Trump Is Unfit to be President

 

In a previous post, I said former president Donald Trump was the boogie man. He is something or someone to be feared. Why should we fear him potentially becoming our president again? Because he is unfit in every possible way, and he shows and tells you every time he is front of a camera or microphone. I will ask the reader WHY VOTE FOR HIM? Do you have an answer?

You may say that statement is so ridiculous. But is it? What do you visualize when you think about the boogie man? I'm sure it is some monster type figure first imagined in childhood out to get you in the darkness of night. My daughter was not afraid of the boogie man but the wolf man which I guess she had seen on a cartoon or movie at one time. Boogie man or wolf man, in our imaginations we envisioned something evil and sinister lurking in the shadows to get us, at least once in our childhoods. If you compare the Boogieman and Donald Trump, you will see several similarities. 

What we feared as children was silent, unlike Trump. Trump is apt to say something WEIRD, insensitive, shocking, and at time s appalling. It seems he has no clue that what he is saying is offensive like when he speaks about people of color. “I have a great relationship with the blacks. I’ve always had a great relationship with the blacks,” Trump told Albany’s Talk 1300 in April 2011 as he mulled a run for the presidency at that time, which he did not ultimately pursue.

“I have black guys counting my money. … I hate it,” Trump told John R. O’Donnell, the former president of Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, according to O’Donnell’s account in his 1991 book “Trumped!” “The only guys I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes all day.” Trump, according to O’Donnell, went on to say, “‘Laziness is a trait in blacks. It really is, I believe that.” Black people should fear a man like this becoming their president.

Notice how I spelled boogie man. The correct spelling is boogeyman. The spelling may be different, but the idea of the scary figure is the same. The word bogeyman, used to describe a monster in English, comes from the Middle English bugge or bogge, which means “a frightening specter.” Bogeyman itself is known from the 15th century, though bogeyman stories are almost certainly much older.

The original meaning of words fascinates me. Trump has exhibited troubling character traits. When looking at his last name, there is a surprise. Trumpery derives from the Middle English trompery and ultimately from the Middle French tromper, meaning "to deceive." Trumpery first appeared in English in the mid-15th century with the meanings "deceit or fraud" (a sense that is now obsolete) and "worthless nonsense." Less than 100 years later, it was being applied to material objects of little or no value. The verb phrase trump up means "to concoct with the intent to deceive." This alone gives you a clue about the man. He espouses WORTHLESS NONSENSE, but people still support him. Why? 

Many believe Trump has deceived people by the masses. We find it hard to believe such a scary personality as Trump could have followers who cannot see how dangerous his rhetoric is. How divisive he is. How scary he is. When we compare him to the Bogeyman, then maybe we can see his appeal to others.

The Bogeyman was first used for the hobgoblins described in the 16th century England. Many believed that they were made to torment humans, and while some only played simple pranks, others were more foul in nature. The Boogeyman is a shadowy, amorphous ghost who hides in dark places in order to frighten unsuspecting victims. He's more of a nuisance than a danger, and his power is easily neutralized by bright light. For children, the Boogeyman meant death if he got his hands on them.

I know you are saying Trump is not hiding in dark places waiting to scare people. But Trump is a bugge or bogge, a frightening specter able to get away with things the 'normal' person can't. He is also frightening with the bravado he has in the commission of crimes and divisive rhetoric he uses which incites his followers. To millions, his actions are seen as foul. He torments onlookers with his bullying nature and potential to take revenge on those who are not bowing to his wishes and will. The truly frightening thing is, he is not easily neutralized, not even by light. But maybe JOY can. Kamala wins with joy trends on X twitter. People want joy. 

Trump has said about Mexicans, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,” Trump said at his campaign announcement. Why would Mexicans or nationalized immigrants vote for him?

He will be commander and chief of our military if elected as president. What could possibly be wrong with that? According to the Atlantic magazine, during a trip to France to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 U.S. Marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as “suckers.” The Atlantic article, portions of which have been corroborated by the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and Fox News, also reported that when Trump aborted a visit to another World War I cemetery, blaming the weather, he remarked, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” In addition, Trump reportedly said that the presence of maimed U.S. veterans would upset spectators at a military parade, commenting, “Nobody wants to see that.” Why would ANY one in uniform vote for a person who disrespects those in uniform?

