Christian Living

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SAGE SAYINGS


Raised in a village culture, sage sayings have been an important part of my life from early on. My father, who owned a general store, would say: “You can’t spend what you don’t have.” With our burgeoning national debt, I wish we could convince those implicated of his caution.
While mother was of the persuasion, “If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.” One would gather as much watching her conscientious approach to the tasks at hand. In this regard, she taught both by word and deed.
It was nearly two decades ago that I published a mass-market paperback likewise entitled Sage Sayings. In this regard, “I appreciatively dedicate this work to Clarence and Blanche Inch—my parents. They were devoted to their four children, drawing liberally from conventional wisdom to guide us.” The family residence still stands, although badly in need of repair. While my parents and siblings have passed on, leaving cherished memories.
The entries are listed under categories. For instance, as concerns death: “Explanation. The Biblical ideal is to live a long and full life and leave behind a godly heritage. Physical death is described as ‘the last enemy’ to be vanquished by Christ (1 Cor. 16:20). Spiritual death refers to separation from God.”
“14. ‘There is a remedy for everything but death’ (Spanish). I have also heard it said: ‘God cures every illness but the last.’ Two things are certain, according to American folklore: death and taxes.”
“17. ‘Speak well of the dead.’ What is the point of raising real or imagined grievances? In addition, everyone should be given the opportunity for rebuttal.”
“20. ‘All is well that ends well.’ All of life can serve a godly purpose. As inhibiting as circumstances may seem, even the most difficult situations can contribute to spiritual maturity.”
Then with regard to freedom. “Explanation. Biblical man is not simply acted upon—the product of external forces—but acts, thereby creating history and culture. He may foolishly attempt to fashion life on his own or wisely with Divine assistance.”
“21. ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth’ (Eccles. 12:1). Before troubles multiply and pleasures decrease, set your course early and maintain it ‘come hell or high water.’”
“23. ‘This is the first day of the rest of your life.’ We are less the victims of fate than faulty choices. We can chart a promising new course from this day forward.”
“32. ‘A drowning person grasps for a straw.’ Which reminds me of Pascal’s famous wager: if man believes in God, he has everything to gain and even if wrong, he has lived the best life; but if he disbelieves and God exists, he loses everything. Faith in God resembles a straw, not in lacking credibility but for lack of an inviting alternative.”
Finally, as associated with wisdom per se. “Explanation. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline’ (Prov. 1:7). The character of wisdom can be seen in its application to craftsmen: it pertains to skill in some regard or with life in its entirety.”
“373. ‘Years know better than books’ (Romanian). Experience is the best teacher. We are encouraged to participate in life rather than sit back as an observer.”
“377. ‘The only bad question is the one not asked.’ So I have often encouraged my students. We ought not to fear asking questions, for they are bridges to understanding.”
“380. ‘The more we know, the less we know.’ We get some insight into the vast expanse of knowledge beyond our grasp. The scholar ought to be the humblest of persons.”
“382. ‘First learn, and then teach’ (Talmudic). Learn before attempting to teach. Moreover, aspire to share with others that which you have learned. The rabbis held that learning was not something to be hoarded.”
“383. ‘Not all questions require an answer.’ Often our problem is with a poorly constructed question rather than an apt answer. It may be better to rephrase the inquiry before attempting a reply.”
“388. ‘Those who do not learn from history must relive it.’ Paul speaks of the Hebrew experience: ‘These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warning for us on whom the fulfillment of the ages had come’ (1 Cor. 10:11).”
“391. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ The pen can persuade; the sword merely coerce. We used to repeat: ‘A person convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.’”
“398. ‘For attaining words of insight; for requiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair’ (Prov. 1:2-3).The emphasis then and now is on practical matters: wisdom, prudence, discipline and justice.”

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