Words of Wisdom Podcast

Everyone likes a good deal when buying something, but some people are looking to take advantage of others in a dishonest manner in order to profit off of them. Everyone is out to get something for nothing, if they can. The challenge as a seller is to be wise enough to realize the value of an item and to not allow others to sway you through deceptive means or rhetorical trickery, because people can have hidden agendas. Illustration: When Jerry goes to sell his motorcycle, a buyer tries to depreciate the value and get him to sell it for considerably less than it is worth by constantly criticizing and complaining. Verses: Prov. 20:14; 20:10 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Everyone likes to be right. But who's to say whether we actually are or not? Do we get to decide? If it were up to each of us, we would probably claim that most of our actions and behaviors are right. However, the desire to be right is so strong in us that we can tend to make up reasons to legitimize what we have done or are about to do. But only Yahweh can determine if we are deceiving ourselves or living out of a pure heart. Illustration: In the 1964 NFL season, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall recovers a fumble but then accidentally runs 66 yards to score a touchdown in the wrong endzone. Verses: Prov. 21:2; 15:11 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Everyone carries their own perspective based on what they know and have experienced. But that perspective may be incomplete, faulty, or misguided, which shows us that information is a fickle thing. One person's report can seem true at first, but then when we compare it to a second opinion or another source, we spot potential limitations in the first person's knowledge; this changes our perspective, and we then draw a different conclusion. Thus, the truth is in the whole story, not just the first version we hear. Illustration: Movie plot from “My Cousin Vinny” (1992) about charges of murder and robbery brought against Billy and Stan, and how Billy's cousin Vinny saved them from being falsely accused of the crimes in court. Verses: 18:17; Jos 22:11-33 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Our world tends to prize brawn over brains, thinking that the stronger you are, the better you are. But muscle can only get you so far. Wisdom and understanding in a situation can get you much farther than brute strength alone. A sharp mind with understanding will outdo strength any day because it is not just working hard physically that yields success, but working smart as well. Illustration: American wrestler Rulon Gardner's shocking victory over undefeated Russian champion Alexander Karelin to claim gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games  Verses: 22:11; 16:32 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Our world tends to prize brawn over brains, thinking that the stronger you are, the better you are. But muscle can only get you so far. Wisdom and understanding in a situation can get you much farther than brute strength alone. A sharp mind with understanding will outdo strength any day because it is not just working hard physically that yields success, but working smart as well. Illustration: American wrestler Rulon Gardner's shocking victory over undefeated Russian champion Alexander Karelin to claim gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games  Verses: Prov. 21:22; 16:32 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Everyone has an innate desire to be right and to be knowledgeable about what they are doing. Sometimes this desire grows out of control, and we lose perception of reality by thinking that we are always right and have all the answers. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we are smarter and more understanding than we really are. Until our mindset changes, we are hopelessly lost in a fiction of our own making. Illustration: Alaskan bush pilot Mark Rose mocked God and was full of pride until near-death circumstances caused him to change his mind and believe in God. Verses:Prov. 26:12, 16; 28:11, 26; 3:7 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Everyone has an innate desire to be right and to be knowledgeable about what they are doing. Sometimes this desire grows out of control, and we lose perception of reality by thinking that we are always right and have all the answers. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we are smarter and more understanding than we really are. Until our mindset changes, we are hopelessly lost in a fiction of our own making. Illustration: Alaskan bush pilot Mark Rose mocked God and was full of pride until near-death circumstances caused him to change his mind and believe in God. Verses: 26:12, 16; 28:11, 26; 3:7 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

When things go wrong in life, we tend to look for someone to blame. Rarely do we naturally like to assume responsibility for our poor choices. Instead of realizing that we made a stupid decision, and it is our fault for why things are the way they are, our sinful human inclination is to transfer the fault to something or someone else. In doing this, we forfeit the opportunity to recognize and learn from our mistakes. Illustration: Bruce Nolan suffering the consequences of his foolish choices and then blaming God for the misfortune in his life, from the movie Bruce Almighty. Verses: Prov. 19:3 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

When things go wrong in life, we tend to look for someone to blame. Rarely do we naturally like to assume responsibility for our poor choices. Instead of realizing that we made a stupid decision, and it is our fault for why things are the way they are, our sinful human inclination is to transfer the fault to something or someone else. In doing this, we forfeit the opportunity to recognize and learn from our mistakes. Illustration: Bruce Nolan suffering the consequences of his foolish choices and then blaming God for the misfortune in his life, from the movie Bruce Almighty. Verses: Prov. 19:3 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

