Johnson S. Ipinyemi
Audio
WISDOM FOR LIVING PT. 138: Better By Far
TEXT: Proverbs 16:16 (TPT)
“Everyone wants gold, but wisdom’s worth is far greater. Silver is sought after, but a heart of understanding yields a greater return.”
Human beings naturally pursue things they consider valuable. Gold, silver, wealth, influence, and possessions are often treated as the highest goals in life. Yet Scripture gives us a divine perspective: wisdom is better by far.
Gold may buy comfort, but wisdom preserves life. Money may create opportunities, but understanding helps you sustain and maximize them. Many people have acquired wealth only to destroy themselves through foolishness. (See the example of the rich fool and the rich young man who came to Jesus). This is why Scripture repeatedly exalts wisdom above material riches.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” (Prov. 4:7)
In the New Testament, wisdom is not merely intelligence or experience—it is ultimately revealed in Christ Himself.
“Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:24)
This changes everything. The believer is not trying to search aimlessly for wisdom somewhere far away. In Christ, we have been brought into union with the very wisdom of God.
“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom…” (1 Cor. 1:30)
This means that wisdom for life, decisions, relationships, ministry, finances, and purpose is now accessible through fellowship with Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The verse also says:
“…a heart of understanding yields a greater return.”
Understanding is the ability to see life from God’s perspective.
Many know facts but lack discernment. They know Scriptures but do not know how to apply them. But understanding produces stability, maturity, and fruitfulness.
“In all thy getting, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7)
The Holy Spirit was sent not only to inform us, but to guide us into truth.
“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)
The world measures wealth materially, but heaven measures wealth spiritually.
A man with money but without wisdom can lose everything overnight. But a man with wisdom can rebuild, recover, and rise again.
Solomon asked God not for riches, but for wisdom—and riches followed.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matt. 6:33)
When wisdom leads, other things find their proper place.
Money can improve your lifestyle, but wisdom improves your life.
When Christ becomes your wisdom, you gain what money cannot buy.
Confession
Christ is my wisdom; therefore I walk in divine understanding.
I make decisions guided by the Spirit and the Word of God.
Wisdom preserves, promotes, and prospers me.
I value spiritual understanding above material gain.
My life reflects sound judgment, discernment, and stability.
I walk in the wisdom that comes from above.
In Jesus’ Name — Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 9–10, John 21
Evening: Psalm 120–122, 1 Corinthians 4
TEXT: Proverbs 16:16 (TPT)
“Everyone wants gold, but wisdom’s worth is far greater. Silver is sought after, but a heart of understanding yields a greater return.”
Human beings naturally pursue things they consider valuable. Gold, silver, wealth, influence, and possessions are often treated as the highest goals in life. Yet Scripture gives us a divine perspective: wisdom is better by far.
Gold may buy comfort, but wisdom preserves life. Money may create opportunities, but understanding helps you sustain and maximize them. Many people have acquired wealth only to destroy themselves through foolishness. (See the example of the rich fool and the rich young man who came to Jesus). This is why Scripture repeatedly exalts wisdom above material riches.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” (Prov. 4:7)
In the New Testament, wisdom is not merely intelligence or experience—it is ultimately revealed in Christ Himself.
“Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:24)
This changes everything. The believer is not trying to search aimlessly for wisdom somewhere far away. In Christ, we have been brought into union with the very wisdom of God.
“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom…” (1 Cor. 1:30)
This means that wisdom for life, decisions, relationships, ministry, finances, and purpose is now accessible through fellowship with Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The verse also says:
“…a heart of understanding yields a greater return.”
Understanding is the ability to see life from God’s perspective.
Many know facts but lack discernment. They know Scriptures but do not know how to apply them. But understanding produces stability, maturity, and fruitfulness.
“In all thy getting, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7)
The Holy Spirit was sent not only to inform us, but to guide us into truth.
