The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (Proverbs 27:12 NIV)
Think of it less as an exhortation to wisely take refuge from danger but rather a barometer by which you can judge your grasp of wisdom.
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Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by. (Proverbs 26:10 NIV)
McDonalds has perfected the art of consistency. Everywhere you go a Big Mac is the same. Not true for the medical profession or healthcare as a whole. The people who live out their jobs by taking care of us in our time of need vary widely from fully competent to driven by their own desires.
Don’t pick your physician or healthcare provider simply because they’re convenient or they are in-network. Don’t choose one based on having a nice looking storefront or brand new office on a busy corner. Take some time and find someone who works for you and someone you trust to have your best interests at heart. Find someone who isn’t punching a time clock but offering real compassion for your troubles. It may be a little out of the way or a little less fancy but the arrow will hit its mark all the more.
Now this may seem somewhat self contradictory as a physician to highlight this proverb but this challenge is for myself also. Trinity’s physicians make it our mission and purpose to fulfill all the qualifications I just laid out. We intend to earn the trust you give us and to provide honest compassion in your time of need.
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Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. (Proverbs 25:28 NIV96)
A city that never comes under attack from outside forces has no need of walls. We only build walls to defend ourselves from the enemy. When we lack self-control we allow the enemy, in whatever form it may be, access to our hearts and lives.
Self-control could be defined as having the ability to do something but choosing not to do it for the sake of a higher purpose.
Consider today what part of your life you need to defend from the enemy. Secure your walls with self-control. Discipline yourself in that area through small steps and stages. Like a wall being built lay a solid foundation to build layers of protection upon. Engage a friend for help and encouragement. Walls protect a city and no city has but one inhabitant.
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Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips. (Proverbs 24:26 ESV)
Solutions to our problems take many forms. Sometimes we want a fix and sometimes we want an answer. Often the fix is too risky or too uncertain but we want our problem better so bad we lose sight of that. Seek a physician or provider that speaks honestly with you. Seek out someone who gives you the advice you need not the advice you want. The results will always be better even if the problem isn’t resolved.
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