When things go wrong in life, we tend to look for someone to blame. Rarely do we naturally like to assume responsibility for our poor choices. Instead of realizing that we made a stupid decision, and it is our fault for why things are the way they are, our sinful human inclination is to transfer […]

Some things in life it seems like we can escape from, or at least avoid the direct consequences of them. But when it comes to sin, the consequences always seem to find a way to come around and bite us in the end. That is because sin is destructive no matter which way you look at it. It will destroy you and likely also injure those around you. And if it is the sin of adultery, you can be sure the damage will be severe. It will bring great harm upon you, everyone involved, and countless others. Illustration: Carl Lentz, prominent and highly successful Hillsong Church pastor in New York City, and the adultery that destroyed his life and his career in Christian ministry. Verses: -- Prov. 5:20-23; 14:12; 16:25; Rom 14:10-12; 1 Tim 5:24 Teacher: -- Jerry Wierwille

Some things in life it seems like we can escape from, or at least avoid the direct consequences of them. But when it comes to sin, the consequences always seem to find a way to come around and bite us in the end. That is because sin is destructive no matter which way you look […]

Some things in life it seems like we can escape from, or at least avoid the direct consequences of them. But when it comes to sin, the consequences always seem to find a way to come around and bite us in the end. That is because sin is destructive no matter which way you look at it. It will destroy you and likely also injure those around you. And if it is the sin of adultery, you can be sure the damage will be severe. It will bring great harm upon you, everyone involved, and countless others. Illustration: Carl Lentz, prominent and highly successful Hillsong Church pastor in New York City, and the adultery that destroyed his life and his career in Christian ministry. Verses: -- Prov. 5:20-23; 14:12; 16:25; Rom 14:10-12; 1 Tim 5:24 Teacher: -- Jerry Wierwille

Yahweh intended man and woman to be united in marriage and to enjoy sexual intimacy within that union. Our world condones people seeking to satisfy their sexual cravings in various ways that do not honor Yahweh's design for the flourishing of humankind. Husbands and wives are to see their spouse as the sole avenue for sexual pleasure to protect and honor their marriage covenant. Faithful husbands and wives will be blessed as they enjoy many years of satisfying each other and being captivated by their love. Illustration: Bill Yaconis, a dear friend and wonderful example of a faithful husband for over five decades. Verses: Prov. 5:15-19; Song 4:1-5; 5:1 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Yahweh intended man and woman to be united in marriage and to enjoy sexual intimacy within that union. Our world condones people seeking to satisfy their sexual cravings in various ways that do not honor Yahweh's design for the flourishing of humankind. Husbands and wives are to see their spouse as the sole avenue for sexual pleasure to protect and honor their marriage covenant. Faithful husbands and wives will be blessed as they enjoy many years of satisfying each other and being captivated by their love. Illustration: Bill Yaconis, a dear friend and wonderful example of a faithful husband for over five decades. Verses: Prov. 5:15-19; Song 4:1-5; 5:1 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Yahweh intended man and woman to be united in marriage and to enjoy sexual intimacy within that union. Our world condones people seeking to satisfy their sexual cravings in various ways that do not honor Yahweh's design for the flourishing of humankind. Husbands and wives are to see their spouse as the sole avenue for […]

Some say that experience is our greatest teacher. And its true that when we make mistakes, and they come with far-reaching effects, we realize very quickly how wrong the choice was that we made. But we can't go back and change what we did. All of the choices in our lives are one-way streets, and […]

