wisdom

Wise Guy, ey?

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Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. James 3:13 (MSG)

The other day, I was having a conversation with a lady as we walked out of Walmart. I don’t recall the string of our conversation, but I do remember her saying, “Look at me. I have grey hair. I’m old. I have lived a lot of life. I know things and want to share my wisdom, what I have learned.”

I looked, and sure enough, she had grey hair. As we talked, I realized she walks with God. She had indeed learned to trust him. I understood her desire to share what she had learned while walking with God. Her willingness to be an open book and share honestly from her life.

I, too, share that desire. To convey the wisdom I have learned from God. That is partly why I post these blogs. I look for opportunities to dispel this knowledge. Not to show off, but to help the person I am talking to. If they can learn without having to pay the price of that knowledge, like I probably did, then they are better off.

My “life verse” is Psalms 69:5b “My life’s a wide-open book before you.” This is to God, but I take it a step further and share openly from life.

As you continue reading from James 3, you will learn more about what a wise person looks like:

Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:14-18 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

This Old Man

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I ran into a woman whom I hadn’t seen in forty-five years. We went to high school together. It didn’t take long for the subject of getting old to come up. That is when she commented, “Getting old sucks!” I agreed and added, “No one told us it could be so difficult or would hurt so badly.” She laughed.

In America, we have a currently running TV commercial by Progressive where a psychiatrist tries to help individuals from becoming their parents. They’re funny, but I stop laughing when I realize they are talking about me.

Latiana J., from my eye doctor’s office, put it like this, “The check engine light came on way too early!”

I understand that getting old is a natural part of life. At least I don’t look that old. I actually got IDD at a pizza place near our house when I asked for the senior discount! I don’t have much in the way of grey hair, and I don’t dye it either. My maternal grandfather was like that.

There are some things I appreciate that have come with old age. For instance, I have learned a lot about people and how they will lie or con you to get something from you. The gift of discernment helps with that, too. I have had the time to walk with God and grow in my relationship with him. I love it! We talk all the time, and I am honest about how I feel concerning how life is going. He knows anyway, so why try to conceal it?

I like the fact that I have a greater understanding of his word, the Bible. I may not agree with everything or like some things in it, but that is God’s word—and it is the final word!

I like having grandchildren and watching the three girls grow up. They make me smile whether they see it or not.

I want to think that I am more responsible with money and have matured in wisdom and insight. I enjoy having financial resources that allow me to bless others and do a little to meet their needs. That usually opens the door for me to share about God and his love. I like those days.

So, I guess if I take it slow getting out of bed, and continue to trust God to stay with me, getting old isn’t too bad after all.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
    until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
    I will carry you along and save you. Is. 46:4 (NLT)

Wisdom belongs to the aged,
    and understanding to the old. Job 12:12 (NLT)

The glory of the young is their strength;
    the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. Prov. 20:29 (NLT)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

He Knows

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He’s learned it all from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who knows everything about when and how and where.
Isa. 28:29 (MSG)

This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel [and] excellent in wisdom and effectual working.
Isa. 28:29 (AMPC)

This lesson comes from the Lord of heaven’s armies. He gives wonderful advice. He is very wise. Isa. 28:29 (ICB)

All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. Isa. 28:29 (NIV)

This also comes from the Lord of armies, Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great.
Isa. 28:29 (NASB)

This also comes from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
who gives supernatural guidance and imparts great wisdom. Isa. 28:29 (NET)

Have you got it yet? No matter what version of the Bible you read, you learn in Isaiah 28 verse 29 that God knows, and He doesn’t mind sharing with you what He knows – IF YOU ASK! God knows everything about everything.

Just yesterday, I was putting up wood panels that interlock on a wall and struggling to get two pieces to go together. After getting frustrated, I paused and asked God what to do. Instantly, I got the inspiration to use my mini crowbar and lift the edge of the panel strip already attached to the wall. Of course, it worked! I got wisdom from God.

I know remodeling a wall is so minor compared to serious issues in the world, but at that moment, it mattered to me, and God cared. He knows what you are facing and going through. He cares! If you want his help and ask, He will give you what you need to know about “when,” “how,” or “where.” And I would add “what” as well. Why? Because He loves you so much.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Infruence

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No, I didn’t typo the title of this blog. When I lived in Chicago, I had a Chinese friend and coworker who struggled to say the word “influence.” She always inserted an “r,” and I teased her a lot about it. She actually went on a women’s retreat, and “Influence” was the theme. They all wore T-shirts with the word printed on them. I took her picture and photo-edited it to say, “Infruence.”

Influence might be mixed with “favor.” Something I have noticed for a long time but never had the wisdom and understanding of until today is this: frequently, when I patronize a store or restaurant, they tend to get busy shortly after I am there. I’m always happy to see them get blessed and make money because then they will stay in business. I’m also glad the crowds arrive “after” I have ordered or have made my purchase!

I know that as a child of God, I walk around with favor upon me. It is not something I take lightly. In fact, sometimes, when I am not sure if something will go the way I prefer it to, I pray and ask God for favor or extra favor to be upon me.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. Luke 2:52 (NET)

Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people. Pro. 3:4 (NET)

What I learned today was the favor that is upon me overflows onto the establishment I am visiting. That is why they get busy after I walk in. I just had a funny thought: businesses should “pay” me to come in.

I recall having a friend from church some years ago. She saw the “favor” effect I had on the restaurant she worked in. She confessed to me that if they were slow and she wasn’t making much money in tips, she would pray and ask God to send me in. She smiled as she told me this because she said, “Many times, it worked!”

