Introduction: A Journey Through Wisdom
Good morning, it is an honor to be with you. Today, we’ll examine Proverbs 23–25, continuing our journey through the thirty sayings of the wise. Each group contains profound truths, and although I would love to explain them all, we lack sufficient time. So I’ll heed the wisdom of Saying 8:
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Prov. 23:4–5, NIV)
This is a pointed reminder that our pursuits can exhaust us if misdirected. And so we ask ourselves: when is enough, enough? When do we find contentment in what God has given?
The Lure of Wealth and the Empty Chase
In my younger years, I had a relentless drive to get rich. I’d set the bold goal of earning my first million before the age of twenty-five. But when I turned twenty-six and was further from that target than ever, I had to reset my priorities. Christ wasn’t yet part of my life, and so my ambition for wealth shifted toward ambition for fame.
In Tucson, Arizona, open mic nights at local bars became my stage. One evening I’d sit in with a country band, and the next, I’d be across town jamming with a blues group.
A Bluesman Named Star
While playing the blues, I met a man known simply as Star. He was the prototypical biker—riding a Harley-Davidson, dressed in a black leather vest and boots that sat outside his blue jeans. We clicked and soon played together in rock and blues groups throughout the city.
One night I invited him to join me at a country bar—a scene reminiscent of the Blues Brothers pretending they were the Good Ole Boys.[1] Star cared little for country music, but he agreed. As we walked in, the crowd’s uneasiness was palpable. Then came the surprise: as I stepped up with my guitar, Star reached into his boot and pulled out a flute. He was extraordinary. A biker with a flute in a country bar? It defied expectations. From that moment, we had a following and performed at several country venues weekly.
Recalibrating Dreams
After a year of chasing fame, I recorded a demo album and sold enough copies to cover the costs. If I’d been a better musician, maybe fame would’ve found me—but God had other plans.
I realize that not everyone is called to be rich, famous, or a star athlete. Most of us live beautiful, ordinary lives. And through those lives, we can bring more honor to God than if power or prestige had sidetracked us.
Finding God in the Quiet Places
Let me be clear: there are talented, famous Christians who glorify God. But the limelight often tempts us to shine it on ourselves rather than on Him. As I drift off to sleep, I sometimes hear Garth Brooks’ song “Unanswered Prayers” playing in my mind—a reminder of the grace in things not given.[^2] It was through the humble life He gave me I found salvation.
There is nothing more valuable than the relationship I have with Christ. Fame and fortune will sprout wings and fly away—but His love remains.