The Boogeyman has no specific appearance and conception of his appearance can vary drastically from household to household within the same community. He is a formless being that can take any shape the storyteller wishes though he tends to be a grotesque humanoid with a tendency to hide under beds, in closets, and other dark places. 

This creature varies from person to person, as it has no definite appearance and is simply the embodiment of terror. Although usually depicted as a masculine entity, it can be female of genderless. Trump has a very specific and distinct look. People have made Trumps appearance part of their comedy. From his body posture, dyed face, and over-comb of his hair, cartoonist and comedians have had a field day mocking, not fearing, the appearance of Trump. Trump is a laughingstock trends on X Twitter. But it is said the 'BOSS' could give his followers a look which when seen, they knew his bidding.

Speaking to Time magazine for a profile published in January 1989, Trump was asked to give an estimate of his total wealth. “Who the f knows? I mean, really, who knows how much the Japs will pay for Manhattan property these days?” he responded, using a racial slur for the Japanese. Why would minorities vote for him?

While the description of the Boogeyman differs on a CULTURAL level, there are often shared similarities to the creatures. The boogeyman is depicted as having claws, talons, and sharp teeth. Trump is able to dig into his followers with what must be seen in a figural way as claws, talons, or teeth and has a hold on them which can't be loosened. His followers will not leave his deadly grip. Some say it is more akin to a spell, but I see it as a grip on their minds in an almost unexplainable fashion. Along with the claws and stuff, the Boogeyman is of the spirit variety. Trump's personality attracts LIKE personalities. If you are one of his supporters, do you SHARE his personality?

In a New York magazine profile published in November 1992, a year after Trump divorced his first wife, Ivana, Trump was quoted dispensing his wisdom about how to handle the fairer sex. “You have to treat ’em like shit,” Trump said in the article to friend Philip Johnson, who responded, “You’d make a good mafioso.” Trump’s response: “One of the greatest.” A recording, obtained and published by the Washington Post, is from a day when Trump made an appearance on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. Trump is talking to Billy Bush of Access Hollywood, and the audio is caught on a hot mic. Trump says the norms of being a famous man: “They let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ’em by the pussy.” Why would women vote for him?

If anyone would see the creature they would be frightened by all rights. But all Boogeymen do not look the same. It is their activities in the covers of darkness and their sneaky means of carrying out their fear inspiring activities that make a Boogeyman.

Trump's comments after a white nationalist's rally in Charlottesville, Va. has been dubbed by critics as one of the lowest points in his presidency.  He said there were "fine people on both sides" of the rally — both the counter protesters and those members of the alt-right who did Nazi salutes and chants. We won't go back trends on X Twitter. 

Trump does scary thing in the shadows, in the cover of darkness, and even directly in the face of people. He's shifty and a grifter. Causing fear and harm wherever he goes. The Boogeyman is known to have minions. His minions carry out or enact the wishes of the Boogeyman. Trump seems to have followers in the political arena from SCOTUS, Congress, and MAGA, willing to do his nefarious bidding. They put their careers and reputations on the line to gain favor with Donald Trump. Even when they know they are doomed, they continue to stand for and with Trump. That alone is scary.

As NFL protests picked up steam and more and more players refused to stand for the National Anthem, Trump decided to chime in. "Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son-of-a-bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!'" Trump said at a rally last year. Why would people who protest peacefully for causes they believe in vote for him? 

The Boogeyman is everything a person fears, and he thrives on the fears of others, taking a cruel delight in turning their pleasant dreams into dark nightmares. Trump issues out fear to his followers telling them he can protect them from the scary thing he tells them people are doing and what is going to happen to them. Trump creates nightmare outcomes of nonthreatening government practices. He incites fear in his followers. And that pandering he does to the right, causes fear in those who are not following him. Fear, he knows is a powerful tool. Why would you vote for a man who uses FEAR as a weapon?

The former president first used the phrase “kung flu” to describe COVID-19 in June at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally. As the Washington Post reported, it became a rallying cry for the crowd. He insults other nations without discretion. He turns Americans against long-standing allies. His threatening behavior goes beyond the borders of our country. Speaking at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recalled how as president he told an unidentified NATO member that he would withhold U.S. help and “encourage” Russia to do as it wishes with allies that do not contribute enough to military spending. Who would vote for someone destroying our friendships on the world stage?