Some say that experience is our greatest teacher. And its true that when we make mistakes, and they come with far-reaching effects, we realize very quickly how wrong the choice was that we made. But we can’t go back and change what we did. All of the choices in our lives are one-way streets, and once we figure out that we have been heading down a particular road, it’s too late to undo what has been done. We have to live with the consequences. Illustration: Two stories of men who share how their adultery cost them everything they hold dear. Verses: Prov. 5:12-14; 12:15 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Some say that experience is our greatest teacher. And its true that when we make mistakes, and they come with far-reaching effects, we realize very quickly how wrong the choice was that we made. But we can’t go back and change what we did. All of the choices in our lives are one-way streets, and once we figure out that we have been heading down a particular road, it’s too late to undo what has been done. We have to live with the consequences. Illustration: Two stories of men who share how their adultery cost them everything they hold dear. Verses: Prov. 5:12-14; 12:15 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Some choices in life will result in loss no matter which way you look at it. Certain things may appear to offer adventure, excitement, and discovery, but hidden beneath the surface is a world of destruction and suffering. Marriage brings many trials and challenges to life, and some might think that the grass is greener elsewhere. But that is a dangerous thought. The temptation to be unfaithful carries with it an untold amount of hurt and pain. And in the end, it will become a regret that you can never take back. Illustration: Francisco Huizar, who was sued by Keith King for $8.8 million for committing adultery with his wife and had to file for bankruptcy. Verses: Prov. 5:7-11; 6:34-35 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Some choices in life will result in loss no matter which way you look at it. Certain things may appear to offer adventure, excitement, and discovery, but hidden beneath the surface is a world of destruction and suffering. Marriage brings many trials and challenges to life, and some might think that the grass is greener […]

Some choices in life will result in loss no matter which way you look at it. Certain things may appear to offer adventure, excitement, and discovery, but hidden beneath the surface is a world of destruction and suffering. Marriage brings many trials and challenges to life, and some might think that the grass is greener elsewhere. But that is a dangerous thought. The temptation to be unfaithful carries with it an untold amount of hurt and pain. And in the end, it will become a regret that you can never take back. Illustration: Francisco Huizar, who was sued by Keith King for $8.8 million for committing adultery with his wife and had to file for bankruptcy. Verses: Prov. 5:7-11; 6:34-35 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

You can never be too cautious so as to recognize when someone might be trying to seduce you. People can say all kinds of nice things about you and tell you how great they think you are, but if they are trying to manipulate you, watch out! The power of seduction is a deadly venom that if foolishly swallowed will lead to one's peril and demise. We must guard ourselves against “dangerous” people who would seduce us and have us join them on their journey toward destruction. Illustration: Joseph and the seductive attempts of Potiphar's wife in Egypt (Gen. 39:1-20) Verses: Prov. 5:1-6; 4:20; 2:2 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

You can never be too cautious so as to recognize when someone might be trying to seduce you. People can say all kinds of nice things about you and tell you how great they think you are, but if they are trying to manipulate you, watch out! The power of seduction is a deadly venom […]

You can never be too cautious so as to recognize when someone might be trying to seduce you. People can say all kinds of nice things about you and tell you how great they think you are, but if they are trying to manipulate you, watch out! The power of seduction is a deadly venom that if foolishly swallowed will lead to one's peril and demise. We must guard ourselves against “dangerous” people who would seduce us and have us join them on their journey toward destruction. Illustration: Joseph and the seductive attempts of Potiphar's wife in Egypt (Gen. 39:1-20) Verses: Prov. 5:1-6; 4:20; 2:2 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Few things are more deceptive than the promise of pleasure that lust brings. While there might be pleasure for a brief time, inevitably it ends with pain and suffering. Adultery is one of those deceptions. Few people who commit adultery truly understand the far-reaching implications and consequences of their actions. Only after they have sinned do they begin to realize just how destructive adultery can be to their life—and no one is immune to its effects. Illustrations: Jonathan Amerault, who had an affair with the wife of Armando Barron. In a fit of rage on account of Amerault committing adultery with his wife, Barron brutally assaulted and killed Amerault in vengeance. Verses: Prov. 6:27-29, 32-35; Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22  Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Few things are more deceptive than the promise of pleasure that lust brings. While there might be pleasure for a brief time, inevitably it ends with pain and suffering. Adultery is one of those deceptions. Few people who commit adultery truly understand the far-reaching implications and consequences of their actions. Only after they have sinned […]

Few things are more deceptive than the promise of pleasure that lust brings. While there might be pleasure for a brief time, inevitably it ends with pain and suffering. Adultery is one of those deceptions. Few people who commit adultery truly understand the far-reaching implications and consequences of their actions. Only after they have sinned do they begin to realize just how destructive adultery can be to their life—and no one is immune to its effects. Illustrations: Jonathan Amerault, who had an affair with the wife of Armando Barron. In a fit of rage on account of Amerault committing adultery with his wife, Barron brutally assaulted and killed Amerault in vengeance. Verses: Prov. 6:27-29, 32-35; Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22  Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Yahweh God created us to experience deep emotions. But not all emotions are created equal. Some are more difficult to deal with than others. Anger and other agitated emotions can quickly lead us into different ways of thinking and acting. And when that happens, we may say and do things that we later regret. We need to be cautious about our emotions and control them, or they will control us. Illustrations: 1) Kanye West interruption during Taylor Swift's best female video award at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony. 2) Tom Brady's careful response to the press after Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a demoralizing defeat by the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the 2022 NFL playoffs. Verses: Prov. 29:11; 25:28 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Yahweh God created us to experience deep emotions. But not all emotions are created equal. Some are more difficult to deal with than others. Anger and other agitated emotions can quickly lead us into different ways of thinking and acting. And when that happens, we may say and do things that we later regret. We […]

