Introduction

Greetings, everyone. Today, we begin a new sermon series. I must admit, immediately after choosing this topic, I regretted it. The series is titled "Wisdom, Folly, and Madness." I quickly realized how incredibly difficult this subject is to address. Looking in the mirror, I do not see myself as someone qualified to speak on this. It is an uncomfortable realization. Yesterday, I paced back and forth, listening to various perspectives, pondering over it repeatedly, only to conclude that I am truly unworthy.

The first sermon is on this: "A wise man's heart inclines to the right, but a fool's heart to the left." Who wrote this? It was Solomon. Solomon’s words are highly intriguing. I thought to myself, why not just be direct and say that all human beings are fools? If you take an X-ray, everyone's heart is on the left. By that definition, we are all fools.

How can a wise man's heart be on the right? I have never seen anyone physically shift their heart to the right side. This became an internal struggle for me. What does this mean? Eventually, I understood the hard truth: by nature, all human beings are fools. It is only through learning and absorbing the Word of God that one becomes sensible and wise. Let me tell you this: natural talent is of little use. What you are born with does not carry you very far.

We all remember a story from our school textbooks about a child who was exceptionally gifted from birth. Because of his precociousness, his father paraded him around, showing him off to everyone. As the years passed, the boy grew up. But by the time he reached adulthood, he was no different from an ordinary person. Why did this happen? How does early brilliance fade into mediocrity?

It seems strange, does it not? But the reason is simple. His early intelligence was sustained because he was learning. Once he stopped learning and began to coast on his reputation, merely going through the motions, he stagnated. He became indistinguishable from the masses. This is a sobering reality.

I am reminded of my school days. There were children who were physically attractive, with curly hair, adored by teachers and parents alike. They were pampered. They performed on stage, dancing and singing. In school, we generally admired two types of people: those who excelled on the sports field, and those who commanded the stage with their performing talents.

They looked wonderful, full of promise. I was nothing like that. I had no such talents; I was quiet, unremarkable, unable to make any impression. But as time went on, through secondary school and pre-university, that childhood charm vanished.

Consider this: a seven-year-old running into your arms is endearing. A seventeen-year-old doing the same is absurd and inappropriate. Decades later, looking back, I noticed that many who seemed so promising in their youth achieved very little in life. Why? Because their early charm was not acquired through effort; they were simply born with it. Some are born charming; others are born dull.

But I have realized that innate traits are of little consequence. What matters is what you acquire through rigorous learning later in life. I am deeply concerned about our current education system. It has a fundamental flaw. Even education experts agree: students acquire vast amounts of information but do not learn how to conduct themselves as human beings. The core principles of character and conduct are completely neglected. This is a failure of education.

Proper conduct is not instinctive. Being born charming does not make you a person of character. That initial advantage quickly depreciates, leaving you no different from the rest. Character must be systematically learned and cultivated.

Yesterday, I watched a lecture by a scholar from Peking University who has studied the Guwen Guanzhi (The Anthology of Ancient Chinese Prose) deeply. This anthology spans centuries, starting from the Zuo Zhuan. When I was at university, I bought a copy and kept it by my bedside. But back then, I lacked the wisdom to truly comprehend it.

This scholar explained it exceptionally well. I must commend him. As I listened, I realized the text is entirely about the art of human conduct and the governance of oneself. It is about how you speak. Do you speak with tact, or are you abrasive and offensive? If your speech is constantly abrasive, how can you succeed? Speaking without wisdom is utterly futile.

I realized that a lifetime is not enough to learn all of this. In the Guwen Guanzhi, the historical figures spoke with immense sophistication. Take the story of Duke Zhuang of Zheng defeating his brother, Gongshu Duan. In just a few brief sentences, when properly analyzed, the depth of strategy and human nature revealed is profound.

