Tag Archives: the only true wisdom

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ok, let’s take Wisdom from the top, on four. And uh one and uh two. What’s the matter? Never hoid o’ da song? Where ya been, Ben. It’s the cat’s pajamas. And the bees knees.

So, here we go. Wisdom, from the top. On four. And uh one, and

Uh, it looks like some of you didn’t come to play today. Matter of fact, it looks like most of you aren’t interested in the Wisdom song at all. Wow, that’s too bad. Because it’s more beautiful and valuable than silver, gold, and rubies. Nothing you could ever imagine could or can compare to Wisdom.

But apparently you’d rather:

  • Watch your favorite TV show.
  • Play video games.
  • Go to the movies.
  • Cheer for the anti-wisdom sports teams.

If so, that’s too bad. Because, whether you like it or not, one day you’ll discover how every one of those activities meant next to nothing. They’re not inherently evil. But they DO require time and attention. And, if you’re not careful, they can distract you from your mission.

And your mission is to get Wisdom from the top and use it in this world.

Yeah, by now you know I’m not talking about a song (I’m sure you knew that all along). But, back to your mission.

First, I gotta say that wisdom isn’t the same thing as being intelligent or smart.

But only a relative few seek wisdom. Those few are the ones with humility. The ones who admit they’re not THE God or even A god. Wise people realize that only God can create everything in the universe. Wise people know they owe their own lives to Jesus, who is the Tree of Life.

And in Proverbs you’ll find that getting wisdom is like taking hold of the tree of life. The writer also said that long life “is in her right hand” and “in her left hand riches and honor.”

And here’s the thing. When God gives you long life, it can last forever. All you have to do, to get it, is ask.

Would you like to live forever
Under bright and blue skies?
Then go get some understanding
In God’s word and be wise.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I know a man who is the personification of wisdom. And this man has the deepest respect from all his friends. He’s living proof that humility is wise. And I defy you to find anyone who has done more for his (or her) friends…or even enemies.

But what’s that got to do with the whole humility is wise thing. Right?

Unless you understand the value of humility, you can’t understand why it’s the wisest trait to have. And until you’re humble, you’re on a rocky road. With no shock absorbers.

I remember that old Mac Davis song, “Hard To Be Humble” from back in 1980. The lyrics said,

“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble,
When you’re perfect in every way.
I can’t wait to look in the mirror,
‘Cause I get better lookin’ each day.”

And it’s a funny song. But it’s funny, because you know…or at least you should know…those lyrics don’t apply to anybody. They blend pride and false humility together like fruit in a Vitamix.

But, you might have noticed, if you’ve been paying attention, how pride is a big deal these days. And more often than not, it’s pride for something completely against God, His commandments, and His promises. But in a world that increasingly hates God, it’s no surprise. After all, when you can thumb your nose at God as you publicly display your hatred for Him, you can feel empowered.

But pride and power are like oil and water.

If anyone ever had the right to be prideful, it’s that man I mentioned earlier. But that wasn’t his M.O. And he never used his position or power against his fellow man. So, it’s amazingly sad and despicable how much he was hated. And hated so much that he was condemned for crimes he didn’t commit. And he was sentenced to death. Even after being found innocent.

I’m sure that last short paragraph gave it away who I’m talking about. But it’s Him you and I should compare ourselves to. Because when we do, pride should be the last thing in our heads. Better yet, it should be non-existent. And it should be replaced with humility.

When you can humble yourself and admit that you’re not all that, then you’ve made a wise choice.

A choice that says you wanna live forever in paradise with the One who made you and loves you.

And your wise humility will gain access to the heart of your Creator who offers you eternal life.

That’s why, and how, humility is the wisest trait you can have.

A word to the confounded”
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” If you’re a principled person, or if you’re someone who knows the difference between good and evil, you’ve probably heard that quote by Edmund Burke. Or did Eddie actually come up with that one? Hmm, there appears to be some good evidence he didn’t. And, it’s a great way to say you gotta stand for something good and right. But…

According to an article I read on some famous good and evil quotes that saying might have actually been by John Stuart Mill. He was an English philosopher. And some time during the 1860’s he wrote “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”

Leave it to the English to put in more words than necessary. Yeah, I like the first version (that Edmund Burke wrote or didn’t write) better. Because it rolls off the tongue more easily. And it gets the point across in fewer words.

If good men don’t stand for something right, they can lose everything.

And this is 2000% more true for good women.

Not really. I just made up that number. Because there are women who read and listen to what I write and read. And I know it’s important to be inclusive. So, I figured 2000% is a who lot of inclusive’. Right?

Anyway…

Evil is expanding at an exponential rate right now. And I think it’s happening here in the “land of the free” and the “home of the brave” more than just about anywhere. And that’s just because I believe we had the most to lose and the furthest to fall. Or is that farthest?

Point is…it’s a long way down.

But a better place for good men (and women) to “compass their ends” doesn’t reside in government. No, bureaucracy is like your small intestines when not enough hydrochloric acid is present in your body. It’s a breeding ground for parasites.

So, it’s important to stand for what’s actually right. Not merely what you “feel” is right. Stand for something like Truth, for instance. And dare I say it (rhetorical question)…absolute Truth?

Yeah. Stand for that. Like in these lyrics by my favorite songwriter…

Take A Stand

If you take a stand and you stand for the Way,
You might never be rich.
But no gold here beats the treasure in Heaven,
And you’ll know which is which.

