roads, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Proverbs 16:17 speaks of “the highway of the upright.” In this verse we learn that the upright (or the righteous) man sets himself upon a course that avoids or departs from evil. The righteous man understands that it is not only important to know which road to travel, but which roads to avoid as well.

The righteous man is wise and discerning enough to know that there are certain paths or courses that will bring him dangerously close to evil or perhaps into the very heart of evil. Some of those paths are clearly marked “Do Not Enter.” Others are unmarked, but littered with the wreckage of human lives. These paths are to be avoided.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “abstain from every form (appearance) of evil” (I Thessalonians 5:22). The Psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1:1).

Proverbs 16:17 states that the upright man is to avoid or depart from evil. This leaves no room for tolerance or even for curiosity. The righteous man has no business taking leisurely strolls down dangerous paths. Such a departure from the main road can be rather costly.

Proverbs 21:16 warns, “A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.” That is why Proverbs 16:17 declares, “He who watches his way preserves his life.”

May we learn the importance of staying on the Highway of Holiness (see Isaiah 35:8). May we learn to obey the signs along the way and to steer clear from unmarked trails. Our destination, destiny, and life depends upon the road we choose to travel and how well we heed the signs along the way.

For more devotionals, please visit my Devotional Thoughts category on my Go Beyond blog.

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When Life Pains You
1 Chronicles 4:9-10

What’s Your Attitude Toward the Word?
Proverbs 13:13

The Farmer and the Mule
Proverbs 13:20

A Shoe Box Full of Hugs
Proverbs 13:22

The Highway of Holiness
Proverbs 16:17

Follow Instructions
Proverbs 16:20

Hot Tempers and Cold Shoulders
Proverbs 19:19

Those Who Toot Their Own Horns
Proverbs 20:6

A Glass of Holy Water, Please
Proverbs 25:26

Don’t Lose Your Edge
Proverbs 27:17

God Listens. Do You?
Proverbs 28:9

What Are You Hiding?
Proverbs 28:13

Where There Is No Revelation
Proverbs 29:18a

The Cost of Club Membership
Psalm 1:1

God Was Big When I Was Small
Psalm 8

Cease Striving
Psalm 46:10a

A Treacherous Bow
Psalm 78:57

No Generic Equivalent
Psalm 119:97

The Message On The Barn
Psalm 127:3

An Impossible Assignment
Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

You Deserve a Break Today
Ecclesiastes 10:10

A Word to the Weary
Isaiah 40:31

Roaches Are Smarter Than Earthworms
Isaiah 55:8-9

What’s In Your Heart?
Luke 6:45

Be Careful What You Kick Around
John 10:10

Do Not Grow Weary
Galatians 6:9-10

The Breadth of God’s Love
Ephesians 3:18

What Are You Wearing?
Ephesians 6:10-17

Be Anxious for Nothing
Philippians 4:6-7

Be Sober in All Things
2 Timothy 4:5

The Cigarette Machine in the Cancer Ward
Hebrews 12:1

Proclaim the Excellencies of God
1 Peter 2:9-10

Decapitated Pencils
1 John 1:9

First Love
Revelation 2:4

Published in HomeLife magazine • August 1995



I think everybody has a box nestled away in a corner of some closet, a sort of coffin for forgotten photos. On the last day of one of my annual visits with my folks, Mom produced just such a box out of the dark recesses of a closet. It was a shoe-box full of old pictures that never made it into the family photo albums for whatever reason.

I have no idea how long this treasure box lay buried under comforters and sheets, but there it was, out of the closet and on the kitchen table. Seated around the table were the two individuals that must be present at such events, individuals capable of identifying the contents and trained in carbon-dating such artifacts, Mom and Dad!

As we lifted the lid off the box that once contained a pair of black wing-tips, we were not disappointed to find what seemed like hundreds of glossy black and white photos, the old-timey kind with the serrated edges.

What a find and what an experience — matching photos with memories and memories with photos. Even pictures of my grandparents when they were my age! And lots of baby pictures that were filed away to be placed in photo albums at some future date that never arrived.

One of the things that impressed me the most was all the hugs, squeezes, and cuddles that were captured on film — real moments of warmth and intimacy preserved on a vulnerable sheet of glossy paper.

And then I found it. A picture of my grandfather with his arms wrapped around two-year old me! On the back was my grandfather’s handwriting and the date, May 1958. Warm tears filled my eyes. That one picture opened a flood gate of emotion as I thought about my never-too-tired-or-embarrased-to-hug-and-kiss-me grandfather. I wanted to step into the picture and just feel his warm embrace one more time.