Being a master manipulator, the Boogeyman often preyed on its victims psychologically. Its knowledge of people's worst fears allowed it to unnerve its enemies and enjoyed watching them squirm, often leaving their fates to their imagination through thinly veiled threats before finishing them off. Trump knows what people fear and he uses it to the fullest for his benefit. He enjoys making those who do not even believe in his Boogeyman-like persona to squirm from his antics. He messes with people's minds. Why vote for someone who enjoys heckling and bullying people with his words?

During the height of the pandemic, while in Arizona, former president Donald Trump directly played upon white racial grievances when he angrily declared that "white people" were being "denigrated" and "discriminated against" and that "if you're white, you don't get the vaccine, or if you're white, you don't get life-saving therapies." Why do White people believe this you must ask.

The Boogeyman has a perverse level of pleasure from playfully tormenting its victims in an almost animal-like fashion. Trump goes beyond the established laws and unwritten laws which govern civil society. He pushes these boundaries just to see if he can and because he says he can. He is not controlled by institutionalized codes of conduct. Because of this, he is scary. Why vote for someone who breaks laws?

Referring to himself and his supporters collectively, Mr. Trump said there would be no concession after not being reelected for a second presidential term. On January 6, 2021, he went on to say to the gathered crowd: "You don't concede when there's theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore." This was preceding the Capitol riot. Why would anyone vote for a man who orchestrated and encouraged an attack on our government?

Former president Donald Trump lacks one thing as the personification of the Boogeyman. He doesn't jump out from a dark corner and scream BOO to frighten people. HE IS IN YOUR FACE audacious. His existence is frightening, and he seems to grow stronger and stronger in his powers to frighten.

In 2018, at the White House’s Hanukkah party, Trump told the gathered group of American Jews that Israel is “your country.” The full quote comes from his introduction of Vice President Mike Pence: “I want to thank Vice President Mike Pence. A tremendous supporter… a tremendous supporter of yours. And Karen. And they go there, and they love your country. They love your country. And they love this country. That’s a good combination, right?” Your country in this statement is Israel — not America — even though he is speaking to a room of American Jews, not Israeli Jews. In December 2019, Trump repeated this — again, to a room full of American Jews — saying, “A lot of you are in the real estate business, because I know you very well. You’re brutal killers, not nice people at all.” Later at that 2015 RJC event, Trump said, “You’re not gonna support me because I don’t want your money. You want to control your politicians, that’s fine.” Why would Jews vote for Trump?

For decades parents used the imagery of the Boogeyman to frighten their children to keep them inline. The large majority of Boogeyman are there to just frighten children with punishments, and not actually inflict much damage. The more vicious Boogeyman is said to steal the children at night, and even eat them. In the same way, the religious Right is supporting Trump to frighten the Democratic Left. He is being supported in his actions by the Right to issue out punishment to the Liberal society who they believe are godless and evil. Trump is a WEAPON used by MAGA against the Left. They hide behind religion and support Christian nationalism which goes against biblical teachings. Why would anyone vote for FORCED religion?

Trump has denied that he meant to mock the reporter, Serge Kovaleski, who has arthrogryposis, a congenital condition affecting the joints. He has maintained that his physical affect in imitation of Kovaleski was because "He was groveling, grovel, grovel, grovel. That was the end of it. All of a sudden, I get reports that I was imitating a reporter who was handicapped. I would never do that." Supporters of Trump were shamed online for mocking vice president candidate Tim Walz's son Gus for crying during his father's DNC speech. Gus who has a learning disorder. Why would people with disabilities vote for Trump?

The Boogeyman has always lived in the realm of myth. Frightening stories have been recanted of this darker than life figure. When there was something we feared in dark times and were unable to put it into words, the default description was always the Boogeyman. Trump also leaves us lost for words to describe his menacing presence. He is a dark force creating fear. He is looming and threatening. He is unable to be captured or gotten rid of. The frightened sleep with their lights on in an effort to cast light on him and have become to be labeled as WOKE.

Light is the known way to get rid of the Boogeyman. Keeping the light on is always showing the truth. To fight Donald Trump and his antics we must always stick to the facts and Constitutional laws. At this time, we are looking to the courts and SCOTUS to keep the light on. It seems they are having a difficult time doing so. Even if they fail, the everyday person must keep the light of truth shining. It is the only WEAPON, against the Boogeyman, Donald Trump. Why would anyone want to remain in darkness?