“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)
The world measures wealth materially, but heaven measures wealth spiritually.
A man with money but without wisdom can lose everything overnight. But a man with wisdom can rebuild, recover, and rise again.
Solomon asked God not for riches, but for wisdom—and riches followed.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matt. 6:33)
When wisdom leads, other things find their proper place.
Money can improve your lifestyle, but wisdom improves your life.
When Christ becomes your wisdom, you gain what money cannot buy.
Confession
Christ is my wisdom; therefore I walk in divine understanding.
I make decisions guided by the Spirit and the Word of God.
Wisdom preserves, promotes, and prospers me.
I value spiritual understanding above material gain.
My life reflects sound judgment, discernment, and stability.
I walk in the wisdom that comes from above.
In Jesus’ Name — Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 9–10, John 21
Evening: Psalm 120–122, 1 Corinthians 4
❤1
Audio
Wisdom for Living Pt. 139: Be Gracious
Text: Proverbs 16:24 NIV
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
The Bible compares gracious words with honeycomb. In ancient times, honey was valued for its healing properties, used to soothe wounds and restore strength. That’s the picture here: our speech has the ability to bring genuine sweetness and deep healing to the people around us.
What “Gracious Words” Look Like
* Kind and considerate – * They lift rather than tear down.
* Truthful yet gentle – Grace doesn’t mean avoiding truth; it means delivering it with care and timing. Gracious words are truths spoken in love.
* Forgiving and patient – giving people space, never rushing to judge.
* Encouraging – They strengthen the weary and refresh the discouraged.
Text: Proverbs 16:24 NIV
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
The Bible compares gracious words with honeycomb. In ancient times, honey was valued for its healing properties, used to soothe wounds and restore strength. That’s the picture here: our speech has the ability to bring genuine sweetness and deep healing to the people around us.
What “Gracious Words” Look Like
* Kind and considerate – * They lift rather than tear down.
* Truthful yet gentle – Grace doesn’t mean avoiding truth; it means delivering it with care and timing. Gracious words are truths spoken in love.
* Forgiving and patient – giving people space, never rushing to judge.
* Encouraging – They strengthen the weary and refresh the discouraged.
❤1👍1
Johnson S. Ipinyemi
Wisdom for Living Pt. 139: Be Gracious Text: Proverbs 16:24 NIV “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” The Bible compares gracious words with honeycomb. In ancient times, honey was valued for its healing properties…
Why This Matters So Much
* Our words affect people at the deepest level—“sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
If the soul is sick, the body will be weak. Harsh, critical, or careless words can crush the spirit and weaken resolve. Gracious words do the opposite: they restore dignity, renew hope, and build resilience.
Practical Ways to Grow in Gracious Speech
* Pause before responding – Especially when you’re tired, frustrated, or provoked. A short pause creates room for grace.
* Speak life – Look for opportunities to affirm, thank, and encourage others specifically.
* Season your words – As Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt...”
* Apologize quickly when your words miss the mark. A sincere “I’m sorry, that came out wrong” can turn things around.
* Remember the audience – Your spouse, children, colleagues, and even strangers on the internet all carry invisible burdens. Your words can either add to the load or lighten it.
Confession:
I am intentional about the words that escapes my lips.
Today, I minister grace to others through my speech. My words today produce the honeycomb effect —sweet to the soul and healing to the bones of everyone I meet.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 11–12, Acts 1
Evening: Psalm 123–125, 1 Corinthians 5
* Our words affect people at the deepest level—“sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
If the soul is sick, the body will be weak. Harsh, critical, or careless words can crush the spirit and weaken resolve. Gracious words do the opposite: they restore dignity, renew hope, and build resilience.
Practical Ways to Grow in Gracious Speech
* Pause before responding – Especially when you’re tired, frustrated, or provoked. A short pause creates room for grace.
* Speak life – Look for opportunities to affirm, thank, and encourage others specifically.