I brought that picture home with me, along with several others, and determined that such valuable treasure would never again be buried and forgotten in an unmarked corner of a closet. I measured them carefully and then set about finding the frames that would hug and protect and keep them before me as reminders of my good fortune as a child. And so now they are displayed around our home, these photos of hugs gone by.

And I have excavated the site where my wife and I have buried our hundreds of photographs of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and everydays. And I have selected photos of hugs and smiles and laughter and kisses and placed that generation of photos beside the old black and white glossies.

I am more determined than ever to preserve these moments from the past to remind me of the opportunities of the present — opportunities to hug and kiss and laugh and enjoy the people who mean the most to me.

And I am also determined to keep film in the camera at all times to record and preserve such moments for the next generation. A future generation that will one day look through old shoe-boxes full of hugs, buried under comforters and sheets in a forgotten corner of a closet, waiting to be discovered and appreciated and put on display.

Proverbs 13:22a records “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Don’t neglect leaving a treasure box full of hugs!

“He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Proverbs 13:20

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A story is told of an old farmer who entered his mule into the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Many looked on with amazement while others laughed and shouted ridiculing remarks at the old man.

Finally, someone approached the old farmer and stated what everybody was thinking, “Sir, this race is only for the finest thoroughbreds in the country. Why are you entering your mule in a contest that he cannot possibly win?”

The farmer quickly replied, “Oh, I am not entering my mule in this race to win. I just thought the association might do him a lot of good!”

And indeed our associations in life will either do us a great deal of good or a great deal of harm. Our associations, or the company we keep, is the theme of Proverbs 13:20.

Proverbs makes clear the fact that we are impacted by our associations in life. As Proverbs 13:20 states, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Why will our association with the wise help us to grow wise? What is it about the life of the wise man that can help us to grow wise?

The life of the wise man is characterized by humility. A wise man is open to instruction. Proverbs 12:15 declares that “a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” It takes a humble man to listen to and accept counsel. It is pride that keeps men from listening to counsel and advice.

Pride is the attitude that declares, “I am better than you, smarter than you, and do not need your counsel.” Proverbs 15:31 states, “He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.”

We need to develop associations with wise men and learn from the way in which they humbly receive counsel. We also need to humbly receive the counsel of the wise to us. Proverbs 25:12 declares, “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear” (NIV).

The life of the wise man is also characterized by credibility. A wise man can be trusted. A wise man lives a consistent life in both public and private. A wise man’s conduct is exemplary because it is lived in accordance with the Word of God.

We need to develop associations with wise men and learn the value of living an honest life. We need to learn that credibility must be earned and maintained by a life lived consistent with God’s Word.

The life of a wise man is further characterized by accountability. A wise man humbly accepts the advice and counsel of others because he knows that he has blind spots which can damage his credibility. Therefore, a wise man welcomes the advice of those who can help him to understand and deal with his blind spots.

The life of a fool, on the other hand, is characterized by stupidity. A fool will not listen to advice. Proverbs 1:7 records that “fools despise wisdom and instruction,” and verse 22 declares that “fools hate knowledge.” Proverbs 15:5 states, “A fool rejects (despises) his father’s discipline.”

One of the main differences between a wise man and a fool is the ability to listen to and accept advice. Proverbs 23:9 records, “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

The life of a fool is also characterized by a lack of credibility. Because a fool will not listen to the advice and counsel of others, he is often overcome and ruined by sin and trouble. Proverbs 12:15 states that “the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.” But because a fool will not listen, he recklessly sets off on wrong paths.

Proverbs 23:19 states, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.” Listening is a prerequisite to wisdom and wisdom is a prerequisite to keeping our hearts on the right path.

Finally, the life of a fool is characterized by an “I’ll do things my way” attitude. The fool does not want to be held accountable for his decisions and directions in life. He is only interested in doing things his own way without anyone to ask the hard questions that help keep men on the right path.

Therefore, in light of the things that characterize the life of the fool, we should not seek to associate with such men who have closed their ears to wise counsel and set their lives on a self-destructive course.

‘Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,
And all of us seniors were looking our best.
Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;
Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of cherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker, in hope
That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.
We surely were lucky to be there with friends,
Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,
Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.
The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,
And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,
Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.
Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop —
Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,
Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.
The social director then had us play games,
Like “Where Are You Living?”  And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,
Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.
Our resident wanderer was close to her chair,
We hoped that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow
Made outdoors seem noontime to the old folks below.
Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter
But we were so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,
Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the  floor.
‘Twas just our director, all togged out in red.
He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived
Our social security checks had arrived.
We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,
Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds.
While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.
And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.
‘fore long you’ll be with us, and we wish you the best.