Arenas: Choose Wisdom over Money

Wizards superstar Gilbert Arenas appeared to have it all, 28 years old in the second season of a six-year, $111 million dollar contract. However, when you lack wisdom you really have nothing at all. Arenas pleaded guilty Friday to carrying a pistol without a license in D.C. which is a felony. You have to wonder how Arenas thought it was okay to carry guns, even if they were not loaded, to the Verizon Center which is in essence his workplace.

Just because you have money does not mean you have wisdom. The irony is the Bible states wisdom is to be desired over jewels, money and everything else. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Then you will walk safely in your way and your foot will not stumble (Proverbs 3:13-15,23).

Arenas who is known for his great moves on the court stumbled big time on this one. Sentencing is scheduled for March 26th. Prosecutors agreed not to ask for more than 6 months, but the judge has the final say and could impose the maximum sentence of five years although that is unlikely. The three-time All-Star has also been suspended indefinitely by the league without pay. He is almost certain to miss the rest of the season and stands to lose about 7 million dollars.

Arenas had all the money but failed to obtain wisdom which is free. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). The Bible contains the wisdom of God. Those who read it and apply it will not stumble.

See also Proverbs 2:10-11, James 1:5

Just Thankful To Be Alive

Since death is so prevalent in our society many times we are unaffected by it, unless we know the person who died or someone close to us loses a cherished family member or friend. Two young people died recently that made me stop and think about life. One was a high school football player from the Mobile area. 16 year old Josh Creagh died in a car accident. The other was 21 year old Angela Williams from Chicago. She was the daughter of a family friend who died from cancer.

My heart goes out to their families and I have no idea why they died so young. However, it does make me realize even at 29, how brief life is.

James 4:14 says, Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Psalm 144:4 says, Man is like a breath, his days are like a fleeting shadow. Wow!!! Here today and gone tomorrow.

Since life is so short it is important to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour to reserve your place in heaven for eternity. There is no time to hold on to grudges, and let disagreements linger we need to make the most of our days.

We should be living lives that impact others not wasting time doing all types of foolishness and childish things. With so many people dying it is important to be thankful to be alive. The best way to show that you are thankful is to live a fruitful life, one characterized by good works.