"A Cowboy's Guide to Life"

Whether the following came from Will Rogers or not, no one knows for sure. However, its homespun wisdom is both humorous and thought provoking. It is called “A Cowboys’ Guide to Life.”

 Don't interfere with something that ain't botherin' you none.
 The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm. The colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.
 If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
 If it don't seem like it's worth the effort, it probably ain't.
 The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you shave his face in the mirror every morning.
 Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.
 If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
 Don't worry about bitin' off more'n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.
 Generally, you ain't learnin' nothing when your mouth's a-jawin'.
 If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there with ya.
 Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
 Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back.
 The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back into your pocket.
 Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Wisdom is a very important part of God’s gifts to us. Solomon certainly understood this truth. When he was given the chance to ask for anything from God, he chose wisdom. No wonder he encourages all of his readers to do the same.

Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. (Proverbs 3:13-18 NLV).

There were three basic paradigms in Israel's religion: law, prophecy, and wisdom. It was not the form of Israel's religion that made it distinctive, but its content. “Wisdom” was a way of viewing and approaching life. This way of life made them different from every other people group in the world. We are also to be different. Wisdom is the thing that will make us different. Remember that it is not information that we are called to seek after. That’s not what will guide us down delightful paths nor bring us to the tree of life. There are many people who are informed, and yet miserable. Joy comes to those who find this way of viewing and approaching life. Jesus explained it very succinctly. He summarized simply by saying we ought to love God with all that we are and our neighbor as we love ourselves. We know this principle as “the Royal Law.” As I first read the “cowboy’s guide to life,” it reminded me of many practical ways to practice the Royal Law. Embrace wisdom today and walk down your own delightful paths.