New International Version
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--
When I turned about thirty I learned something: you should listen to people and when people come across your life: watch, observe and ask. There's a treasure trove of wisdom to be gained even from those who are failures (don't copy their habits or decision making) - so before you become critical and think you're smarter than they are - watch, listen and observe.
My definition of a fool: A fool is a person who refuses to learn even when one stumbles across people that grace your life for a reason and provides insight, and wisdom to enrich your life.
Over the course of Easter I learned something from my nieces and nephew that I've lost when my children died: the joy of play and life. Simple giggles, and the joy of play must never be overlooked. Thank you Grant, Ella, and Maddie - because of you this weekend I forgot my loss and learn to keep that boy in myself. I'll remember running like a fool holding your hands in the mall.
I look back at Tim and Corey who set me on a fiscal mind-set that allowed me to start real-estate investments and financially planning early. Because of them I started a 401k early and started an investment mind-set.
Aside from pure beginner's luck it was their fiscal fervor that set me to take the savings my wife and I set aside for a home and get a return on stocks last year (in a year when everyone was running from investments). It was also that open ear that gave me the decision to not buy a home before the economy's collapse. Because of my friends and God hitting my head hard my wife and I are debt-free, 401ks started for the both of us ten years ago and a nice down-payment on a new home when we're ready to buy. If it wasn't for God's blessing I'd be where I was in college: an idiot who ran up credit card debt.
My father-in-law, here's a man who is a gift. Former CFO, I pick his brain when I have to make fiscal decisions or when I need someone to bounce an idea off. His advice is always advice, he shares his perspective, but never told me what to do. God knows there's plenty of people who should tap this man's wealth of knowledge of finances because the man does it for a living. I'd be a fool to not ask him some things.
My sisters. Only because of the passing of my father I've learned so much from my sisters. From Cindy's positive attitude despite life's trials to the servant-heart of Doris - my sisters inspires me weekly. These sisters are amazing....
My wife. She's the counter-balance in my life on so many levels. I'd be a fool to not bounce the decisions of life because God placed her in my life.
The numerous examples she is to give me wise counsel has been a tremendous blessing. One example is my wife taught me the principle of 'outrageous giving' is a sure-fire remedy for money problems. I found with many people in financial problems you can never have enough - when you start giving away it forces you to manage your money and maximize your resources. I've learned the art of 'deals' - this weekend my brother-in-law ribbed me for winning stuff more than anyone: a free laptop, a free digital camera, a free vacation…I'll take ribbing for freebies any day.
I'm a knuckle head. I didn't learn when i was young, it was only when God really stepped into my life and opened my eyes to the wisdom of Proverbs: 'let the wise listen and add to their learning' that incredible change took place.
There's a treasure trove of people and resources around us and God placed them there for a reason.
I've found one thing true: there's not a single person I've not been able to glean some wisdom, some lesson or some inspiration from.