INTERVIEW: Miah Sims, womanhood

 WELCOME to WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN

 

Miah Sims is a content creator and is the first, I hope in a long list of many women, to tackle Womanhood in the 21st Century. At present, America is undergoing the first Supreme Court confirmation process of the first African American woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. On March 22, 2022, Mrs. Jackson was asked by Senator Marsha Blackburn to define what is a WOMAN and she declined to do so, in the context presented in that particular question. The question asked if biological males should be allowed to participate in Olympic sports events if they identified as a woman? Miah Sims has chosen to address the question of womanhood for my blog. I hope you as a reader can understand how important this defining is to women.

1.      At what age do you believe you became a woman?

I honestly believe I became a woman when I had children, so at 17. I say this because I learned that womanhood comes with sacrifice. There is no greater sacrifice than being a mom in my opinion.

2.      Did you have a role model of womanhood?

At one point I did, my godmother, Denise. She came into my life when I was 11 years old and was the best example I could have of a mom.

3.      Have family, friends, romantic interest want you to meet a traditional/Biblical/stereotypical role or definition of a woman?

My family especially wants me to be the epitome of the “stereotypical woman.” That’s just not me unfortunately. I still uphold moral values, but I feel like the stereotypical woman settles and that has never been my personality. Being married young, I have learned you have to do what works best for you, not what everyone else tells you.

4.      Can you describe what womanhood means generally or personally to you?

Womanhood to me means a consistent journey of self-evaluation, sacrifice, and evolution. Womanhood isn’t defined by one thing; it’s defined by your journey.

5.      Do you believe men want a traditionally feminine wife/girlfriend without a career?

I personally feel like men sometimes want that traditional wife/girlfriend, but it’s a subconscious decision. They are taught, they have to provide, and be out in the world by themselves. The generation we live in today is not like that. There are so many opportunities women have and it takes pressure off the spouse. My husband and I have adapted, we help one another. God didn’t give me gifts for me just to be a homemaker.

6.      Is womanhood best demonstrated through motherhood?

I feel like it depends on the situation. I believe womanhood should be demonstrated through motherhood. Not everyone has a picture-perfect situation, because every female is not born a mother.

7.      Do you consider yourself a Feminist (believe men and women should have equal rights and opportunities)?

I wouldn't necessarily say I am a feminist. I just stand up for what I believe is right/wrong beyond gender.

 

A big thanks to Miah for sharing her thoughts and opinions on Womanhood in the 21st Century. Please support her by visiting her at:

 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/everythingmiahsims

YouTube:  https://m.youtube.com/c/EverythingMiahSims 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN AN INTERVIEW FOR THIS BLOG CONTACT ME AT: rizerfall@yahoo.com

The Law Of The Land

   ARE YOU READY????

 

    Today SCOTUS decides whether Donald Trump can hold public office after engaging in insurrection by his actions on January 6, 2021, when citizens stormed the Capitol Building. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in one of the most consequential election cases in the nation’s history. Does the Civil War-era insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment disqualify Donald Trump from holding higher office? The court will hear a case out of Colorado, where its state Supreme Court ruled Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot. All eyes will be on the decision of the Supreme Court Justices. All eyes will be on supporters of Donald Trump. 

WILL THERE BE A VIOLENT REACTION TO THE RULING SCOTUS DECIDES?

   WILL PEOPLE REFUSE TO ACCEPT THE RULING OF THE SUPREME COURT?

    My book is ready for purchase (amazon.com) and just in time for the 2024 elections. Why is my book a timely read? Because it highlights how people handled and survived governments they believed were corrupt or not acting in the best interest of its people. What I mainly focus on in my book is how Christians are to behave when there is chaos all around. But, it also serves as a reminder for healthy behavior whether you are a Christian or not.   Speaking of the Civil War era, President Lincoln was not looked upon favorably by many citizens of the United States because of his stance on slavery. Lincoln was morally opposed to slavery and politically opposed to any expansion of it. At issue was its extension into the western territories. On October 16, 1854, in his Peoria speech, Lincoln declared his opposition to slavery, which he repeated as he sought the presidency. The governing body of the United States took a stand against slavery and not everyobne was on board. The president's decision caused states to choose sides and fight it out on the battle field. This was just one of many insurrection in American History. The president was victorious in battle, but was dispised by many of his countrymen. What was the reward for a president establishing humane laws of the land? On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending the play Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Shot in the head as he watched the play, Lincoln died of his wounds the following day at 7:22 am in the Petersen House opposite the theater. He was the first U.S. president to be assassinated. His funeral and burial were marked by an extended period of national mourning. Doing what is right doesn't ensure acceptance of what is right.     

