In our fallen nature, the aforementioned is something we need to heed to make our lives meaningful. The advantage of this knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of those who seek it with their whole heart. Wisdom is the key for the ownership of the best possible thing in life. This is not a worldly wisdom, but wisdom from above. To find the best things in this life, you must seek "the pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:46).

Many years as I punched the time clock, I saw nepotism and a plethora of workplace permutations. It seemed to me an interminable situation, to say the least. Nothing seemed to be fair. It was a drag to go into that workplace every day, especially when I was forced to work a rotating shift, which was health-risky to begin with. I finally realized that I needed a calm spirit to accept the things that were; it was what it was. I needed leadership to try to change the things that were still possible. I needed the sagacity to discern the difference between what was worth trying to change and what was a temptation to do evil. This mindset is also one of the best things that one can possess in this life. "Do I have to do that again?" is the usual thought in the workplace. Yes, we do!

You know it's true that "a fool will despise sound wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). If you are enticed by dark and questionable things, don't consent to them; don't entertain them in your intellect. Of course that is where the devil tries to influence us. If you desire inner peace strongly enough, it will become yours. It will displace all the dross that clings within. Nothing you desire can be compared to a state of elation, which can become yours by spurning haughtiness, acrimony, lying words, and the love of money.

Consider those who devise mischief. They will have nothing but deceit and strife, but joy awaits those who have humility. "Evil doers are pursued by misfortune, but the upright in heart are rewarded with prosperity" (Proverbs 13:21). Let's add one more quote: "Someone who is greedy for unjust gain surely will make trouble for his household" (Proverbs 15:27). Now doesn't that sound familiar when looking at the trouble in the populace?

When someone attempts to forgive an offense, that person seeks love (God is love). We also must not forget that "love does not keep a record of wrongs" (Proverbs 17:9). When someone uses evil instead of good in this life, thinking that no one can see or perceive it, evil and trouble will never depart from this dwelling place. Another one of the best things in this life is to remember the following: "If you close your hearing to the cry of one in need, then you also will cry out some day and no one will hear or take heed" (Proverbs 21: 13). Of course we need discretion too.

Always seek divine wisdom, because when you do, you will obtain the best source of the best things of this life. When you "learn the secret of facing hunger and plenty, honor and dishonor, ill repute and good repute" (Philippians 4:12), then you join the ranks of those who are truly happy and blessed. Don't chase after money (like I have observed so many doing these days), and don't chase dreams that can't come true . You may wind up shipwrecked! 

Another important point we all need to remember on our life's journey is that "pride always comes before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). We all make many mistakes, but the good news is that if we keep getting up from our falls, we eventually develop a better character and better philanthropy. "To hate lawlessness is to love righteousness" (Hebrews 1:9). That indeed sets us free to enjoy the best things in life. 

A few final thoughts. Are you in a valley where dark shadows appear? Give pardon when faced with hurt. Give joyance where there is dejection. Lastly, give hope where there is despondency. "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law" (Psalm 119: 18).