Weekly Thought – November 21, 2017

Fred adhered to this principle: “I want people to be interested in me, but not curious.” He assembled this body of questions to be used as personal evaluation, in addition to mentoring conversations. A thorough walk through these 365 certainly enhances development and self-knowledge. These quick answers are a way to illustrate how the question can “prime the pump.”

Learning About Me

1) What do I regret having done in the past? What will I regret in the future if I don’t act today? (Fred’s short answer is indicative of his ability to process, integrate, and move on). I don’t spend much time regretting the past since it cannot be changed. I hope to learn lessons that will help me in the future. I select things in each period of my life that is unique to that period. I look at the details, outline the principles, and learn. For example, in the parenting phase, I can see mistakes I made, but I attempt to understand them to be helpful now and in the future. And, I want my children to learn from my mistakes.

2) What would I do and how would I spend my time if I didn’t have to “earn a living?” My answer is probably a bit different than most because I have been fortunate to spend my time doing things not to earn a living but because I enjoy the accomplishment. Living a life of responsibility isn’t based on money. This question often uncovers true interests and gifts which have been misplaced or misused.

3) What is my best escape from boredom? Constructive activity either working on a challenging project or associating with interesting people works for me. I would also include travel in the creative activities which start my engine.

4) How do I mesh the sacred and the secular in my life? I once met a respected man from India who was a devout follower of Ghandi. I asked him about the great leader. He said that in everything he does he is an expression of his religion. That high compliment meant he had melded the sacred and secular. We must be careful to make the things we learn on Sunday applicable on Monday.

5) Are periodic inventories of my life: business, relationships, growth, family, etc. a practice? For many years it was a practice I developed into a discipline. The first of each year, which was usually a holiday, I spent the day in the office reviewing the past year and planning the year ahead. The more specific I could be the better I could evaluate. I started with a financial Inventory, then personal development, then specific improvements in the family, and friendships. I would then look at my business. I think it is helpful to start with the hardest early so you will not give up as soon as you get the plans for the business completed.

6) What hurtful prejudices do I have? Any prejudice I have is hurtful. Even if I understand I must still be working to eliminate them. We should certainly be against anything that Go is against.

7) Which prejudices have I overcome? My geographical heritage gave me some prejudices which I chose to overcome. Being from an economically challenged background, I had to break through the psychological barrier of success and my view of successful people. Spiritually, I had to move from self-sufficiency to divine dependence… this one is an on-going discipline.

This week think about: 1) Which of these questions was hardest for me to answer? 2) How can I use these questions as a mentor to others? 3) What am I learning about the questioning process?

Words of Wisdom: “I started with a financial Inventory, then personal development, then specific improvements in the family, and friendships. I would then look at my business. I think it is helpful to start with the hardest early so you will not give up as soon as you get the plans for the business completed.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Acquire truth and do not sell it – wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 14, 2017

Fred’s desire to stretch others was not just a youthful mission statement. It was an uppermost motivation his entire life. Asking questions to facilitate the stretching process was a well-honed skill. We continue with Fred’s probing questions and brief answers he gave in a casual conversation shortly before his death. These are questions he used in conversations over years and can be found under the category of mentoring questions in the Leadership Library of www.breakfastwithfred.com

BWFLI is initiating a new project in 2018: The What’s Next Roundtable. Frequently students remark that uncertainties about the future weigh heavily on them. We will be conducting a three module event focusing on mentoring, networking, and character. We are scheduled for 5 campuses during 2018 and are working on 2019. Please pray for this effort. And, financial support is always welcome as we seek to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”

Mining for Understanding

1) What are my most pleasant memories, the most painful? Were they things I did or were they done to me? I think we can have painful memories from both things we did (or didn’t do) as well as things done to us unjustly. If they were mistakes, we must try to rectify them; if they were sins, we must repent. The pleasant memories are generally related to successful achievements or good relations. A friend of mine spoke of creating pleasant memories in each stage of life as “memory insurance.” As a family we always talked about putting deposits in the “memory bank.” Mary Alice and I focused on memories and experiences rather than possessions. Journaling so that your family can enjoy these times is a good practice. I think we would all be surprised at the number of pleasant remembrances we have. The longer one lives, the more they accumulate. It is a challenge to many older people to focus on the good times, and release the bad. Crochety old people are the grumpy ones who dwell on the negative. Also, it is important to make good memories for others through encouragement, apt words, and helpfulness.

