“He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.”
-Proverbs 22:11,29

Would you like to be real influencer? Not an online performer with a large audience, but someone who is genuinely able to influence others, particularly those in high standing? It isn’t wrong to desire that, as long as you follow the biblical pattern to become a truly influential person.

What is that pattern?

1) Excellence of character. Seek to live a life above the reproach of others, even if they don’t like you. Imitate Jesus in the way you live your life and pursue personal holiness.

2) Excellence of speech. Always speak in a way that builds up, giving grace to those who hear you speak. Don’t gossip, slander, or undermine. Speak life into others and use your speech to encourage them to aim higher than themselves.

3) Excellence in your work. Whatever your skills, job responsibilities, or position description, do things well. Work with total integrity and the best skill you can bring to bear in every situation. You will be noticed!

Life isn’t perfectly just. Unfortunately things happen. However, if you follow the Bible’s wisdom on these matters, you’ll likely be surprised at how much influence you’ll have. Influence that can be used for God’s purpose and glory. #FollowJesus

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will repay him for his deed.”
– Proverbs 19:17

Honestly, there isn’t much to add or clarify about this. God has tremendous love for the poor and has appointed His people to care for those in need with generosity, dignity, and mercy.

Jesus emphasized this repeatedly. He was extremely blunt about people who call themselves Christian but don’t have generosity toward the poor. When you love and care for those in need, you’re doing it to Jesus (see Matthew 25).

Be generous to the poor. God will repay! #FollowJesus

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and the Lord tests hearts.”
– Proverbs 17:3

Precious metals are tested and refined through intense heat and fire. The crucible. The furnace. Precious silver and gold melt under the fiery trial and the junk is separated from what’s genuine. The result is pure and of great value, which everyone can acknowledge.

God does the same thing for something far more precious to Him than gold or silver. God doesn’t care about silver or gold because He already owns all that. Rather, God tests, refines, and purifies the hearts of those made in His image. Precious human beings.

God allows His children to pass through fiery trials and terrible seasons to strengthen and purify their hearts. Those who endure in Christ find their hearts and souls refined by these trials. Strengthened and renewed as they learned to walk through suffering hand-in-hand with their Suffering Savior. As they allowed themselves to be carried by God’s strength in their weakness.

Faith grows strong in the furnace. Priorities get clarified in the crucible. What is produced by those things which test our hearts is enduring faith, Christ-like character, and strength in the Spirit.

If Jesus is your Lord, please understand that it’s not a question of whether tests and trials will come. They will certainly come. But they aren’t a curse from God. They’re intended to ultimately be a blessing for your good and His glory. #FollowJesus

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
– Proverbs 9:9

One of the clearest marks of wisdom and righteousness is a person’s willingness to hear and grow from the criticism, correction, and advice of others. Those who are confident in their wisdom and right standing with God don’t fear correction. They welcome it. They love advice, even if they don’t take it. They appreciate learning, even as they wisely separate the good from the bad.

On the other hand, those who are foolish and those who are unrighteous absolutely hate correction. They refuse it, reject it, and abuse those who offer it.

How do you respond to constructive criticism? To feedback? To correction? To advice? Are you thankful for it, expressing appreciation? Or defensive and angry about it, making arguments against it, excuses for why it doesn’t apply, and heaping scorn on those offering it?

Consider your answer very carefully, honestly, and seriously. Because it will reveal whether you’re truly wise or a fool trying to wear a disguise. #FollowJesus

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”
– Proverbs 4:23

Be very careful and thoughtful about the condition of your heart. Not in a physical sense. In an emotional and spiritual sense. Is life and love present and flowing out of your heart? Or is bitterness, anger, discouragement, or death present and flowing out of your heart?

Jesus explained that what comes out of our mouths reflects the true condition of our hearts. This proverb tells us that it’s very wise to carefully and constantly monitor our hearts. This is because human hearts can be so easily deceived. So easily drawn toward false, foolish, and sinful things. So easily wounded and scarred into fear, selfishness, cynicism, or cruelty.

Don’t let these things happen! Check your heart regularly. What are you feeling? What are you saying? How well is your heart lining up with the heart of Jesus? How well is it imitating and obeying His words, will, and ways? What is your heart pushing you toward? Is it godly or ungodly? What words come tumbling out of your mouth from your heart? Are they godly or ungodly? #FollowJesus