The halfbaked Bard

Iron sharpens iron So a friend sharpens a friend.  Get a good friend. A friend who is godly. A friend who has values. A friend who is loving.  To get a trustworthy friend is like a lottery. Who will be there whenever you are in need. A friend is need is a friend indeed.  But what if you literally do not have a friend. What if none wants to be friends with you. Jesus is willing. Jesus calls you a friend. A Saviour who saved you from eternal hell is wanting to be your friend. If only you would open the door.  Does that sound childish and untheological? Well those without even a single friend would pounce on this.  John:15:15. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  Image credit:  https://www.kristenbhubler.com/personalgrowthblog/iron-sharpents-iron

It is not good to seek honour for yourself Pro:25:27 Pushing yourself up the ladder even if you have to stamp on another's shoulders; taking accolades for yourself. These could be irrational allegories. But the truth is we do it daily. Self conscious as we are, we do this, demanding words of appreciation, acknowledgements and awards, as we desire these, we actually demean ourselves.  We even glorify and holify ourselves, when the honour comes our way as we desired, reflecting it to God, by saying, "All glory to God", or "Praise The Lord", or "It is the Lord's doing". But deep down inside, there is that selfish wry smile of self satisfaction. God looks at that smile with contempt for He sees pride. He sees an idol. He sees sin.  Image credit:  https://www.yourownplace.org.uk/awards-love-them-or-hate-them/

Pro:24:26 An honest answer Is like a kiss of friendship Many a times we lie, thinking we will lose our friends, we will be left out of the gang. But the words of wisdom says, genuine friendships would not be built on lies. Because a dishonest reply or lie will lead you only to further lies. And who would trust a dishonest person. Not even your friends.  Every friendship which is based on Christ's attributes will last. So if you value a friendship of someone which will take you farther from God, so much so that it forces you to lie or stand against your standards, think again, is it worth it?  A friend's kiss is soothing. Equally valuable is your stand. A subtle compromise, you might think is harmful, but down the lane you will be far far away from what God intends you to be.  Image credit:  https://www.google.com/amp/s/sipipa.com/blog/hug-it-out/%3famp=1

Pro:24:12 He who guards your soul knows you knew You can fool everyone. But not God. He sees your conscience. You cannot stand with an excuse in front of God.  He judges righteously and He deals the right way. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.  Image credit:  https://dictionary.langeek.co/en/word/219483?entry=all%20there

Pro:23:25 May she who gave you birth be happy Make your parents happy. Be wise. Because they have sacrificed much to make you what you are right now.  Oh! When I am able to earn, I will buy the best things for her. Will it make her happy? Nope. I will buy her the best house and provide for all her needs. Will that satisfy her? No. Oh I will give her all what she needs. Will that make her have a peaceful life? No.  What will make her happy? Acknowledge her sacrifice. Spend time with her. Pray with her. Pray for her. Talk to her. Lest you would reach a situation when wouldn't be able to, even if you desire.  Yet Jesus said, if anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters, yea his own life, he cannot be my disciple. What does this mean? Why does Jesus advocate to hate our parents.  Love is relative for mankind. There is something called loving more or loving less. If I love someone less than th...

Pro:23:4-5 Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich Be wise enough to know when to quit In the blink of an eye wealth disappears For it will sprout wings And fly away like an eagle.  Money will not satisfy you. No matter how much you get. There is always scope for accumulating more. There is always want for more. Know when to put a full stop and say this is enough. Both money that comes in and the luxury it buys. For all that it can offer is fleeting pleasures which is there today and disappears tomorrow.  So if you concentrate on fattening your purse which is temporary, there would be no end to your desires. And that is why Jesus said, you cannot serve two masters. God and mammon. Where you are supposed to live a God oriented life, now you live a life always thinking of the system that is ruled by money.  Image credit:  https://www.vance.tech/currency/indian-rupee