2) What are my sources of inspiration, motivation, and information? I am very selective in my choice of authors, friends, and associates. My friend Charlie “Tremendous” Jones always reminds us that “except for the places you go and the people you meet, you will be the same person 5 years from now as you are today.” I choose my sources carefully. I also do not believe I have a moral imperative to read, listen to, or converse about everything someone else thinks I should. When time and energy are limited, I have a responsibility to guard both.

3) What is the place of hobbies and recreation in your life? Hobbies for me are a source of learning, not escape. When I took up golf at 50 I wanted to know everything I could about the game. Music has always been a great part of my life. I respect great talent in any field so the gathering of talented people could be considered a productive hobby. This question is always an interesting one to ask. There are those whose leisure life is much more accomplished than their career, so you will see a great deal of enthusiasm to discuss this topic.

This week think about: 1) How am I accumulating good memories? 2) What is my plan for personal growth and development? 3) Does recreation have a proper and appropriate place in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “As a family we always talked about putting deposits in the “memory bank.” Mary Alice and I focused on memories and experiences rather than possessions.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I will remember the works of the Lord. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago!” (Psalm 77:11 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 7, 2017

Fred intensely considered his direction, reassessing at regular intervals. He knew revectoring was a critical element in successful living… just a degree off can end up as miles off course eventually. He asked himself questions to ascertain his footing.

Thinking About Healthy Living

1) What triggers positive self-talk and what triggers the negative? Self-talk is a discipline. While positive is helpful, the negative is seldom constructive. My friend Zig Ziglar says you must get rid of “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Self-deprecation can be a formula for comedy routines, but in ordinary life it generally is hurtful. Strangely, positive daydreaming can be helpful by preparing you for better situations as long as it isn’t sheer fantasy. I believe in understanding my gifts and reinforcing the way I use them. We all have messages from early years which are not helpful, but we need to look at them realistically, distill any truth, and discard the rest quickly. I am convinced we choose to live in a positive or negative mood. I know we have genetic predispositions, but we can discipline ourselves to live in a mood which is productive. And, as I like to remind myself (and others)… it is critical to understand my constructive strengths and my destructive weaknesses.

2) What do I really care about in life? Viktor Frankl, after coming out of the concentration camp put together his notes into his signature work on Logotherapy titled “Man’s Search for Meaning.” He wisely pointed out that three other theories of psychiatry were simply roads to meaning rather being the destination of meaning. The three other were: sex, pleasure, and power. Frankl points out that people’s real search is for meaning. This can be defined broadly. Most people I know would like to make a difference and to know that their life counted for something. For Christians, we have a definition that is based on Scripture. I believe that is the only authentic and truly satisfactory source. So, what I care about most is maximizing my gifts and being the man I was born to be which encompasses being a husband, father, friend, and colleague of integrity and honor.

3) What is my genuine sustained passion? To find your sustained passion I think you have to check your brain and see how often you think about a subject. What do you find yourself coming back to? What books do you gravitate toward? Who do you seek out to discuss the topic? If it is a passion, you will be thinking constructively and anticipating progress toward your objective. You will find you include it often in conversations with family and friends. When our children were teenagers Mary Alice and I could tell someone special was on their mind long before they disclosed it because their name popped up in conversations more than they recognized. They were always surprised when we weren’t surprised at the new interest. Our minds and hearts are closely linked.

This week think about: 1) How often do I check my direction to make sure I am on track? 2) Who helps me monitor my progress? 3) What do I love to think about?

Words of Wisdom: “It is critical to understand my constructive strengths and destructive weaknesses.”