Do not look down on the wisdom of our Chinese ancestors. Their understanding of human nature and conduct is profound, accumulated over millennia. Do not confuse this deep cultural heritage with the idle gossip of uneducated neighbors. There is a vast difference between classical wisdom and mindless chatter.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must understand that both character and competence are acquired. Relying solely on your natural disposition is folly—it means your heart remains on the left. Only when you learn does your heart move to the right. This is why continuous learning is absolutely critical. It is a tragedy that despite having thousands of years of accumulated wisdom, so few are willing to study. You must know that I formulated the Chinese Mingding Doctrine. Why was I able to do this? It is because I drew heavily from the profound wisdom of ancient Chinese heritage.

Thus, learning is the core pillar of the Mingding Doctrine. Never rely on your own assumptions; your assumptions will not harm others, they will only destroy you. In my years of ministry, I have observed with great sorrow how many people are their own worst enemies. They self-destruct. I am no exception. Whenever I allow my stubborn, fleshly nature to take over, I sabotage myself, just as you do when you succumb to yours.

Fortunately, we have the Word of God and the examples of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus Christ, and the Apostle Paul. When we measure ourselves against them, we realize our errors and pivot immediately. Otherwise, we face destruction. Many cancer patients I have ministered to were the authors of their own ruin, completely oblivious to it. The same is true for those suffering from chronic physical ailments—they are sabotaging themselves without realizing it.

If you tell them the truth, they resent you. It is a bitter pill to swallow. But what choice do we have? My hope is that through this series, "Wisdom, Folly, and Madness," you will be provoked to examine the Word of God and challenge the self-destructive tendencies within yourselves. It is a matter of vital importance.

Many physical ailments—tension running from the neck to the hip, or pain shooting down the leg—are the physical manifestations of self-sabotage. A bitter, resentful temperament inevitably leads to physical sickness. I have seen demonic oppression manifest as physical tension in the torso. These are real cases I have dealt with.

To correct these deep-seated issues is extremely difficult. It only becomes simple when the individual is willing to change. Personally, I have stopped trying to force change on others. I have enough work to do on myself. If I, a foolish man, try to force others to change, I only compound my own folly. Therefore, I have pivoted. I have made a sharp turn to the right. This shift in my approach has been profound.

Trying to discipline someone else's flesh is a futile exercise. I cannot conquer your flesh for you. I will no longer attempt to do so. My role now is to speak the truth, provide encouragement, and offer emotional support. Looking back, I realize my past attempts to force change on people were foolish. When we stop learning, when we become self-righteous, we are finished. By birth, our hearts are on the left.

Scripture says the wise man’s heart is on the right, and the fool’s on the left. I examined myself and realized my heart was indeed on the left. My assumptions were wrong. Scripture instructs us to examine ourselves and put to death the deeds of the flesh by the Holy Spirit. I was overstepping my bounds by trying to do it for others. After years of folly, I have finally understood this truth.

I have never stopped learning. It has been an exhausting journey. Let me give you an example from my own life. When I first arrived in Singapore, my English was atrocious. I had to master the language first. Then, I had to master the technical skills of my job. Just as I became competent and secure in my role, I was promoted. I had to scramble to learn again. Then I was promoted to team leader, and the cycle of intense learning repeated. Promotion after promotion required constant adaptation and rigorous study.

Later, when I lost my job, I began to build the church. Do not think I did this out of some romantic notion; I had no desire to make church-building my career. But without a job, what else was I to do? So, I had to learn an entirely new set of skills under immense pressure. Though I may have appeared calm on the outside, internally, it was a trial by fire.

It is hard work. I am constantly learning. Every Bible study, every sermon is a process of learning. I have discarded my own assumptions in favor of acquired knowledge.

Therefore, understand this: the Chinese Mingding Doctrine is a theology of continuous learning. We must strive to climb higher and practice what we preach in our daily lives. Becoming wise is a lifelong responsibility. Do not stop. Challenge your own assumptions before they ruin you. It is easy to test.

