THE ELEVEN STARS (4).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*THE ELEVEN STARS (4).*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Gen 37:5, 9a  *And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.*

*And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more;......"*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Most, or if not all, dreams are killed before they are birthed because of uncontrolled tongues.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

It is not so good to evaluate one's good heart as the same as others.

Most times, if not all the time, you are good in yourself but not everyone has the same good heart as you do.

James teaches us that the human spirit has a tendency or is inclined toward envy.

James 4:5 asks, *Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?*

A sinful passion, we must always resist and overcome.

James 4:6 tells us of God's grace to overcome this and any other sinful desires if we release ourselves to God in humility.

James 4:6 says *But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.*

James further tells us that it is a work of Satan in humans so we must submit ourselves to God so that this devilish inclination may flee from us.

James 4:7 says *Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.*

The story teaches wisdom.

It is a lesson in the wisdom of controlling your tongue, highlighting that saying nothing can be wiser than speaking foolishly. 

James teaches us to ask God for wisdom if we lack it, Jam 1:5.

Eccl 7:12 says *For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.*

Perhaps Jacob needed wisdom teaching not to compare children or use any situation may it be situation surrounding the birth of a child or his intelect or achievement to favour a child more than others (ref Gen 37:3)

Perhaps Joseph needed wisdom of how to guard his utterances. He, without doubt, lacked it as a youth so also the brothers lacked wisdom to know how or in what way God could bring His word concerning them to be stars in future.

We all, just like Joseph, often provoke people to envy, because how would a boy who may be old enough to already know how much hatred his brothers had for him yet was unable to discipline his tongue.

If Joseph was unable to know their hatred for him, he ought, atleast, to have known that his brothers *".....could not speak peaceably unto him."* Gen 37:4. This suggests that he and his brothers may not have been in talking terms or that they were resentful to him.

Was revealing the dreams to them a way to flaunt himself?

The story teaches us that it is not all the eyes see that the mouth should speak.

It teaches us that silence can be golden.

*Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.* (Prov 17:28).

Silence demonstrates self-control and when you restrain your words, though you are not intelligent, you are wise.

Those who speak a lot are only saying what they know but people who care to listen more learn new things they do not know.

The story teaches us that stars shine. Shining is their voice and they do not struggle to shine. They do not block each other. The behaviour of the brothers did not reflect what God wanted to be but glory be to God's intervention.

The story teaches us of the danger of favoritism.

James teaches and warns us against favoritism, James 2:1-9 and Paul warns us that it is not wise to compare ourselves with others (which includes not comparing the love of a child against others) 2 Cor 10:12.

There is a good time for everything ( ref Eccl 3:1)

Live to know that there is a time to speak and a time to remain silent!

*Remorse corner.*

It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

*Call to Word action.*

Be reluctant to speak but be motivated more to hear.

James 1:19 *Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

It is wisdom to be silent. Ask God for utterance. You do not have to speak all the time. Silence offers a chance to listen and understand, rather than always needing to voice opinions.

*Prayer.*

Lord, *Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.* (Psalm 141:3), in Jesus name.

Good morning all and have a blessed day.

God bless you.

Shalom.