Wisdom from the Word: “From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skillful design?” (Isaiah 14:40 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – September 12, 2017

Fred followed sports and enjoyed the company of athletes. He appreciated the discipline and the “price they paid” they displayed. One of his closest friends, Bill Glass (founder of Behind the Walls prison ministry) exemplifies character and devotion. Recently, his lifetime love, wife Mavis Glass, went to heaven. Please pray for the Glass family.

The Sporting Life

Sports are valuable. They teach us not only how to play, but how to live. We see the value of opposition: mano v. mano, defense against offense. The one or the team who handles opposition best wins.

What if they decided to do away with the oppositional factor in sports? What if they decided to just play nice and not challenge each other? What if the quarterback stood still so it would be easier for the defense to sack him? The crowd would become the opposition, wouldn’t they? They would boo both teams and probably walk out of the stadium. The game is thrilling and exciting because of the tension and the one against another. Sports thrive on opposition.

Life is like that, too. As we face struggles and overcome, we grow and succeed. We get stronger as we shoulder one burden, shove aside one temptation, climb the hill of adversity – and claim the victory flag. Life with no challenge weakens us.

The hand is a miraculous creation… the oppositional thumb sets us apart from other creations. (Also, we have a soul… I haven’t wandered into evolutionary thinking). When the fingers press against the thumb we are able to life, grip, and twist. When we lose the use of those digits we are then crippled. When I was five I fell on a glass jar, severing the artery in my wrist. The inadequate medical care has taken the use of my right hand away. I can use it as a claw, but the smooth movement of thumb and finger doesn’t exist. I learned from a friend in the insurance business that disability claims for a thumb have a higher pay-out than for a regular finger. Opposition is important.

In life we learn to operate with opposition in such a way we maximize our efforts. We don’t look at it as an enemy, but see it as an opportunity for development. Just as positive stress and tension are necessary for a healthy life, the presence of opposition is crucial for proper growth. The confidence we experience as we learn to manage opposition well leads us to further wins.

Be thankful for opposition for it is key in success.

This week think about: 1) How often do I bemoan opposition rather than seeing its value? 2) What is creating an oppositional force in my life right now? 3) How can I maximize the adversity in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “We get stronger as we shoulder one burden, shove aside one temptation, climb the hill of adversity – and claim the victory flag.”

Wisdom from the Word: “In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 8, 2017

Fred’s thinking aided men and women for decades. He didn’t “shoot from the hip,” even though his style seemed extemporaneous. He invested hours considering questions from others who asked for his help. This week we excerpt some of his ideas on getting ahead in business.

Please continue praying for BWFLI as we develop the BWFLI Mentoring Roundtable which will roll out in 2018. We are organizing his mentoring questions, articles, and Fred Saids on the subject for use in focused campus events.

Plan Your Progress

File your flight plan carefully. It isn’t enough to have a personal plan for progress. It is also important to know how and with whom to file. Don’t assume the boss knows what you want for the future. Tell him or her carefully. They may think (and probably do) you want to do anything the company wants you to do. If you have a preference, then it is best to let it be known enough in advance not to work an inconvenience on the corporation at the time a change comes up. Be clear on what promotions, what segment of the business, or even location you prefer. Be willing to be inconvenienced for the business. But also recognize there is always a strong possibility your goals and that of the company can be coordinated. Don’t assume everyone knows.

Be sure your personal plan is written out. Often I’ve asked people what they want and their answer is, “Something better.” They wanted me to define it for them because they had not taken the time and effort to do it for themselves. Personally, I don’t believe I have ever had a boss who was more interested in my progress than I was. And certainly they didn’t have a greater responsibility for it than I did. Therefore, I needed to work the plan out in writing and as specifically as possible.

Senior executives have a clearer view of the overall strategy and the road ahead. There is a more satisfactory fit if they know what you want. Most will be impressed if they see you have thought it out. However, you don’t want to express these plans in a way which appears self-serving, or threatening.

And a warning: don’t give out more of the plan than is reasonable for the foreseeable future. If you want to be President, it is usually better to get to Vice President first! Too much advance talking can bring envy, opposition, and frustration. Keep a great deal of flexibility in any plan. Give out only those parts to those who can help at the appropriate time.