Yahweh God created us to experience deep emotions. But not all emotions are created equal. Some are more difficult to deal with than others. Anger and other agitated emotions can quickly lead us into different ways of thinking and acting. And when that happens, we may say and do things that we later regret. We need to be cautious about our emotions and control them, or they will control us. Illustrations: 1) Kanye West interruption during Taylor Swift's best female video award at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony. 2) Tom Brady's careful response to the press after Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a demoralizing defeat by the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the 2022 NFL playoffs. Verses: Prov. 29:11; 25:28 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Being “shrewd” or “clever” may not be a characteristic that many seek to grow in. But that is what it means to be “prudent.” We can develop our ability to look ahead and understand where things lead. Contrarily, a person could be content just following their own ideas and desires, and in the end, be misled and deceived. The great deception begins with our own—to be deceived is to deceive. Illustration: Sergei Anatolyevitch Torop (“Vissarion”), Russian cult leader of “Church of the Last Testament,” who professes to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and has a large following living with him on a commune in Siberia. Verses: Prov. 14:8 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Being “shrewd” or “clever” may not be a characteristic that many seek to grow in. But that is what it means to be “prudent.” We can develop our ability to look ahead and understand where things lead. Contrarily, a person could be content just following their own ideas and desires, and in the end, be […]

Being “shrewd” or “clever” may not be a characteristic that many seek to grow in. But that is what it means to be “prudent.” We can develop our ability to look ahead and understand where things lead. Contrarily, a person could be content just following their own ideas and desires, and in the end, be misled and deceived. The great deception begins with our own—to be deceived is to deceive. Illustration: Sergei Anatolyevitch Torop (“Vissarion”), Russian cult leader of “Church of the Last Testament,” who professes to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and has a large following living with him on a commune in Siberia. Verses: Prov. 14:8 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

A person might think that they can enjoy some benefit or personal gain through dishonest means as long as they don't get caught. The problem is what might seem good in the moment will eventually sting in the end. Wrongdoing can taste “sweet” at first because of the immediate gratification it offers, but the bitter pain of its consequences will eventually find you, either now or in the future. Illustration: Jeffrey Skilling, CEO of Enron, who implemented fraudulent accounting practices to deceive shareholders and investors. Verses: Prov. 20:17; 24:12 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

A person might think that they can enjoy some benefit or personal gain through dishonest means as long as they don't get caught. The problem is what might seem good in the moment will eventually sting in the end. Wrongdoing can taste “sweet” at first because of the immediate gratification it offers, but the bitter […]

A person might think that they can enjoy some benefit or personal gain through dishonest means as long as they don't get caught. The problem is what might seem good in the moment will eventually sting in the end. Wrongdoing can taste “sweet” at first because of the immediate gratification it offers, but the bitter pain of its consequences will eventually find you, either now or in the future. Illustration: Jeffrey Skilling, CEO of Enron, who implemented fraudulent accounting practices to deceive shareholders and investors. Verses: Prov. 20:17; 24:12 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Children watch the behavior and life patterns of their parents and innately model their life after them. If the teaching of the parents is godly and their lives exhibit wisdom, their children will see that and learn how to live with wisdom in their life as well. But parents also must explicitly teach their children about wisdom in hopes that the children listen to and hold onto their words. Illustration: The example of the obedience of the Rechabites to the commandments of their ancestor Jonadab. Verses: Prov. 4:1-4; 9:10; Jer. 35:1-17 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Children watch the behavior and life patterns of their parents and innately model their life after them. If the teaching of the parents is godly and their lives exhibit wisdom, their children will see that and learn how to live with wisdom in their life as well. But parents also must explicitly teach their children about wisdom in hopes that the children listen to and hold onto their words. Illustration: The example of the obedience of the Rechabites to the commandments of their ancestor Jonadab. Verses: Prov. 4:1-4; 9:10; Jer. 35:1-17 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Children watch the behavior and life patterns of their parents and innately model their life after them. If the teaching of the parents is godly and their lives exhibit wisdom, their children will see that and learn how to live with wisdom in their life as well. But parents also must explicitly teach their children […]

