I came across a book I read a while back by Andy Stanely and remember it being fantastic! Here is my basic outline of the book but there is so much more in the book that he unpacks so I suggest reading the book in its entirety.

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The Best Question Ever 

The Question: What is the wise thing to do?

The Reference points: Past, Present, Future

• Past – In light of my past experiences, what is the wise thing to do?
• Present – In light of my current circumstances, what is the wise thing to do?
• Future – In light of my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?

In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?

Applied: Financially, Relationally, Morally, Professionally, Spiritually,

Three Main Avenues: Time, Finances, Morals

Time – 5 Truths

1. There is a cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period of time.
2. There are rarely any immediate consequences for neglecting single installments of time in any arena of life.
3. Neglect has a cumulative effect.
4. There is no cumulative value to the urgent things that we allow to interfere with the important things.
5. In the critical arenas of life, you cannot make up for lost time.

Finances – 5 places money goes when I get paid

1. Spend it
2. Repay debt
3. Pay taxes
4. Save it
5. Give it

Goal is to flip the order of these 5 categories with our finances.

1. Give it
2. Save it
3. Pay Taxes
4. Repay debt
5. Spend it

Morality – New Fences!

• Every poor moral decision is prefaced by a series of unwise choices.
• Take extreme measures in extreme circumstances.

WIsdom in Counsel

• It is next to impossible to discern the voice of wisdom when our emotions are raging.
• When you do not know what the wise thing to do is….do nothing! When wise people bump up against their limitations, they stop and ask for help.
• They know what they don’t know, and they make sure they know someone who does.
• You will never reach your full potential without help and advice from the outside.
• “The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10) – here “fear” is referring to – recognition and reverence that leads to submission.
• The beginning of wisdom is the recognition of and submission to the One who designed things to work the way things work.