Be sure your plan is of mutual benefit to your employer. A selfish plan is dangerous. If it is totally selfish, then keep it to yourself. Selfish plans require manipulation and they don’t usually work out naturally. I found those with singularly focused on self-serving goals often failed to succeed in the long run.

This week think about: 1) Is my personal progress plan in writing? 2) How clear am I at work about my career goals? 3) Who should be included in my planning?

Words of Wisdom: “Be sure your plan is of mutual benefit to your employer.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help.” (Proverbs 3:27 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 20, 2017

Fred drew pictures for people to grasp concepts and apply them. He called his illustrations “handles on pots.” He wanted people to take ideas and make them usable personally and professionally.

Energy Levels

Life for most of us is somewhat like a two stage rocket. The first is physical energy – it ignites and we are off. As physical energy diminishes, the spiritual stage must ignite to boost us into orbit or we fall back. When I say “spiritual” I don’t mean religious, but activity of the human spirit.

I have seen two kinds of spiritual energy: ego and responsibility. I cannot tell in the production between the two, but I can tell the difference in the spirit of the two. Running on ego alone destroys a person like a machine without lubricant. The result is increased heat and then burnout. When our kids were learning to drive I tried to impress upon them the basic rules of automobile mechanics. One of them was fundamental: keep the oil clean and changed.

On the other hand, a sense of responsibility creates great energy – a uniting force which seems to get the person all together. It lubricates and so remains a protection to the machine. The faster the speed, the greater the lubricant. There is joy in the going with a well-oiled machine.

As I write I think of several friends – all high achievers. From the outside they all look equally productive. But underneath you see the ones which are driven by ego, and those motivated by responsibility. The ego lubricant will wear out and they are probably at risk for burn-out.

Remember, the energy fuel or lubricant is not part of the machine. It is external. It is an additive. The fuel drives the engine and the lubrication protects it against friction and heat. In some sense, we are all production machines. I am not equating being and doing, but in reality it is hard to separate a person from what they do and who they are. The two seem to generate a confluence.

You need to understand the differences in machines, as well as fuels and lubricants. Not all are gifted with high performance vehicles. But those who maximize the machine they were given by using the best fuels and lubricants can experience high levels of achievement and satisfaction. If you have a high performance machine, though, use it responsibly and in understanding. It is important to discard false humility. Always remember: humility isn’t denying the power you have, but admitting it came THROUGH you, not FROM you.

If you are given something great, then He expects great praise. Accept the fine machine you have, properly time it with excellent education, and break it in carefully with experience by not running too fast too soon. Select the fuel and lubricant best suited to your purpose.

Beware the leanness of soul by operating on cheap fuel. If you feel this, check the pump from which you are getting your gas. It may be mislabeled. Warning: don’t run too long on ego alone – it is dangerous stuff!

Think about: 1) How careful am I about the fuels and lubricants I am using in my machine? 2) How has ego negatively affected my effectiveness? 3) When do I feel like I am running “in the zone?”

Words of Wisdom: “Humility isn’t denying the power you have, but admitting it comes through you and not from you.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – May 2, 2017

Fred believed we have much to learn from our enemies. He also believed we are known by not only the friends, but also our enemies. He also believed in external and internal opposition. “Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.”

Overcoming, not Overwhelming

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan tells the story of Christian and his trek to the Celestial City. Along the way are the City of Delight and the Valley of Despair. He starts on his way, determined to persevere, but the enemies actively pursue him. Successful perseverance comes by overcoming the enemies cleverly disguised, and customized to fit each traveler and each situation.

Many of our obstacles may be external, but the most serious are generally internal. When I was a director of the S.H Kress Company, I visited the stores and asked the manager about his problems. If he described them as externally driven, I doubted his managerial capabilities. If he discussed the internal problems, I knew we had a manager with potential for progress. This manager defined situations he could do something about. Certainly, there were external threats, but most were out of his control.

Each step of the perseverance process comes back to building good mental disciplines. Fighting the enemies of endurance requires good habits. Start with a reflex, and then train it into a habit. Habits are our friends.

