GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: August 14, 2026

Wisdom

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet. (James Oppenheim, 20th century American novelist and editor)

If we’re living as if happiness is a goal that can be achieved only in the distant future, we are missing out on the pleasure that we could be enjoying right now. The “pie in the sky, blessings bye and bye” outlook deprives us of what we can experience in the present. Make every effort to pursue worthy efforts today that will bring joy in fulfillment.

To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

Stop & Think: August 13, 2026

Wisdom

None of us is as smart as all of us! (Japanese Proverb)

No matter how much knowledge and experience one person may have, he or she can’t know everything. So, this simple Japanese proverb, quoted by many writers, is profound. The more input we can have from intelligent colleagues who, perhaps, have training in areas we don’t, the better the result from our mutual endeavors.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life (Proverbs 19:20).

Stop & Think: August 12, 2026

Wisdom

Equipping and mentoring are more important than directing. (Sam Ranier III, pastor and consultant)

Rather than just giving students the facts, which is merely the transferring of knowledge, educators must teach students to think for themselves. Learners should be given the tools for study and be trained in how to use them. The result, then, will be useful wisdom and learners who grow and contribute.

Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will (Hebrews 13:20-21).

Stop & Think: August 11, 2026

Wisdom

Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom. (Merry Browne, 20th-century professional athlete)
When we approach a subject with predetermined opinions, we will most often find it difficult to learn anything new or gain greater insight. As Browne suggests, a mind already made up is a closed mind. New truth cannot penetrate the biases we bring to our study or offer the wisdom we need to grow intellectually.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15).

Stop & Think: August 10, 2026

Wisdom

If scholarship is about wisdom as much as truth, then it is about practice as much as knowledge. (Chris Gehrz, college professor)
Learning is important for all of us. But it’s more than just memorizing facts. It’s essential to view the facts with a perspective that enables you to see their relationships and draw conclusions that bring you to ultimate truth. Then, equally and perhaps more importantly, you must put what you learn into practice. That’s the only way to grow and be productive.
You must all be quick to listen . . . But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says (James 1:19, 22).

Stop & Think: August 9, 2026

Wisdom

Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t. (Bill Nye, American educator)
Thinking of people as Nye suggests would open up unlimited opportunities to learn. First, it requires a certain sense of humility to realize that we don’t know everything. Then, it recognizes that other people will almost certainly be able to increase our knowledge or understanding if we will hear them well. Look for and welcome such learning experiences.
The wise store up knowledge. . . . [T]he advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it (Proverbs 10:14; Ecclesiastes 7:12).

Stop & Think: August 8, 2026

Wisdom

Wisdom requires a humble spirit of willingness to learn. (Jesse Deloe, writer)
Someone has said that you’re never too old to learn. Of course, learning is more than the accumulation of facts. And with so much new information becoming available every day, no one can keep up with it all. Learning how to assimilate knowledge and make appropriate application of it—that’s the key to learning and wisdom.
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance (Proverbs 1:5).

Stop & Think: August 7, 2026

Wisdom

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. (The Bible)
Some people are so independent that they refuse to accept advice from anyone. They think their plans are perfect (“inspired” even), and no one else could add anything of value to their well thought-out ideas. It doesn’t take long, however, for most of us to discover that we will profit when we listen to the counsel of others’ wisdom and experience.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and at the end you will be counted among the wise (Proverbs 19:20).

Stop & Think: August 6, 2026

Wisdom

Wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing. (Socrates)
They say that knowledge is increasing exponentially today. That is, we’re learning more and more all the time—so much so that we can’t begin to keep up with it all. Yet, the ancient philosopher warns that we must recognize that in spite of all we may know, there’s much more that we don’t yet know. Wisdom requires a humble spirit of continual learning.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning (Proverbs 9:9).

Stop & Think: August 5, 2026

Wisdom

Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless. (Jamie Paolinetti, writer and filmmaker)
Someone might argue that we know only what we know. We can’t work or plan beyond our knowledge. But, we can dream, can’t we? That’s where imagination comes in. Progress in science and philosophy is the result of inventors and creators who think “outside the box.” If we ask God for wisdom, we will discover there is more to learn every day.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking (James 1:5).

Stop & Think: August 4, 2026

Wisdom

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. (Benjamin Franklin)
Noted for both his wise counsel in political affairs and his practical wisdom as reflected in his writings, Franklin’s comment here is invaluable. Anyone who wants to enter the political realm, the writing world, or the creative laboratory should heed his advice. Too often we want to jump right into an intriguing adventure without the prior planning that is essential to success.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

Stop & Think: August 3, 2026

Wisdom

Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of education. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French author)

Hugo certainly was not against education, however. He also said, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.” Formal education is important, of course, but it must include more than mere head knowledge. Practical experience, trial by error, and hands-on learning are all essential elements in developing both common sense and wisdom.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge (Proverbs 23:12).