“There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.”
Let’s talk about asset management. Jewels, and precious metals can be acquired today with the click of a keyboard. And it is easy to find people who will encourage you to pursue them at all costs. We seem convinced that if we have enough trinkets to make others believe we are happy… we will be.
So, we spend an inordinate amount of time searching for shiny things that will catch the eye of the world and help us sell the charade. That leaves little time for us to search out assets of real value such as “lips of knowledge”.
What are “lips of knowledge”? In the book of Ephesians, we are told to speak the truth in love. If someone actually does that, they are a person with “lips of knowledge” which, this verse says, is a rare treasure. People who speak God’s truth, and do so with God’s love, are “vessels of valuableness”. Do you have people like that in your life? … Do you want people like that in your life?
Do you pursue wise individuals to provide you with honest and perceptive evaluations, or are you content with cheerleaders? Do you want truth, or do you prefer flattery? Rubies and gold puff up your self-image, but those who speak knowledge and truth deepen your walk with God. Will you surround yourself with folks who are running on the same treadmill as you, or will you seek out those with lips of knowledge?
Check your inner circle. Make sure you haven’t collected a group of “yes men” who will “rubber stamp” your shallow pursuits… instead search out valuable treasures in the form of teammates who will challenge you and tell you the truth.
Everybody needs a good “press box coach” who can see the game from a different angle and will provide wise input. But wise inputs aren’t always comfortable, and you won’t find friends like that by accident. Be intentional. Search for and listen to knowledgeable lips. They will assist you in your pursuit of excellence. Then make sure your words provide the same assistance to others.
“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” – Dan Rather
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