A couple came to see me saying, “We have a problem.” As I listened, it became clear she had nothing to do with the creation of the problem. Yet, she maturely accepted ownership as half of the marriage partnership. She could have easily said (and I have heard it many times before), “This stupid husband of mine, much against my advice, lost our money.” But she didn’t. And, eventually they worked together to find an answer. She knew that resolution, not recrimination, was the road to solution.

How easy it is in rough times to point fingers and shift blame. From childhood we learn to respond like a quick draw sharpshooter.”It’s not my fault.” Our third grandchild is a boy named Jeff. He was born behind two strong-willed sisters. One day when he was still a pre-schooler our daughter heard him mumbling to himself. She got close enough to hear, “Not my fault, not my fault, not my fault.” “Jeff, what did you do?” “Nothing – I’m just practicing for when Heather and Meredith blame me.”

This week think about: 1) What reflexes am I honing into good habits? 2) What are the customary pitfalls on my journey? 3) How do I assess my external and internal threats?

Words of Wisdom: “She knew that resolution, not recrimination, was the road to solution.”

Wisdom from the Word: “You have joy, Israel! Who is like you? You are a people delivered by the Lord, your protective shield and your exalted sword. May your enemies cringe before you; may you trample on their backs.” (Deuteronomy 33:29 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – March 21, 2017

Fred was trusted. His ability to listen accompanied by his discernment created an atmosphere of safety. While in dialysis he developed friendships with the nurses and technicians. One young woman reached her twelve month sober mark and prepared for her ceremony at AA. “Would you be the speaker for me?” Fred traveled in his wheelchair to her meeting and delivered a powerful, personal address.

Want To, Not Just Have To

A man I know – a very successful professional – paid fifty thousand dollars, cash on the barrel head, to go to an alcoholism clinic. One of the most discerning things I’ve ever heard came from a staff psychiatrist at the facility: “For a long time people couldn’t understand how a man could be an alcoholic, sober up, stay sober for ten years, and then go back to drinking. People would say, ‘Surely he knew all the problems he had as a drunk, why would he go back?’”

The doctor went on to say: “We studied it and found out. People who give up alcohol, but only remain abstainers can be drawn back to drinking at any time. Those who go from abstinence to the joy of sobriety seldom return to drinking. But until they make that transition, they are vulnerable.”

There is a theological truth here. If all I have in life is work and more work trying to make myself good, then I may cave in the spiritual war at any time. If I understand the sovereignty of God and the power of grace, my life will be changed forever. Like the Apostle Paul, a grace filled life sees the struggles as challenges but ones filled with the presence of God, and not dependent on my own efforts or goodness. Once Paul tasted of grace nothing could woo him back to “the law” again. He moved to the joy of grace.

Many executives and other leaders battle in the same way. They struggle and suffer with their efforts to overcome disabling habits. They fight, win a bit, fight again, and continue this pattern. The Myth of Sisyphus tells the story of an ill-fated young man whose life work is to push a large rock up a hill, only to have it roll back on him just as he reaches the peak. Over and over he repeats this effort, never to get the rock up and over the hill.

Leaders need to identify their constructive strengths and their destructive weaknesses. Once defined, they should focus on the strengths and bolster the weaknesses. Once we create an environment and a lifestyle that allows this, we can run the race with joy, not just with gritted jaws.

This week think about: 1) Where have I moved from abstaining to joy? 2) What is the rock I need to abandon? 3) Who can help me identify my strengths and weaknesses?

Words of Wisdom: “If I understand the sovereignty of God and the power of grace, my life will be changed forever.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8: 10 (b) NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – January 3, 2017

Fred commented on New Year’s Resolutions: “They are usually last year’s regrets.” He was a proponent of healthy decision making, not emotional short-term reactions.

2017 is a year of promise for BWF. In addition to three campus events, we will be planning for a conference in 2018 titled “What’s Next.” More details will follow. Please pray for us as we start quickly with leadership institutes in February and April.

