Get your life in order with a daily chapter from Proverbs

One of the best tips for a solid life that I ever received came from Dean Kerns, a long-time friend and mentor. Dean, one of the founders of DaySpring Cards, spoke into my life during a time when he was president of that company, and I was in his employ. He told me that more things would be in order in my life if I would pay attention to the Bible's book of Proverbs.

He said I should read a chapter from Proverbs every day. Why? Because this book was written by the man that history records as the wisest man who ever lived. King Solomon of Israel was not only famous for his wisdom, be he was also the richest man in history. He had so much gold that his staff started casting aside all the silver. But the words of wisdom he recorded for us to learn from are priceless--even today.

Since those days when I worked for DaySpring, I have spent years of my life reading a Proverbs chapter each day. And Dean was right--it has changed me for the better. He pointed out that it's not that hard to do if you will read the chapter number that corresponds the the calendar date, because there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs.

Over the years, I have learned not to become guilty if I miss a day in my reading, or even many days. I just start in again whenever I can, reading the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the date. And of course some months don't have 31 days, so that last chapter might get missed in some months, unless I make a point of working it in.

Anyway, I recommend the book of Proverbs to anyone and everyone. After all, as Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walks with the wise shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." If you want to learn to think and act wisely, keep company with those who are wise. And I can think of no one better than Solomon himself.