GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Stop & Think: August 2, 2026

Wisdom

The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. (William James, 19th-20th century American psychologist)

As children, we didn’t understand that there is more to life than the now. We didn’t think beyond what we might be doing at any given time. As we grew, we learned that there are many tomorrows; in fact, they will continue beyond our lifetime. Hopefully, we’ve learned the great value of contributing to those worthy causes that will last long into the future.

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life (Proverbs 9:11).

Stop & Think: August 1, 2026

Wisdom

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. (Miles Kington, late British journalist)

This month’s thoughts are about Wisdom, the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments based on personal knowledge and experience. We’ve all known people who seemed very intelligent but weren’t able to make sense of the simplest things in life. It’s all too easy to gain lots of knowledge but not have a clear understanding of how to best use it for personal and community benefit.

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it (Ecclesiastes 7:12).

Stop & Think: July 31, 2026

Truth

Change is the end result of all true learning. (Leo Buscaglia)

We live in an age of information overload. Resources are readily available to anyone, almost anywhere, on any subject. But, the Bible says, we may be “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).  Unless knowledge of truth is applied to life, there will be no change and very little, if any, learning.

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you (Psalm 86:11).