I don’t think of myself as an “influencer” like those who are on TikTok and generate content. I mean, there are not throngs of people who are waiting to see what Mark Brady is doing or where Mark is shopping or eating. Side note: I don’t understand why people have to do what a celebrity does. Personally, who cares? But that is probably another blog post to discuss why they make them their idols.

So, if you have a business that needs customers, get in contact with me. We can work out a payment plan. LOL. I am definitely joking, for the favor of God is not for sale and should not be used for personal profit.

18-19 When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”

20-23 Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”

24 “Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Four Insatiables

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Three things are never satisfied,
    no, there are four that never say, “That’s enough, thank you!”—

hell,
a barren womb,
a parched land,
a forest fire.

Proverbs 30:16 (MSG)

A freeloader has twin daughters
    named “Gimme” and “Gimme more.”

Proverbs 30:15 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Proverbial Wisdom

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I mentioned earlier this year that I am studying the book of Proverbs. (“The Message” version.) The amount of wisdom this book contains is remarkable. God certainly answered Solomon’s request. When God asked him what he wanted, he said, “Wisdom.”

9 “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

10-14 God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after. As a bonus, I’m giving you both the wealth and glory you didn’t ask for—there’s not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I’ll also give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:9-14 (MSG)

Below, I have listed two scriptures that illustrate the kind of wisdom one can find in this book of the Bible.

The purity of silver and gold is tested
    by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
    by giving them a little fame. Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)

It has been said before that fame changes people. A friend once told me she would show up at one of my book signings and I wouldn’t even know her. I replied, “Are you crazy? I’ll ask my host to pull up another chair, and we can catch up while I sign books.” I was confessing then that fame wouldn’t affect me, and so far, it hasn’t! LOL

A pure heart isn’t about obeying rules and trying to please God. It’s not about never sinning, either. Instead, it’s all about your motives being pure. It’s about loving people as God loves people.

There is one thing I had been wondering about for a couple of years. I know a person who prays. I mean a lot! For people, for issues, for whatever. As I observed this person, I noticed that it oddly seemed like their prayers were not answered. I couldn’t figure out why. As much as I am into “asking” God for knowledge and understanding, I had not thought about asking him about this situation. Then, I read the following verse, and it all made sense.

God has no use for the prayers
    of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 (MSG)

As you can see, simply by reading the Book of Proverbs, one can gain wisdom and understanding. I have heard that since there are thirty-one chapters, some people read the book every month. Perhaps not a bad idea for someone like me, who needs all the proverbial wisdom they can get!

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

To Know

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To know unconditional love;
is to know God.
To know real forgiveness;
is to know Jesus.
To know perfect direction;
is to know the Holy Spirit.

To know pure laughter;
is to know true friends.
To know great joy;
is to know a child.
To know time;
is to know an elderly person.

To know gratitude;
is to feed the hungry.
To know security;
is to clothe the naked.
To know health;
is to visit the sick.

To know peace;
is to know contentment.
To know lasting hope;
is to know faith.
To know wisdom;
is to know the Word of God.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Profoundness

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I don’t particularly appreciate going somewhere because I know there are bad, aggressive, dangerous drivers out there. I don’t “fear” them, but I know I have to be extremely careful while trying to reach my destination in one piece.

I sort of take a lot of pride in my driving. I am courteous, especially to semi-truck drivers, because I know it is challenging considering their length. I give them space to get over or merge into traffic. I learned a lot by watching my mother and comparing her driving to my father’s. Before getting in a vehicle with my father, I would always make sure I was right with God! (Kidding, sort of.)

The other day, April and I were out running errands. I sat behind another driver, waiting to turn right. I watched as the one in front of me missed several opportunities to make their turn. I got very frustrated. They finally turned. I Iooked and made my turn. I said to April, “See. It’s not hard!”

April looked over at me and said the most profound statement. She said, “Maybe it’s hard for them.” Ouch! What do you do when you become aware of the truth? Hopefully, as I decided to do, accept it. I must say, since she said that, I have been more tolerant of other drivers.

Profound – having or showing great knowledge or insight

You might say profoundness is “truth,” and the Bible says the “truth” will set you free. April’s insight is setting me free from frustration while being out there among them driving. What can “truth” set you free from? What “profound” wisdom or insight do you need to hear? Another way to ask this question is: What do you need freedom from?

You can ask God for profoundness in your own life. I would also suggest reading God’s word, the Bible. And I would start with the book of Proverbs. It is full of profound statements and wisdom that, if applied, can change your life. Below is a small sampling.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

How to Live Life

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I decided to start 2024 reading from the book of Proverbs and, this time, from “The Message.” The introduction to the book used the subtitle of “A Manual For Living.”

1-6 These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
    David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
    to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
    for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
    and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
    still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
    the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.

Start with God

7 Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
    only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Prov. 1:1-7 (MSG)

The wisest man on earth says to start with God. Some of you may have a problem with that advice right there. You are still thinking that you know more about yourself and your life than He does. Others may have an issue with this because they feel God is nothing more than a bunch of rules. If this is you, then perhaps the problem is you don’t trust God. Maybe you look at someone else’s life who claims to be living for God, and yet they are not doing things that you approve of. Therefore, you have decided you don’t want to be like them. That is judgment and ultimately only an excuse.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to start new things like a new lifestyle. Evan a new perspective on God and try trusting Him more. If Soloman found it essential, then it is! Yes, you may have to die to yourself, but you begin to live life like never before.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved