Weekly Thought – April 7, 2026

Fred believed in stretching by adding responsibility. He assumed others wanted to do their best and to grow; he mentored by adding weight.

“The weekly thought came at just the right time for me. Thank you continuing Fred’s work,” wrote a North Carolina man. He is growing through stretching.

Purposeful Mentoring

A common mistake is thinking mentoring means older men visiting with younger men without an agenda and moving eventually toward a Bible study or prayer time. Visiting, Bible study, and prayer are all excellent activities, but they are not mentoring.

Mentoring is a one-on-one relationship for the specific and definable development of a skill or an art. One of my favorite mentoring stories is the young pianist who came to Leonard Bernstein and asked to be mentored. Bernstein said, “Tell me what you want to do, and I will tell you whether or not you’re doing it.”

When you analyze this, you realize Bernstein truly understood mentoring. The young man initiated the contact, had a specific request, and made the request of an authority. I assume the young man didn’t come to Bernstein only to get rich as a concert artist, but because he wanted to be a better pianist.

I am often asked, “How do I look for the right mentor?” The mentor and mentoree must share a compatible philosophy. Our goals and methods are really an expression of our fundamental life philosophies. As a Christian, in mentoring someone who wants to grow spiritually, the process must be built on divine principles. A young man came to me asking for my help in making him a millionaire. That was his life’s goal. His focus was on materialistic, humanistic outcomes. I told him we were not compatible philosophical, so I would not be a good mentor for him.

The mentor needs to be knowledgeable in the subject and objective in his assessments. The mentor who says what the mentoree wants to hear is irresponsible. He should not counsel in matters in which he is not an expert or pass judgment in subjects beyond his limitations. It is important to be able to say, “I don’t know; I’ve had no experience with that.” But, if that becomes a common response, this is not a good mentoring relationship.
The mentoree comes to learn and the mentor must have skills and experiences that promote the growth.

This week think about: 1) What skills do I have to offer a mentoree? 2) Who is my current mentor? 3) How do I ascertain if my philosophy matches another’s?

Words of Wisdom: “Mentoring is a one-on-one relationship for the specific and definable development of a skill or an art.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!” (Proverbs 1:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – March 10, 2026

Fred’s book, You and Your Network, influenced generations of leaders. Editors often chided Fred for his “packed to the gills” writing style, urging him to dilute the material. He was told his books could easily be stretched into two. He preferred stretching people, and not content. This was appreciated by his readers.

A comment from California reflects this: “The main thing that really keeps our attention with You and Your Network is that it cuts out all of the fat, boilerplate, and extra information most authors are so compelled to put into their books just for the weight of it.”

Mentor Search

Over the years I identified seven qualities I look for in a mentor:
1) Do they have wisdom from experience? Scripture says young men are for strength and old men are for wisdom. A mentor must understand the principles of life which I believe, comes from scripture.
2) Do they feel noncompetitive toward younger people? You need a mentor who can relax and say, “This person is a race horse and I am now just the trainer. He’s going to go to the winner’s circle and get the money. I will be happy just making a contribution to that.” Mentoring brings vicarious accomplishment.
3) Can they spot talent? In my first meeting with someone I look for that “unscratchable itch.” Good mentors can assess your current skills and take a good guess at your potential. A good mentor wants to contribute to accomplishment.
4) Is there chemistry between us? One way I check chemistry is to stop and say, “Please repeat to me what I just said.” Sometimes you heard the darndest things. If a person isn’t listening well, there probably won’t be a profitable chemistry.
5) Will they take the responsibility seriously? Does it have meaning to them? Does the relationship count? Can they feel hope? Are they willing to invest the time?
6) Are they willing and able to confront? Confrontation is surgical. If you’re afraid of blood, you should not be in the operating room. And if you primarily want people to like you, you’re not good at confrontation. But a good mentor pauses before confrontation to ask, “Am I saying this in love willing the ultimate good for the other?”
7) Do they ask good questions? My mentor, Maxey Jarman, told me, “Management is supposed to have the answers, but the board is supposed to have the questions.” Likewise, a good mentor should be able to ask good questions. The job of a mentor is to open a window – the right window. And then, point to the best path.

Think about these things: 1) Who is mentoring me? 2) Who am I mentoring? 3) What message do I have to communicate?

Words of Wisdom: “Mentoring brings vicarious accomplishment.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – October 14, 2025

Fred chose his mentors and models carefully. From a young age he identified characteristics he wanted to emulate then attached them to men and women who personified them. Maxey Jarman, CEO of GENESCO served as an example throughout most of Fred’s life. He served as a teacher, spiritual guide, sponsor, and friend. Fred, in turn, dedicated himself to stretching others until his very last breaths. NOTE: On October 18, 1915, Mary Alice Swann was born. Hers was a life of dedication to the Lord, her family, and friends. Truly a woman of virtue.

Leading By Example

Role models personify who we would like to become. My wife, Mary Alice, had three women in her early life who laid out the path she wanted to walk. The first was her high school teacher, Miss Brown. She was stately, dignified, and totally ladylike. Mary Alice saw in her what she felt a Southern lady should be. Next was her Bible teacher, Mrs. Keane, who taught a group of young mothers to understand the Scriptures. Her cup overflowed with love and grace from the Lord to those young women. Mary Alice would say, “She is what a Christian should be.”

Then there was Miss Gordon, a tiny, immaculately groomed woman in her eighties. Although raised in wealth she spent a great deal of her time reaching prisoners for Christ. On occasion we would take her to church. Other times we would simply visit. We “sat and warmed our hands in the fire of her love,” as Gert Behanna’s words. Miss Gordon personified the quiet power of victory. When she died, it was a short step from here to heaven… much like Mary Alice’s own passing.

Mary Alice found in these three women role models for her adult life. They influenced her not by what they had but by who they were, just as Mary Alice influenced others by her own life.

Observation and identification are the important elements in role-modeling mentoring. I knew who I wanted to be and I identified those who personified those values. They didn’t have to be personal friends. In fact, when I was young they were not, but I observed them and knew they were the person I wanted to be.

Often the role model is unaware of his or her impact on another. Sometimes there is even little personal contact between the two. The role model can even be a Bible character or a public figure. Many choose historical figures as role models when they read of their lives and the choices they made.

Role models are a visual embodiment of our personal goals and directions. In them, you can see yourself as you create a pattern for living.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who has been a significant role model? 2) Who might be watching me for life clues? 3) What values are core for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Role models personify who we want to be.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 9, 2024

Fred liked to say he was allergic to manipulation. His discernment was highly developed and those who tried to impress him in order to achieve their goals usually failed quickly. Motivation, on the other hand, was a skill he highly regarded.

Motivation or Manipulation?

Motivation is getting people to do something with mutual advantage. Manipulation is getting people to do what you want them to do, primarily for personal advantage. If the other person benefits, it is purely secondary. Manipulation carries a hidden agenda whereas motivation is open about the goal. When motivating you can be totally honest.

We know that there is a fine line to be walked. All of us agree that motivation is good while manipulation is bad. But sometimes only a fine line separates the two and it can be difficult to know exactly which side of the line you are on. The issues aren’t always clear cut… what may be a legitimate source of motivation in one situation could be manipulation – intent matters. What is the driver?

For example, I dislike eggplant and won’t willingly or knowingly eat it. What if Mary Alice decided to add it into a familiar casserole which I eat without question then compliment her on it? “Oh, I am glad you liked it. It was eggplant.” Alright, was that motivation because she knew it was good for me, or manipulation because she knew I would not try it if I knew before lifting my fork?

In an interesting evening of conversation with a group of friends in Minnesota one chided me, “You businessmen exchange and mistake manipulation for motivation.” This renown psychiatrist enjoyed poking “us businessmen.” “Okay, doc what is the difference?” “If you can substitute the word it works with motivation, but not with manipulation.” He was saying to check and see if we are satisfying someone’s thirst or whether we are meeting our own needs. One is motivational while the other is manipulative. Since that evening I have found the principle to be helpful. I can motivate with integrity when I am bringing to consciousness a genuine thirst.

Care must be taken in trying to “uncover a thirst.” When we attempt to do this without the other person’s awareness , we are pushing that thin line. To be helpful we can try to bring out an unrecognized latent desire, but we need to remember three things: 1) recognize how close we are to manipulation; 2) set a checkpoint and if our technique doesn’t produce a genuine thirst, then stop; 3) never resort to immoral means even for righteous ends.

Instilling motivation is hard work. I sometimes hear people say, “well, if a person doesn’t want to go or grow, then I don’t have the right to try to get him there.” I have no right to manipulate, but neither can I allow the fear of crossing the line to be a rationalization for not doing the hard work of instilling motivation. After all, this is one of a leader’s most important tasks.

This week carefully consider: 1) How tempted am I to manipulate to get even short term results? 2) What is my most effective way of motivating? 3) Who is a model for motivation, not manipulation?

Words of Wisdom: “Manipulation carries a hidden agenda; motivation can be open about the goal.”

Wisdom from the Word: “So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” (1 Peter 2:1 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 13, 2024

Fred, in his mid-to-late twenties, met Maxey Jarman. That introduction grew into a lifelong friendship. A job offer and years of learning under Mr. Jarman and other strong, wise men helped Fred set a path for accomplishment.

Take A Note and Ask a Question

One form of mentoring helps the mentoree define the principles of living. Recently a young man said to me, “Mr. Smith, my grandfather was everything to me. He loved me and he taught me how to live.” That young man was surely blessed by a relationship like that. As we look at lifestyle mentoring in scripture, we think of Paul and Timothy. From the text we don’t know how much technical “how to be a missionary” time was spent between them. But we do know Paul was an excellent sponsor – a father in the faith. He allowed Timothy to work with him, observing, and absorbing. The words of Paul to Timothy were pointed and key to establishing healthy life patterns.

For years Zig Ziglar and I meet regularly to talk. Without fail the first thing Zig does is pull out his notepad and pen even though his memory for material is far better than most. I told him I was writing about mentoring and he said, “Be sure and tell the person being mentored to take notes. No one should trust his memory with anything this important.” Another friend, Dr. Ramesh Richard always puts his electronic notetaker on the table when we begin talking. “Mr. Smith, I have a completed recorded file of all our conversations.” For forty years as I worked with Maxey Jarman first as his employee, to a trusted consultant, fellow Christian board member, friend, and confidante I wrote down everything I saw him do or say that I thought was key. I was continually learning and wanted to remember both the principles and the illustrations.

Having a lifestyle mentoring relationship is not the same as a skill-based, or situational mentorship. This one focuses on a long time walking with another. The mentor is to be open, real, and to consistently personify their values before the young mentoree. Asking questions is a significant part of this process. One man with whom I have an ongoing conversation always comes prepared with questions to ask me before I enter that “senile eclipse.” (Editor’s note: Bill Glass, who considered Fred a mentor for 60 years came to the ICU for his last visit with Fred notebook and pen in hand. “I still have some questions for Fred,” he told the family in the waiting room.)

The mentor must provide a comfortable environment in which the mentoree feels free to ask any questions he considers needed. These may be questions about the mentor’s life or situations that may be coming. Questions like: “What were the major decisions in your life? What were the circumstances? What were the principles involved? How did you evaluate the outcome?” The more probing the questions, the better the learning.

A good mentor never ridicules a question. The mentor may choose to not answer, but must never ridicule for that shuts off the pump which produces the flow.

Lifestyle mentoring is coming alongside another for the purpose of learning and development. This won’t be the ordinary process. In fact, it will be reserved for very few, but for the right combination it provides an opportunity for a mentor to pass on more than techniques. As Paul said to Timothy, take what you are learning from me and build it into the lives of others who will then teach. Lifestyle mentoring is an effective method of torch passing.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who do I seek out for meaningful conversations? 2) What questions should I be asking a mentor?3) How can I become available to learners?

Words of Wisdom: “The mentor must provide a comfortable atmosphere in which questions can be freely asked.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance! (Proverbs 1:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 7, 2023

Fred mentored formally or informally throughout his life. When Breakfast with Fred came out, the publisher chose “Mentor to a Generation of Leaders” as the tagline. He lived long enough to see generations grow into men and women who chose contribution as a life goal.

Find the Fit

Fit is foremost, whether in organizational structure or in mentoring relationships. There are several ways to measure this element. One of the key elements is that the mentor should be knowledgeable and able to critique objectively. The mentor who simply says what the other wants to hear is irresponsible. He should not counsel in matters in which he/she is not expert. Judgment should not be passed in subjects beyond the mentor’s limitations. One of the keys to a successful mentoring relationship is choosing a mentor with a broad network of knowledgeable friends who may be helpful on occasion. I call this the Mayo Clinic model. My personal doctor can call on an expansive team of experts who practice beyond his particular expertise.

A young, brash president of a growing corporation was being dangerously extravagant. Though I was on his board, he wasn’t accepting my authority on the subject. I got him an appointment with the CEO of a major corporation who successfully warned him and possibly saved the company. I saw what he needed, but he wasn’t listening to me. My network gave me the right source for him and brought him back on course.

The mentor must genuinely believe in the potential of the mentoree. A mentor cannot do serious thinking about the needs of the learner or spend the necessary time together without believing in their potential. A mentor isn’t doing what this work to just be a nice guy. Then there may be times when the learner loses confidence in himself, particularly after a failure, and he will need a mentor to help restore confidence and strength. The mentor must authentically believe to function well.

I had breakfast with a young executive in Dallas. I asked him to tell me his story. He said, “Until early in my twenties I amounted to very little. I think that was due to the fact I was raised in a hyper fundamental family who believed it was wrong to say anything positive about anyone. Their fear was that recognizing talent and encouraging it would lead the child down the path to pridefulness. I truly believed there was nothing special about me until a day that changed my life. A Sunday school teacher put his arm around my shoulder and said, “I believe in you.” Gradually, I began to believe in myself. From that point on I started to identify my talents and climb the executive ladder.

I am convinced the words “I believe in you” are some of the most powerful in human relations. But it must be sincere. Puffery and fake compliments tear down and create doubt in the mentoree.

(Note: part of the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute program asks the college and university students the simple question: “Who first said ‘I believe in you?” The responses always include “no one ever has.” These are student leaders who are accomplished, but yet never experienced this affirmation.)

This week carefully consider: 1) Who first said to me, “I believe in you?” 2) Who have I spoken those words to? 3) How can I prepare myself to mentor and be mentored?

Words of Wisdom: “One of the keys to a successful mentoring relationship is choosing a mentor with a broad network of knowledgeable friends who may be helpful on occasion.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And what you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – January 18,2022

Fred knew at an early age he wanted to stretch others. He understood the value of being mentored even though that word wasn’t in the current vernacular in mid-century America. His thoughts on the subject stretch others even 15 years after his trip to heaven.

Fruitful Mentoring

In a healthy mentoring relationship all the cards are put on the table. For that to occur, there must be trust between the two. I am careful to keep confidential anything that is shared with me. I once said I will die holding in confidence years of stories and private conversations. I consider it a privilege and great responsibility to be given that level of trust.

Though I have been mentoring for over forty years, I have never successfully improved anyone’s character – nor have I endeavored to do so. I am convinced the only way to improve character in adults is a spiritual experience. Sophisticated individuals may learn to mask or hide their flaws, but under pressure their character will fail… usually when they can least afford this failure. Dishonesty, laziness, anger, greed, selfishness, and lack of cooperation – all are examples of character flaws.

Another critical aspect of healthy growth is climbing and plateauing. We progress by climbing and then plateauing for assimilation… and repeating this process over and over. Sadly some reach a permanent plateau, seduced by comfort and routine. It is the mentor’s responsibility to see in the mentoree potential unseen by the individual, then motivating the process repeatedly until full talent and potential are realized.

Assisting in the Identification and development of what I call a person’s uniqueness is the clear responsibility of a mentor. Beyond that is the instruction in the joy of accomplishment. I learned this from my mentor, Maxey Jarman. Whenever I get low I immediately start to do something that I feel will be worthwhile. The joy of living returns.

The great operatic star Beverly Sills personified this attitude. One afternoon at a cocktail party held in her apartment one guest said, “We better leave, Beverly has to sing tonight. She protested, “No, I don’t have to sing tonight – I GET to sing!”
I want the mentoree to understand he has control. Sometimes it becomes nonproductive and needs to end. I never question why. Sometimes it becomes unproductive and it needs to end; I accept this as normal.

Mutual respect is crucial. I have never had any success helping anyone I did not respect. I have tried before, but it always failed miserably.

As a young man I recognized my life’s theme was going to be stretching. In fact, I have asked my family to engrave my headstone “He stretched others.” Mentoring has been an effective way of living out that desire.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who are my mentors? 2) What are areas of needed character development?3) What is my uniqueness?

Words of Wisdom: “Character flaws cannot be changed by mentoring – only by a spiritual experience.”

Wisdom from the Word: “An honorable man makes honorable plans; his honorable character gives him security.” (Isaiah 32:8 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – October 12, 2021

Fred’s reputation as a nationally recognized speaker, management consultant, and board member morphed during his career to be immediately associated with mentoring. He was known as “mentor to a generation of leaders.” By the end of his life that aptly became generations.

The Art of Being Mentored

Great teachers want to find great students. With my mentors, I tried to be a good student. As I studied the process I recognized four key elements in being successfully mentored.

1) Admit your ignorance. I never tried to impress my mentor with my knowledge. I always exposed my ignorance. To hide ignorance is as foolish as hiding symptoms from a doctor. Dr. Walter Hearn, a biochemist at Yale University surprised me once by saying, “Fred, every night when you go to bed you ought to be more ignorance than you were when you woke up.” He explained that if I considered my knowledge as a balloon that increased in size daily, it touched more and more ignorance on the periphery of its environment. The more I knew the more I knew I didn’t know. Arrogant people are proud of their knowledge; the humble are familiar with their ignorance.

2) Work to ask the right questions. Right questions come from thought, analysis, and discernment. Idle or careless questions are demeaning to the mentor. There’s power in a good question. Years of experience have taught me that one of keys is asking a question the person wants to answer. A young professor recently told me about asking a prominent speaker two questions following an award ceremony. The man disregarded all those trying to shake his hand and concentrated on answering only those two questions. The professor asked questions the man wanted to answer.

3) Do your homework. With my two mentors I never called them unless I had written down what I wanted to talk about. Writing out your questions beforehand is helpful in minimizing verbiage. When we met in person I had already organized my questions; I knew it was not a social situation. If we later spent time together that was up to them, not me. My mentors knew I would not waste their time. In fact, I never walked in their offices and sat down until invited. Preparation shows respect and a readiness to make progress.

4) Never try to “use” your mentor. A person with a high-profile, well-known mentor can be tempted to reference him/her in ways that really are manipulative. Quoting the mentor out of context, attempting to build a relationship for personal gain, or name dropping inappropriately are examples. A mentor is for progress, not ego satisfaction.

A good student grows. Progress is the pay the student gives the teacher. The mentor likes being there when achievement occurs. I now at this age spend most of my time mentoring high achievers. I make no charge. But I get amply paid by the accomplishments I see in them.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who are my mentors? 2) How well do I prepare to be a mentoree? 3) What is my desired outcome from the relationship?

Words of Wisdom: “A mentor is for progress, not ego satisfaction.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous person and he will add to his learning.” (Proverbs 9:9 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 27, 2021

Fred saw himself as an “inveterate note taker. “Rarely do I hear, read, or even think anything that I feel deserves retention that I don’t commit to paper. I’ve been doing this for sixty years.” This became a common practice with those he mentored, as well. In his last days dear friend Bill Glass appeared in the ICU waiting room with a notebook and pen. “I still have questions for Fred and I want to make sure I get the answers right.”

Lifestyle Mentoring

One form of mentoring defines the principles of living. Recently, I hear a young man say, “My grandfather was everything to me. He loved me, and he taught me how to live.” How fortunate to have an older person in one’s life about whom you can say that.

As we look to scripture for examples of lifestyle mentoring we automatically think of Paul and Timothy. Paul let Timothy observe him at work. He didn’t try to teach Timothy mechanics of missionary work. He was a father in the faith… a type of parent without the parental responsibilities.

For years Zig Ziglar and I have regularly met to talk. When we sit down he gets out his paper and pen even though his memory for material is greater than mine. In discussing mentoring he said, “Be sure to tell the person being mentored to make notes. No one should trust his memory with anything important.”

A good mentor never ridicules a question. He may choose not to answer, but he respects the process because questions are the pump that makes the answers flow.

I have sought over my lifetime (which is approaching 90) to distill life into principles. Some are eternal, and therefore always current. I form a mental filing cabinet for all information that passes through my experience. Some items interest me – others do not. So, there are some empty file folders in my cabinet for topics of no interest to me. I was blessed with excellent recall, but I work on it consistently.

Lifestyle mentoring is “coming alongside” in the day by day, developing by observing, asking, absorbing, and putting information into a helpful form.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who is my lifestyle mentor? 2) How effective am I at note taking? 3) What am I learning that will be valuable to younger ones?

Words of Wisdom: “Rarely do I hear, read, or even think anything that I feel deserves retention that I don’t commit to paper. I’ve been doing this for sixty years.”

Wisdom from the Word: “To Timothy, my genuine child in the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:2 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – March 16, 2021

Fred’s book Breakfast With Fred had a tag line: “Mentor to a generation of leaders.” His long life enabled that influence to cross several generations. He saw a clear distinction between coaching, discipling, and mentoring. He believed strongly in the mutual responsibilities.

During this season we have received numerous emails expressing appreciation for the weekly thoughts and the applicability. We often think about the timeless and timely nature of his wisdom. We are also thankful for the ability to stretch and bless through the gifts God gave Fred. Thank you for your faithful support and encouragement.

The Art of Being Mentored

Great teachers want to find great students. I always tried to be a good student when mentored. I knew I had responsibilities to them. Here are a few I identified:

1) Admit my ignorance. I never tried to impress a mentor with my knowledge. I always exposed my ignorance. To hide ignorance from a teacher is as foolish as hiding an illness from a doctor. The wise person is always aware of his own ignorance. Dr. Walter Hearn, a Yale biochemist once said, “Fred every night when you go to bed you ought to be more ignorant than you were when you woke up.” I thought he was being facetious until he explained that if I considered my knowledge as a balloon and assumed the balloon increased each day, it would touch more and more ignorance on the periphery. Therefore, my knowledge brought me into contact with my greater ignorance. The arrogant are proud of their knowledge the humble are acquainted with their ignorance. I made friends with my ignorance.
2) Work to ask the right questions. Right questions come from thought, analysis, and discernment. Idle or careless questions are demeaning to the mentor. There’s power in a good question. Years of experience have taught me that one of the keys is asking a question that the person wants to answer.
3) Do your homework. With my two mentors, I never called them unless I had written down what I wanted to talk to them about. Writing out your questions beforehand is helpful to minimize chitchat. When my primary mentor and I met I had preciously organized my questions. I knew it was not a social situation. If we later wanted social time, that would be up to him, not to me. I never walked into his office and sat down until I was invited. He had to know I was not there to waste time. Preparation shows respect and readiness to make progress.
4) Never try to “use” the mentor. A person with a well-known mentor can be tempted to drop the name, or make reference in ways that are really using, not respecting. Quoting the mentor out of context is an example. A mentor is for progress, not ego satisfaction.

A good student grows. Progress is the pay the student gives the mentor. The mentor greatly enjoys “being there” when achievement occurs. Currently I spend most of my time mentoring high achievers. I never charge. I get amply paid by seeing them grow and accomplish.

This week think about 1) Who has influenced me most greatly? 2) How am I preparing myself to be mentored? 3) What questions do I have this week for my mentor?

Words of Wisdom: “Preparation shows respect and readiness to make progress.”

Wisdom from the Word “He stores up effective counsel for the upright, and is like a shield for those who live with integrity.” (Proverbs 2:7 NET Bible)