Ask yourself: what would Jesus do? Would He throw tantrums or speak with bitterness? Certainly not. Temperament is of the flesh. When we measure ourselves against Jesus, we see how wretched and deficient we truly are. Why then do we cling to pride? Why do we argue? If we cannot match Jesus, look at Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or Joseph. Any one of them is far superior to us. We must spend our lives learning from and emulating these giants of faith.

Have we invented anything of value since birth? No. We did not need to reinvent Newton's laws; we learned them in secondary school. Most of us cannot even comprehend the Theory of Relativity, let alone invent it. We did not write the Su Shu (Book of Plain Words), The Art of War, or Dream of the Red Chamber.

Once, I thought about writing a book. I thought of writing The Water Margin, only to be reminded that it had already been written. I could not write The Art of War or the Su Shu either. I lacked the capacity.

Everything we have is learned from others. Even the Chinese Mingding Doctrine is not my own invention; it is simply a framework constructed from the truths already present in the Bible. I have invented nothing. My goal is simply to master what has already been revealed.

Our text today is from Ecclesiastes. If you study Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and apply them systematically, you will become highly competent. If those are too difficult, start with simpler texts. The fool's heart is on the left, but the wise man's is on the right—this simply means the wise man is one who learns.

Scripture

"As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how foolish they are." (Ecclesiastes 10:1-3)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, open our minds today. Let us recognize clearly that by nature, we are fools with our hearts on the left. Grant us a seeking heart. Help us to discipline and put to death the deeds of our flesh, and eradicate the folly within us. May we pursue the knowledge of You relentlessly from this day forward. Open our minds so that we may become a people pleasing to You, reflecting Your character.

Deal with us directly, Lord. Break us down, reshape us, and remove our foolishness. Inscribe Your Word upon our hearts, shifting our hearts to the right. Grant us wisdom and understanding to live for Your glory. May we rely on You, remain close to You, and seek You all the days of our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Scripture Background

Solomon was an exceptionally capable and powerful ruler. We do not know for certain whether he wrote Ecclesiastes after abdicating the throne to his son, or while he was still reigning. However, one thing is clear: Solomon experienced every luxury and achievement life had to offer.

Yet, having experienced it all, his conclusion was: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" He spoke from absolute experience. You cannot build a palace larger than his, nor a temple more glorious. In speech, he was unmatched in wisdom. In governance, he held the highest office. There is simply no comparison.

Consider Solomon. In his old age, he realized his entire life was merely an experiment. Having completed it, he found himself in a state not unlike our own today. It was ultimately meaningless. He built grand palaces; they looked magnificent on day one. Have you not felt the same? You buy a house, strip it down to its bare bones, design it, renovate it, and when you finally move in, you marvel at its beauty.

Yet, two or three months later, the novelty wears off completely. Is that not so? It becomes nothing special. The thrill is fleeting. Years ago, I wanted to buy an RV to travel the world. But after one trip, it sat in the garage, never to move again. Many of us have had similar experiences. Let me tell you, when I was young and had just passed my driving test, I felt on top of the world. I thought having a car was the ultimate achievement. On the third day after getting my license, I scraped together whatever money I had to buy a second-hand car. I drove it to the beach, bought a tent, picnic gear, and fully equipped myself.

And yet, I used them only twice. Do you understand? Just twice. After that, it became a nuisance. It was utterly pointless. I would look out of my window, and there the car sat in the parking lot, day after day. Have you experienced this? Surely you have. Once the novelty fades, nothing remains. It is meaningless.

This is why Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes: "Vanity of vanities, vanity of vanities, all is vanity." When you read this, you realize he consigns both wisdom and folly to futility. In the end, the wise man dies just as the fool dies. The wise man lives, and the fool lives, and both meet the same end.

However, he drew one crucial conclusion: the wise man lives a better life than the fool. Even in a world of vanity, suffering is very real. Do you not agree? Life, as a Chinese comedian once put it, is simply a series of struggles and discomforts. How true that is. Yet, a wise man suffers far less than a foolish one. That is an absolute certainty. Therefore, wisdom remains highly relevant.

As long as we still draw breath, wisdom is of vital importance. Once we take our last breath, wisdom no longer matters. Thus, while the wise and the foolish share the same death, how they live matters immensely. Wisdom allows you to live with less misery. The foolish, on the other hand, live in constant torment.

This brings us to the scriptural context: "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor; so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor." This is a profound truth. Consider a clean white towel. If you place a tiny speck of filth on it—no larger than the tip of a chopstick—what happens?

When you unfold that towel, everyone's eyes will immediately lock onto that single speck of filth. It is repulsive. Can you still use it? No, the towel is ruined. Do you understand? It does not require the entire towel to be soiled; a single spot makes it unusable and foul-smelling. Such is the nature of a little folly. But what do we do when we possess so much folly? Solomon addresses this very issue.

He writes: "A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool." Throughout his life, Solomon observed countless individuals. Consider the sheer volume of legal cases and records he presided over. He reviewed vast amounts of evidence. His conclusion was clear: fools are in abundant supply. Of course, Solomon had the authority to make such a judgment; I do not. Thus, Solomon wrote with deep lamentation. He lamented that humanity is rife with folly. What does it mean for a wise man's heart to be on the right? It means there are none naturally on the right. His point is this: if a tiny bit of folly ruins everything, what hope is there for those who are entirely foolish?

In writing this, he essentially categorized all of humanity as foolish. There is only one remedy: continuous learning to become wise. Remember, wisdom comes from God. If you master the Word of God, it is virtually impossible for you to live a miserable life.

Show me a spiritual man in the Scriptures who lived a poor life. Look at the biblical record. They were all formidable figures. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were powerful patriarchs of their eras, rulers in their own right. Joseph was the Prime Minister of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Daniel held a similar position of supreme authority. These were deeply spiritual men. David was a magnificent king, as was Solomon.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, do not shortchange yourselves. Some say, "Pastor, I feel ashamed; I have failed God." Failed God? God does not depend on your meager offerings. He does not need our insignificance. You are shortchanging yourself. I urge you to study diligently, to shift your heart from the left to the right, and to stop shortchanging yourselves.

This is why I used to lament. People do not seek out a pastor when their lives are going smoothly. The pastoral ministry can be deeply taxing. Those who come to us are the unemployed, the sick, those with broken families, or those failing in their careers.

We see PhD candidates who cannot graduate, students who cannot focus, and those who fail their university entrance exams. I have yet to see a student admitted to Tsinghua or Peking University come to me and say, "Pastor, I want to follow Christ today because I am successful." Not a single one. They never come to share their joy. After years of ministry, I have reached a definitive conclusion: people are the authors of their own ruin.

If you can take this truth to heart and stop ruining your own lives, that would be my greatest comfort. We see the depressed, those with physical ailments, and those with cognitive struggles. This is why the Mingding Doctrine focuses heavily on how to make people wise. Yet, in researching this, I sometimes feel I have driven myself into folly. It is an exhausting endeavor. If I speak too harshly, people take offense; if I speak too profoundly, they do not understand; if I speak too simply, they dismiss it; if I speak too gently, it has no impact.

Solomon observed the exact same patterns. His ultimate conclusion was that when a fool walks by the way, his lack of wisdom is plain to see. What does it mean to "walk by the way"? It refers to the journey of life—making one decision after another. Yet, look at the choices people make based on their personal whims. Almost all of them are foolish. It is as if they are shouting to the world, "Look at me, I am a fool! See how foolish my decisions are!" Of course, they are blind to their own folly, but their actions advertise it clearly to everyone else. And those around them dare not tell them the truth.

Some people are quite peculiar. They do not mind being foolish, but if you point out their folly, they will resent you. Consider a man in a high position whose zipper is undone. The pragmatic approach is to remain silent, pretend not to notice, and stay back. If you say, "Boss, your zipper is undone," he will hate you. Is that not true? He would rather expose himself than have his dignity compromised by your correction.

Following this, Solomon outlines a series of areas where human folly manifests, all of which require disciplined learning. The first is how to deal with superiors. If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, what do you do? A foolish, carnal person will immediately confront the ruler. But what is the outcome? The ruler holds the power. If you wage war against him, you will inevitably suffer the loss. This is a matter of basic competence that must be learned.

Even if you find yourself under a foolish superior, you must exercise caution. Furthermore, do not assume that holding a high position makes you wise. Many fools occupy high offices. They rise smoothly to the top, only to expand their enterprises, consolidate power, and ultimately end up in prison. What is the point of that? It is sheer stupidity. Never mistake high office for wisdom.

When performing tasks—such as quarrying stones—you must ensure you are not crushed by them. If you dig a pit, do not fall into it. If you cleave wood, you must manage the danger. This is what we call risk management. You must understand risk. If you drive recklessly and crash, the airbags deploy, and that is the end of your story.

Consider this, brothers and sisters: how can you survive without proper risk management? If you pull out from a side road onto a main highway without a clear view because a truck is blocking your line of sight, and another vehicle broadsides you, it is over. For some, it is a fatal end; for others, it leaves them permanently incapacitated. Risk management is non-negotiable.

You must also learn how to speak. If your labor is exhausting and unproductive, you are undoubtedly foolish. Efficient work should not leave you utterly depleted. You might ask, "Pastor, but you work yourself to the bone." Yes, because I too am still learning. It is hard work, but the process of learning is naturally demanding.

Once I have mastered these lessons, sharing them with you is no longer a burden. To be frank, speaking to you now requires no painful effort. Furthermore, if you are to rule, you must undergo rigorous training. A ruler who behaves like an undisciplined child will bring ruin. Laziness is a guarantee of failure. We must also learn how to find joy. In Ecclesiastes chapter 10, Solomon masterfully outlines these aspects of human existence. He encourages us to thoroughly comprehend these principles. Let us analyze them systematically, piece by piece, to the best of my ability.

Learning How to Conduct Oneself

In learning how to conduct oneself, interpersonal relationships are paramount. To navigate life successfully, you must master human relations. The most critical relationship is the one with your superiors. Do you understand? If your relationship with those above you is fractured, you will face severe consequences.

When I was in the corporate world, I observed a simple truth. Who represented the company to me? It was my immediate superior. My superior's boss had some relevance, but anyone higher up was completely detached from my daily reality. If my immediate boss made my life miserable, I could not possibly be happy. Do you not share this view?

Therefore, my immediate superior was my "company." At most, it extended to his boss. Beyond that, it did not matter. My primary task was to manage my relationship with my superior. Even if he became angry with me, he remained my boss. My options were clear: either resign and find another job, or stay and manage the relationship effectively.

I must tell you, I was highly adept at managing my relationships with my superiors. This is the cornerstone of personal conduct because your superior has the power to make your working life either pleasant or miserable. What is the point of working if you are in constant distress? Once I grasped this reality, I made it a priority to maintain excellent relations with my superiors.

In fact, I managed this so well that whenever I applied for a new job, my reference letters were written by my immediate superiors. That carries immense weight. No prospective employer wants to hire a troublemaker.

Scripture says: "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offenses." This is profound wisdom. A foolish person, however, will argue stubbornly. Some are simply uneducated in these matters; they lack knowledge, and this ignorance ruins them. If you read classical Chinese literature, such as the Guwen Guanzhi, you will find that the stories are primarily about rulers, ministers, and lords. They are records of political wisdom. Without wisdom, how can you succeed anywhere? Constantly clashing with your superior only ensures mutual misery. It is entirely illogical. We must learn how to conduct ourselves with humility and tact. Whether you are leading or following, you must manage these dynamics. What if you are a subordinate and your leader is somewhat foolish? What does the Scripture say?

"There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth." If you lack wisdom when facing such a situation, you will resort to constant grumbling and criticizing your boss behind his back. Is this truly an error of the ruler? No, Solomon wrote this to illustrate a deeper point.

Such structural anomalies exist to test and sift out the wise. If you possess true wisdom, you will still manage to maintain a constructive relationship with such a superior. That is the mark of competence. If you are the one in high office, yet realize your own limitations, you must learn quickly. When I first established the church, I knew absolutely nothing. What did I do? I committed myself to learning, step by step, and that is how we progressed.

Do not allow yourself to be paralyzed by these realities. You must extract lessons from them: identify what is wrong, and discern what is correct. This is the essence of personal conduct. Indeed, the Chinese Mingding Doctrine places immense emphasis on character and interpersonal competence. If a person does not know how to conduct himself, it is a tragedy; he will ruin even the best hand he is dealt. Such a person cannot live a fulfilling life, nor can he find peace. He merely reduces his life to a chaotic mess.

Learning How to Work

I have categorized Solomon's teachings into distinct areas. Let us look at how to work. It is highly instructive. Scripture says: "The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city." They do not even know the way home. Their labor is exhausting and futile. "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct."

The Pursuit of Wisdom: Efficiency, Communication, Risk Management, and Joy

I have observed a common, frustrating phenomenon among many people. There is an incredible amount of inefficiency and foot-dragging. Why is this so? Let me tell you plainly: they do not learn before they act. They do not sharpen their tools before they begin the work. Instead, they simply rush in blindly, exhaust themselves, and end up completely lost—unable to even find the city gate, let alone their own front door. When you waste your physical energy like this, you achieve nothing but exhaustion.

My logic has always been clear: learning is learning, and execution is execution. When you learn, you test things on a small, controlled scale. You do not start building a hundred-story tower without the necessary engineering knowledge, only to have it collapse at the seventieth floor. That is sheer foolishness. Yet, some people refuse to learn; they build, tear down, and rebuild, wasting precious time and resources. Inefficiency is a disease of the mind.

If you do not know how to work systematically, of course you will be exhausted. We see this all the time. People choose the most convoluted, painful way to do a simple task, wear themselves out, and then complain about the heavy workload.

You must learn to use leverage. You must use the right tools. If you want to drill a hole in a concrete wall and you do not have the proper tools, what do you do? Do you scrape at it with a screwdriver or claw at it with your bare fingers? Today, modern tunnel boring machines can excavate a kilometer of solid rock a day. If you rely on picks and shovels, you will be digging forever.

Why waste your life in fruitless labor when you could spend that time learning how to work smart? Keep planning and implementation separate. These two concepts are fundamental. If you plan meticulously, execution is swift and effortless. If you plan poorly, you will constantly face unforeseen gaps and failures. Inefficiency is simply a lack of wisdom.

If this description fits you, do not argue with me—argue with King Solomon. If you feel targeted, it is Solomon who is addressing you. If you must lose your temper, direct it at him. Learning how to conduct yourself and how to get things done are lifelong pursuits. If Solomon’s proverbs make you uncomfortable, then go read the classical histories—the Zizhi Tongjian, the Records of the Grand Historian—you will find the same hard truths written there.

Learning the Art of Communication

How you conduct yourself in society is deeply linked to how you speak. Many people simply do not know how to communicate constructively. Even when they mean well, their words come out sounding sarcastic or offensive.

Consider how some people greet guests in their homes. Their tone is so awkward it sounds mocking. They do not know how to speak with grace. Solomon put it clearly: "Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness."

How we speak is of paramount importance. Can we not learn to speak constructive words graciously, and deliver difficult truths with wisdom? You must learn this skill. If you were speaking to a ruler, you would have to weigh every word with absolute precision, or you would lose your head. Why should daily life be any different?

Solomon noted that "a fool multiplies words." I have met people who take twenty minutes of rambling, circular explanations to describe a simple matter. After listening patiently, I have to summarize it for them: "Is this your point?" And they say, "Yes, exactly!"

If you cannot explain a concept clearly, it means your mind is cluttered. Clear thinking leads to clear speaking. Do not mistake rambling for substance. Some people talk about "being on a different wavelength"—no, it is not about compatibility; it is about basic clarity of thought. In my years of ministry, the most frustrating issues have always stemmed from foolish thinking, foolish speaking, and foolish acting. It leads to utter chaos.

When I was a young engineer in my twenties, my boss told me: "An intelligent person may not always be a good speaker, but a good speaker is invariably intelligent." Why? Because a good speaker has substance and can articulate complex ideas with precision. If you want wisdom, you must master speech. Do not let your own mouth destroy your prospects.

Some people harbor bitterness in their hearts, cursing the authorities or envying the rich in secret. But the spiritual realm hears these words, and they bring nothing but spiritual poverty and oppression. We must learn to speak with wisdom.

Learning Risk Management

We must learn how to conduct ourselves, how to work, how to speak, and crucially, how to manage risk.

Let me read this to you: "Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake; whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee."

Risk management is a hard reality. Some risks are terminal—they put a permanent full-stop to your life. When you drive, you must anticipate hazards. If you ignore the risks of high-voltage lines, deep water, or extreme environments, you pay with your life. That is not bad luck; it is poor risk management.

Every endeavor has its inherent risks. Quarrying stone, splitting wood, electrical work, or swimming—all carry hazards. If you refuse to manage these risks and pretend they do not exist, you are behaving foolishly. If you drive through an unpopulated wilderness, you must prepare for every contingency. That is systematic risk management.

Some risks will cost you your life; others will leave you permanently scarred or filled with lifelong regret. In relationships and career decisions, risk management is equally vital. People often misunderstand my pastoral advice. When a couple is blinded by infatuation, and I advise them to evaluate things carefully, they sometimes get defensive. But entering a marriage, taking a job, or starting a venture without assessing the risks is foolish. I have seen people swindled of their life savings, or trapped in abusive relationships because they ignored the warning signs. You must manage your risks systematically.

Learning the Value of Joy

Life must have joy. Without wisdom, happiness is impossible. If you constantly make mistakes and have to pay to fix them, how can you be happy?

Solomon wrote: "A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything." Why did he write this? Because God intends for us to enjoy life. But some people manage to turn a celebratory feast into a bitter argument. That is a complete waste of resources. The purpose of a feast is joy and fellowship.

Wine is meant to make the heart merry, yet some use it only to drown their sorrows. Money is a practical tool—it solves real-world problems. To host a feast or enjoy good wine requires resources. God is not against our joy; He wants us to live wisely and happily.

I see too many people who choose to be miserable, worrying constantly and spreading their anxiety to their children. Whether you have much or little, live with dignity and joy.

I once ministered to a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis. After he was healed through prayer, he drove a long way to visit me. I took him to a decent, clean restaurant and ordered wine to celebrate. But he hesitated, saying his church elders strictly forbade alcohol. I was astonished. Jesus Himself drank wine and even turned water into wine. Yet some Christians turn abstinence into a rigid dogma, robbing life of its legitimate pleasures. Wine is meant to make the heart merry. Let us be practical, not legalistic.

Money answers all things. It is a practical reality. If you want to buy a tool or a phone to improve your efficiency, you need resources. But do not be foolish with it. Live wisely, manage your resources, and choose to be happy. Joy does not have to be expensive; it is a state of mind governed by wisdom.

Conclusion

Have you acquired wisdom today? Let me summarize: we are born ignorant, but we become wise through disciplined learning. If you find learning painful, you must change your mindset. Make learning the most satisfying pursuit of your life, and you will inevitably become a person of great wisdom.

Let us live our lives with joy, equipped with the wisdom that comes from God. We must mortify the foolish desires of the flesh and refuse to let the anxieties of this world disrupt our peace.

Amen! May God bless you all!