    

    There are lesser known inserrections which have occured in America such as one of the earliest large-scale insurrection, Bacon's Rebellion. In 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led a group of disgruntled citizens from the western part of Virginia eastward in search of justice. They felt their interests were not represented by Virginia's colonial legislature. At least 250 insurrections have been documented; between 1780 and 1864, ninety-one African Americans were convicted of insurrection in Virginia alone. The first revolt in what became the United States took place in 1526 at a Spanish settlement near the mouth of the Pee Dee River in South Carolina.

    Only 10 days after the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, New York City became embroiled in the largest popular insurrection in American history. The incident began on the morning of July 13, 1863, when hundreds of young men poured into the streets to protest the federal draft lottery.

    What is to be done for those who incite or participate in an insurrection in the United States? 18 U.S.C. 2383 says, “Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.” It's funny. No one is calling for a fine or imprisonment of former President Donald Trump. People simply and rightfully wants his name not to be elligible to be on the ballot as a presidential candidate 2024.

    The last successful coup in the United States happened on November 10 1898 when white supremacists overthrew the city government of the majority Black city of Wilmington, North Carolina. It followed years of  race-baiting from Democrats, echoed and amplified by local partisan media. The insurrection started with the mob burning down the office of Black-run newspaper The Daily Record, and would eventually result in the killing of an unknown number of Black residents. The mayor, the alderman and the chief of police were forced to resign while prominent members of the Black community (along with unsympathetic whites) where expelled by threats or physical removal. The mob went on to alter the law to disenfranchise Black voters for generations, dropping enrolment numbers from over a 100,000 to less than 10. No one was ever prosecuted.

    My book, The Politics of Prayer" reminds the reader to examine self. What kind of human do you choose to be no matter what is happening politically or in the world at large. We all have a duty, as citizens of a democracy, to vote and be engaged in creating a country that serves the greater good. But, historically, that has gone off of the rails at times. But we don't give up and we don't become violent. We use the law to create better laws. That's the process America signed up for.

    We reach points in our lives and points in time when we wonder how in the heck did people vote for a particular government official. I offer you 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly thing of the world and the depised things --- and the things that are not --- to nullify the things that are, so no one may boast before him."

    My book says praying and politics go together. I also add that politics, praying, and voting go together too. No matter what SCOTUS decision regarding Trump is today, there are going to be angry people. So, I offer a prayer from Psalm 140:1-13

    "Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men who devise evil things in their hearts; they continually stir up wars. They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; poison of a viper is under their lips. Keep me, O Lord from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men who have purposed to trip up my feet. The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; they have spread a net by my wayside; they have set snares for me. I said to the Lord, You are my God; Give ear, O Lord, to the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted. As for the head of those who surround me, may the mischief of their lips cover them. May burning coals fall upon them; may they be cast into the fire, into deep pits from which they cannot rise. May a slanderer not be established in the earth, may evil hunt the violent man speedily. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice will dwell in Your presence."

    Now that's a prayer!!!

Please purchase The Politics of Prayer available on amazon.com Please like, comment, share, and follow. Thank you.

    

TEXAS: Civil War/Secession

The great state of Texas, where everything is bigger, is in the spotlight. The Supreme Court gave a ruling they found out-of-line regarding their problem with illegal immigrants entering their country. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, January 22, 2024, ordered Texas to allow federal border agents access to the state’s border with Mexico, where Texas officials have deployed miles of concertina wire to prevent people from crossing the border. Texas is REFUSING to comply.

Twitter has been on fire with posting saying Texas should secede, leave the Union or launch a Civil War. The point has also been made that when the Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade, there was not such an extreme reaction of defying a federal ruling or threats of "war."

The chatter Texans (and others) are making, draws attention to their "RED" state and the character of those who loudly and proudly identify themselves as Republican and Conservative. The Republican Party has been labled as being comprised of 'extremists' and with tendencies of being violent. Because of these particular labels, government tends to handle them with kid gloves. Their tendency to be 'extreme' makes it difficult to prosecute their chosen "instigator" Donald Trump, least they become completely unhinged as demonstrated by the attack on the Capitol January 6, 2021.

No matter how softly people tread when dealing with the ALT RIGHT, they seem hell bent on forcing their wants, without consideration for others, on the United States. There is something fundamentally OFF about the MAGA section of the Republican Party. When will they be seen as the danger they truly are? 

The ACTIONS of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, if it is a threat to the democracy, should be handled as a threat. Remaining SILENT and hoping "this too shall pass" is not the way to handle potentially dangerous threats made towards the government or its citizens. If the people are opperating SEDITIOUSLY under the guise of religion, the danger is even greater in my opinion. 

How does the everyday CHRISTIAN or American CITIZEN recognize a person is using religion in a way that is dangerous and for their own gain? Well the Bible has not left us without clear discernment of BAD fruit. It is time for Americans to operate in wisdom and that means acknowledging the facts and making decisions and choices based on those PROVEN facts.

Excerpts from my book: "The Politics of Prayer"

     WISDOM Truth, knowledge, and wisdom are only effective when put into action. 

Luke 2:52 states Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man. Wisdom was his intellectual growth, stature was his physical growth, favor with God was his spiritual growth, and favor with man was his social development. Wisdom was a major part of Jesus’ life and should be a part of every Christian’s life as well. It takes wisdom to pray for our leaders and ourselves. It takes wisdom to make the right choices when engaging political issues. When making choices on political issues we may ASK ourselves: 1. Does it help my witness for God? 2. Am I motivated by a desire to help others to know Christ? 3. Is it against a specific command in Scripture and would thus cause me to sin? 4. Is it the best and most beneficial course of action? 5. Am I thinking only of myself, or do I truly care about the other person? 6. Am I acting lovingly or selfishly? 7. Does it glorify God? 8. Will it cause someone else to sin? 

WISDOM QUOTES “A wise old owl sat on an oak: The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?” “The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” The Talmud “Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.” David Starr Jordon “A man only becomes wise when he begins to calculate the approximate depth of his ignorance.” Gian Carlo Menotti “We must become the change we want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi “Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself.” Kahlil Gibran “The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.” Cicero “One of the greatest pieces of economic wisdom is to know what you do not know.” John Kenneth Gilbraith “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James “The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom is a happy mind.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox “Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.” Immanuel Kant “It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.” Mohandas K. Gandhi “Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” Norman Cousins “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” Saint Augustine “The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to question, and by seeking we may come upon truth.” Pierre Abelard “I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.” Thomas Jefferson “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln “By three methods we may learn wisdom; first, by reflection, which is noblest, second, by imitation, which is easiest, and third; by experience, which is the most bitter.” Confucius “A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.” Chinese Proverbs.

King Solomon of the Bible, was considered the wisest man on Earth. God gave Solomon his wisdom along with a promise: “As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, just as I promised to your father, David saying; ”You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel” (I Kings 9:4-5). 

Solomon should have been a man to be envied. He was the first king to sit on the throne of a kingdom at peace. He had been given divine wisdom by God. He built a temple for God (a center of Jewish religion), and he was richer and more prosperous than any king in any surrounding nation. This should have been enough for the man who had it all, but it wasn’t. 

Solomon’s downfall came from within the walls of his home; his many wives and their many pagan religions. He married 700 hundred women for political reasons and consorted with 300 concubines (I Kings 11:3). Solomon, in his old age, began to do as his wives did and worshipped pagan gods and built high places of worship for those pagan gods. For Solomon’s sin, God said he would take the kingdom from the hands of his son; all but one tribe would he leave for his son for the sake of his father David. The lesson to be learned is to be mindful of our associations and how we conduct our private lives. Solomon was his own worst enemy in a time of success and grandeur, he destroyed himself. It is easier to blame our problems on government or others, but we must also look at ourselves.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” 

Proverbs 3:16-18 "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

REFLECTION I encourage you to incorporate prayer for your leaders into your daily prayers asking God to give them wisdom to lead. Wisdom goes beyond just knowledge; it encompasses the ability to make the right choice at the right time. Wisdom is only effective when put into action. Pray that your leaders, as well as yourself, will have the ability to know what is right and to do what is right. Make a PRAYER LIST FOR THOSE WHO NEED WISDOM, but recognize bad fruit, and throw it out.

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