* Season your words – As Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt...”
* Apologize quickly when your words miss the mark. A sincere “I’m sorry, that came out wrong” can turn things around.
* Remember the audience – Your spouse, children, colleagues, and even strangers on the internet all carry invisible burdens. Your words can either add to the load or lighten it.
Confession:
I am intentional about the words that escapes my lips.
Today, I minister grace to others through my speech. My words today produce the honeycomb effect —sweet to the soul and healing to the bones of everyone I meet.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 11–12, Acts 1
Evening: Psalm 123–125, 1 Corinthians 5
❤1👍1
Audio
Wisdom for Living Pt. 140: Be Gracious 2
Text: Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Gracious words flow from a gracious heart. When we’re secure in God’s grace toward us, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others.
Jesus said:
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matt. 12:34)
Gracious words flow from a heart transformed by God’s love. The mouth reveals the heart.
When the heart is filled with bitterness, harshness flows out. When the heart is filled with grace, love and healing flows out.
If we do not fill our hearts with God's gracious words, what will we use to edify others? 🤷♂️ Garbage in is garbage out like they say. Whatever you are full of will pour out.
Text: Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Gracious words flow from a gracious heart. When we’re secure in God’s grace toward us, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others.
Jesus said:
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matt. 12:34)
Gracious words flow from a heart transformed by God’s love. The mouth reveals the heart.
When the heart is filled with bitterness, harshness flows out. When the heart is filled with grace, love and healing flows out.
If we do not fill our hearts with God's gracious words, what will we use to edify others? 🤷♂️ Garbage in is garbage out like they say. Whatever you are full of will pour out.
❤1
Johnson S. Ipinyemi
Wisdom for Living Pt. 140: Be Gracious 2 Text: Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Gracious words flow from a gracious heart. When we’re secure in God’s grace toward us, it becomes easier to…
Isa 50:4 KJV
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, He works not only on ours vocabulary but on our inner life.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Eph. 4:29)
Our words can minister grace. Your speech can become a channel through which God strengthens, comforts, and heals others.
Speak Like Your Father
Our heavenly Father is gracious.
“The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious…” (Ex. 34:6)
In Eph. 1:3, the Bible says: "God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings..." The word "blessed" as used here, literally mean "to speak well of someone". You see, in Christ Jesus, God has spoken well (not ill) of us!
And in Christ, we are called to imitate Him.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” (Eph. 5:1)
You can be graciously, kind and patient in speech.
You can choose words that heal rather than harm.
You can learn on the job...
Sometimes, the greatest act of spiritual maturity is not what you say—but how you say it.
✨ Key Insight
Gracious words are more than polite—they are powerful.
When your heart is filled with grace, your mouth becomes a source of healing.
Confession
My words are seasoned with grace and filled with life.
I speak healing, encouragement, and peace to those around me.
My heart is full of God’s love, and my mouth reflects His kindness.
My words build up, strengthen, and refresh weary souls.
I speak like my Father—graciously and wisely.
In Jesus’ Name — Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 13–14, Acts 2
Evening: Psalm 126–128, 1 Corinthians 6
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, He works not only on ours vocabulary but on our inner life.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Eph. 4:29)
Our words can minister grace. Your speech can become a channel through which God strengthens, comforts, and heals others.
Speak Like Your Father
Our heavenly Father is gracious.
“The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious…” (Ex. 34:6)
In Eph. 1:3, the Bible says: "God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings..." The word "blessed" as used here, literally mean "to speak well of someone". You see, in Christ Jesus, God has spoken well (not ill) of us!
And in Christ, we are called to imitate Him.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” (Eph. 5:1)
You can be graciously, kind and patient in speech.
You can choose words that heal rather than harm.
You can learn on the job...
Sometimes, the greatest act of spiritual maturity is not what you say—but how you say it.
✨ Key Insight
Gracious words are more than polite—they are powerful.
When your heart is filled with grace, your mouth becomes a source of healing.
Confession
My words are seasoned with grace and filled with life.
I speak healing, encouragement, and peace to those around me.
My heart is full of God’s love, and my mouth reflects His kindness.
My words build up, strengthen, and refresh weary souls.
I speak like my Father—graciously and wisely.
In Jesus’ Name — Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 13–14, Acts 2
Evening: Psalm 126–128, 1 Corinthians 6
❤1
Wisdom for Living Pt. 141.
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TO PARTNER:
ACCOUNT NAME: Elim Gospel Network International
ACCOUNT NO.: 1013493748
BANK: Keystone Bank
Phil. 4:19 is working in YOU!
We win!
Audio
Wisdom for Living Pt. 141: The Crown of Gray Hair
Text: Proverbs 16:31 NIV
[31] Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
TPT
Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.
The honour that come with grey hair or old age is found in the way of righteousness.
Other renderings:
'...if it be found in the way of righteousness;'
'...if it be accompanied with true piety, otherwise an old sinner is accursed,'
In a world obsessed with youth, anti-aging creams, and fleeting success, Scripture flips the script. What many dread as decline, God presents as a crown of splendor. This honor is not automatic with age; it is earned through consistent, daily choices to fear the Lord and walk in His ways.
True dignity in later seasons flows from a lifetime of aligning one's heart with God's truth rather than chasing temporary treasures.
Gold will lose its shine. Wisdom yields what money can never buy.
Text: Proverbs 16:31 NIV
[31] Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
TPT
Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.
The honour that come with grey hair or old age is found in the way of righteousness.
Other renderings:
'...if it be found in the way of righteousness;'
'...if it be accompanied with true piety, otherwise an old sinner is accursed,'
In a world obsessed with youth, anti-aging creams, and fleeting success, Scripture flips the script. What many dread as decline, God presents as a crown of splendor. This honor is not automatic with age; it is earned through consistent, daily choices to fear the Lord and walk in His ways.
True dignity in later seasons flows from a lifetime of aligning one's heart with God's truth rather than chasing temporary treasures.
Gold will lose its shine. Wisdom yields what money can never buy.
Johnson S. Ipinyemi
Wisdom for Living Pt. 141: The Crown of Gray Hair Text: Proverbs 16:31 NIV [31] Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. TPT Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness…
While wealth can open doors and provide comfort, it cannot purchase honor that rests on a godly legacy. The righteous elderly carry stories of God's faithfulness, lessons forged in trials, and quiet authority that younger generations desperately need. Their presence becomes a living testimony that endurance in righteousness produces something far more valuable than financial portfolios or social status. Investing in wisdom today ensures that tomorrow's gray hairs will rest as a crown, not a burden.
A young man that lives recklessly today, even when he is aged, will have no honour or relevance.
Whatever we sow in the morning times of our lives, we will reap when the evening falls.
The greatest legacy a man can ever live for his children is a Christian example. A life lived in righteousness and the fear of the Lord.
As you add another year to your years, as the white hair starts to appear on your head, let it be that you are aging gracefully.
Confession
I walk daily in the path of righteousness prepared for me.
My years are fruitful, purposeful, and filled with God’s grace.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 15–16, Acts 3
Evening: Psalm 129–131, 1 Corinthians 7
A young man that lives recklessly today, even when he is aged, will have no honour or relevance.
Whatever we sow in the morning times of our lives, we will reap when the evening falls.
The greatest legacy a man can ever live for his children is a Christian example. A life lived in righteousness and the fear of the Lord.
As you add another year to your years, as the white hair starts to appear on your head, let it be that you are aging gracefully.
Confession
I walk daily in the path of righteousness prepared for me.
My years are fruitful, purposeful, and filled with God’s grace.
1-Year Bible Reading
Morning: 2 Kings 15–16, Acts 3
Evening: Psalm 129–131, 1 Corinthians 7