We all need money to live. With the ever-increasing cost of living and the invention of so many new things to make life better, getting rich can sound like a good plan to solve that problem and acquire everything we want. But wealth is deceptive in that it is inherently unstable. One day we can have it, and the next day it vanishes. Illustration: Sean Russell's disastrous 2017 investment in bitcoin. Verses: Prov. 23:4-5 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

We all need money to live. With the ever-increasing cost of living and the invention of so many new things to make life better, getting rich can sound like a good plan to solve that problem and acquire everything we want. But wealth is deceptive in that it is inherently unstable. One day we can have it, and the next day it vanishes. Illustration: Sean Russell's disastrous 2017 investment in bitcoin. Verses: Prov. 23:4-5 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

We all need money to live. With the ever-increasing cost of living and the invention of so many new things to make life better, getting rich can sound like a good plan to solve that problem and acquire everything we want. But wealth is deceptive in that it is inherently unstable. One day we can […]

Trinitarians state that the “logos” in John 1:1 is Jesus, who was with and was God from the beginning. However, when Jesus is substituted for God, many verses of Scripture make no sense. However, if the “logos” is understood to encompass the power, wisdom, reason, and discourse of God, of which Jesus was the human […]

Emotions are a powerful part of who God created us to be. He did not intend for us to be controlled by our emotions– we must learn to master them. Without self-control, we become dangerous and unpredictable. We don't often make good decisions when emotionally embroiled, tending to hurt others by our words and actions because out of control emotions tend to result in foolish choices. Illustration: Russell Crowe assaulting a hotel desk clerk with a telephone in a fit of rage Verses: Prov. 25:28 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Emotions are a powerful part of who God created us to be. He did not intend for us to be controlled by our emotions– we must learn to master them. Without self-control, we become dangerous and unpredictable. We don't often make good decisions when emotionally embroiled, tending to hurt others by our words and actions because out of control emotions tend to result in foolish choices. Illustration: Russell Crowe assaulting a hotel desk clerk with a telephone in a fit of rage Verses: Prov. 25:28 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

Emotions are a powerful part of who God created us to be. He did not intend for us to be controlled by our emotions– we must learn to master them. Without self-control, we become dangerous and unpredictable. We don't often make good decisions when emotionally embroiled, tending to hurt others by our words and actions […]

Sometimes we only learn our lesson after the consequences of our actions catch up with us. Why is it so hard at times to see the pain down the road that our actions will cause? Foolishness causes a wide range of damage to our lives, and one of the areas it can drastically affect is our finances. Being enticed by sin and making poor choices, especially when it comes to sexual conduct, can have far reaching and harmful effects where we destroy our wealth in the process. Illustration: The Parable of the Lost Son (Lk 15:11-24) Verses: Prov. 29:3; 5:8-13 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate/

Sometimes we only learn our lesson after the consequences of our actions catch up with us. Why is it so hard at times to see the pain down the road that our actions will cause? Foolishness causes a wide range of damage to our lives, and one of the areas it can drastically affect is our finances. Being enticed by sin and making poor choices, especially when it comes to sexual conduct, can have far reaching and harmful effects where we destroy our wealth in the process. Illustration: The Parable of the Lost Son (Lk 15:11-24) Verses: Prov. 29:3; 5:8-13 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate/

When life knocks us down, it may seem impossible to stand back up and keep going. But we don't have to face our struggles in life in our own power. The person who submits to Yahweh will never walk through life alone, and when adversity knocks them down, they can rise again; disaster doesn't have to end in our defeat; we can get back up again! Illustration: Michael (“Eddie the Eagle”) Edwards and his struggle to qualify for ski jumping in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. Verses: Prov. 24:16 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate/

When life knocks us down, it may seem impossible to stand back up and keep going. But we don't have to face our struggles in life in our own power. The person who submits to Yahweh will never walk through life alone, and when adversity knocks them down, they can rise again; disaster doesn't have to end in our defeat; we can get back up again! Illustration: Michael (“Eddie the Eagle”) Edwards and his struggle to qualify for ski jumping in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. Verses: Prov. 24:16 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate/