#36 Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

Jun 23

2 min read

Mind your own business.

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:11

“But let none of you suffer… as a busybody in other men’s matters.” — 1 Peter 4:15

Don’t try to listen to everything people say about you.

“Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee.” — Ecclesiastes 7:21

Stop withholding praise to avoid boosting an ego or worrying about someone else’s pride.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.” — Ephesians 4:29

Give, and don’t turn away.

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” — Matthew 5:42

Don’t wear out your welcome.

“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” — Proverbs 25:17

Speak less.

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” — Proverbs 10:19

“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise.” — Proverbs 17:28

Do not make vows at all.

“But I say unto you, Swear not at all.” — Matthew 5:34

“Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay.” — Matthew 5:37

“Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” — Ecclesiastes 5:5

Treat others the way you want to be treated and stop treating others how they treat you.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12

“Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.” — Proverbs 24:29

Be content.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6

Choose your friends carefully.

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” — Proverbs 13:20

“I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.” — Psalm 26:4

Warn the wicked.

“I have set thee a watchman… warn them from me.” — Ezekiel 33:7

“When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” — Ezekiel 33:8-9