Angels are gonna rejoice,
And we’re gonna get to see how
The Lord will judge the ones who wait.
So better take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for the Truth,
You could lose a good friend.
But if you lose the whole wide world
And keep your soul, you win in the end.

All eyes are gonna look up.
All knees are gonna bow,
And when that time comes it’s too late.
You gotta take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for Life,
People might laugh and make fun.
And Jesus didn’t say it was gonna be easy,
But you’ll be with Him when this life is done.

No more livin’ like this;
By the sweat of your brow,
And if you want God’s paradise,
You better take a stand right now.

© 2008 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Thank goodness wisdom comes with age

Because I’ve got some of that, for sure. “Which one is he talking about, Marge?” Well both, of course. Since wisdom comes with age…and I’m not getting any younger…well, you get it. Right?

Wisdom comes with age said the somber sage.

“If wisdom comes with age, why aren’t there more wise old people, Tony?”

A-ha! You see the problem. Yeah, there are a lot of old people who don’t act or even seem all that wise. So, that might just be an old saying that doesn’t hold up so well. And it might mean that “wise”, for some…

I’ve written almost 120 articles on the topic of wisdom. So, some might think I know a thing or two (or 120) about it. And I do. But not because I’m so amazingly wise. Because I have something else going for me.

Humility.

I’ve been able to deflate my own ego enough to recognize I’m wretched, poor, naked, and blind without the love and grace of God. Sure, I’m an amazing specimen. But only because God gave me everything I have that’s worth having.

And yes, I can say I’m an amazing specimen (Does the mean Italian astronaut?) and still be humble. Because I’m acknowledging the wonderful handiwork of the One who created me. That same handiwork shines in you, too, by the way. Yeah, you’re also an Italian astronaut…er…amazing specimen.

But here’s a key point.

As you and I grow older…and in spite of some wild claims on the internet, there’s no reversing of the age process…wisdom can be a beneficial byproduct of life. But it’s not guaranteed. You don’t just get wisdom by getting older. It’s gotta be gotten. Get it? Good. Then, get it.

Open up your eyes and be wise.
Everybody dies, so be wise.
To anyone who tries, there’s not a better prize.
So, open up your eyes and be wise.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Today is the end of April 2020

Yeah, now that the end of April is here, a third of this year is in the can. And a bunch of this year has ended up in the trash can. At least for a lot of people. Because human beings still don’t know how to be unselfish. As a general rule.

End of April today and what's in store for May

The way it’s gone through the end of April, what do you think May will be like?

My guess is, there will still be the positive people. And the negative people. Sort of like any other time in history. Right? But in these current circumstances, selfishness seems to have no limits. Fake news is everywhere. Even some of it that sounds great. But most of it sounds ridiculous, insidious, and nefarious.

So, who you gonna believe? And is there anyone you can believe?

Well, yeah. But you gotta be more diligent to listen. And watch. And discern. Because, odd as it might seem, there are sharks out there. Ready to swarm in and tear you to shreds. Financially, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. And whether they can count you as one of their victims or not depends on your ability to see them.

When May gets here tomorrow, be ready for the virus that was here long before this latest one. The virus of selfishness. Immunize yourself against it. And the only way to do that is to wrap your mind around as much wisdom as you can.

Positive thinking won’t do it. The so-called “law of attraction” won’t do it…and never could. And even those random acts of kindness won’t keep you ready.

Only wisdom can do it.

Good news is…you don’t have to climb to some guru aerie on top of the world. In fact, you don’t have to climb at all. But you DO have to look up. Because that’s where your hope is. Your only hope. And the only hope that takes you through forever.

But maybe you’re already too cool for school. Maybe you don’t need to look any further than your own amazing self for inspiration and motivation. But I wouldn’t bet my soul on it if I were you.

Where do you place your bet?
On a self we’ll all soon forget?
Or a hope who covers your debt?
Have you even decided yet?

Stay tuned,

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Foolish Things Of The World

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I am not glorious. In fact, you might even say I’m one of the “foolish things of the world“.

I don't mind being one of the foolish things of the world, if it means more glory to God.Here’s how it lays out. I’m not wise, mighty, or noble…not as the world sees wise, mighty, and noble anyway. In fact, the more I stand up and speak the truth of the Bible, the more foolish I seem to most people in the world. I’m OK with that.

God has chosen the foolish things of this world to put to shame the “wise”. You see, it’s like this…if you think yourself wise, yet say there is no God, your wisdom is actually foolish. It’s self-defeating. In order for anyone to say “there is no God” that person would have to know everything there is to know about everything there is in the universe. And in order to know that much, a person would have to BE God.

Self-defeating arguments abound in a world that does its best to wash away God with so-called intellect and science. The ironic thing is…there wouldn’t be any intellect or science without an uncaused First Cause.

Chew on that for a minute. I’ll come back to it.

The only true wisdom we humans can attain must have its origin in the One who designed us…the One who “knit me together in my mother’s womb”. To take the Creator of the universe out of the picture is folly at best…and damning to others at worst.

Look…I believe everyone believes in a god…whether they determine that god to be their own abilities, or a “force” that covers all there is…or merely some “higher power. My suggestion is to take a closer look at THE God of the Bible. When you see the overwhelming evidence of His existence in all of creation…in manuscripts…in archeology…in prophecies…and in science and statistical probabilities…I believe you’ll want to “glory in the Lord”.

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

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