Decide Well

Our life is a network of decisions. A few are vital, but many more are more mundane. For example, the choice of a spouse and the decision to have children are two of the most critical, long-ranging. Buying a new suit is shorter term and less important – unless it results in a major fashion faux pas! And I have personal experience with this. A waitress once welcomed me to breakfast in a familiar place with a smile and, “Good morning, Mr. Smith, I see you dressed yourself today!”

Decision making is both an art and a science. I have known men and women who have the intuition for excellent decisions. They usually have the capacity to both see problems and solution possibilities. Charles Kettering, the automotive genius, once said, “A problem well-defined is half solved.” Other friends have said, “Knowing the options is the secret of good decision making.”

Executive and cabinet leader Robert McNamara had a regular management practice. Before he would accept a recommendation he would ask, “What other options did you reject before you chose this one?” When the answer was a sheepish admission that this was the first option, they would be sent back to reconsider and bring other options.

In order to pick the best option, you must know what the object of the decision is. Is this decision to solve a problem or open up a possibility? A key element of good decision making is recognizing the reality of the environment. I work to set aside all but the facts of the situation. When I have moved away all the emotional factors I can look rationally at the work that needs to be done. Too many people consider what they wish the situation were, what they hope it will be, without holding to the reality of what is.

Then I think through the ramifications of each option, as unemotionally as possible. I want to consider how each possibility would be implemented and executed. To make a decision without understanding the implications is poor leadership. So, I travel down the road with each option looking for potholes, faulty assumptions, and undesired outcomes. Good decision making is a satisfactory experience and worth the effort.

When this isn’t done, policies can be put in place which end up very ineffective, making management look weak. A good decision is structurally sound and effectively executed.

This week carefully consider: 1) What decision needs to be made this week? 2) How do I connect faith and decision making? 3) Who models good decision making?

Words of Wisdom: “Too many people consider what they wish the situation were, what they hope it will be, without holding to the reality of what is.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you decide on a matter, it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.” (Job 22:28 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – October 11, 2016

Fred’s strategic approach to life planning influenced generations of men and women. He focused on his gifts and the most effective way to use them. He said, “I have never felt time pressure because I didn’t get involved in things that weren’t mine to do.”

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute at Palm Beach Atlantic University will be October 26, 27th. Please pray for the team members, the faculty, students, and staff. We are blessed to share these days together “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.” Please pray about participating with us financially. All gifts are tax deductible and gratefully received.

Where Am I Going?

Choosing a goal in life is not our most important decision – choosing our direction is. Chasing short-range goals can take us in the wrong direction. Mature success and satisfaction come from the direction in which we move, not in the goal that we attain.

Too much goal orientation brings us the same problem that Harvard Business School found in the case study system of teaching. Bright young students learned to solve problems rather than identify opportunities. The real progress in life comes in recognizing opportunities. Problem solving is important, but it is just a means of taking advantage of opportunities.

When we become too goal-oriented, we become almost mechanical in our approach to life. The totally technological vantage point tends to turn us into computers. Who wants that?

I oppose setting an ultimate goal for one’s life in the sense of a specific, definable, measurable place in life one hopes to arrive. To define a place where “I will have made it” puts too much importance on one decision after another. This deterministic approach creates a sense of futility to those who attain what they have aimed for, what they have defined as success, and what they see as the “end all.” Too often they realize that it was process and the journey that energized them, not the final goal achievement.

The becoming is the joy in the journey.

I am not opposed to planning, but I am much more interested in making decisions based on the impact they will have on who I will ultimately become. Following the path is an adventure. I don’t want to be so focused on goals that I get to the top of the ladder only to see that it is leaning against the wrong wall.

Goals are important as mile markers to confirm that we are traveling in the right direction. They are never to be an end in themselves. To adhere rigidly to our goals is to miss some of the excitement that comes spontaneously. It is also a clear way to miss so much of the life God has for us.

This week think about: 1) How well am I balancing goals and direction? 2) What measures am I using to determine if I am pleased with my direction? 3) Who is in my circle to help me assess my direction?

Words of Wisdom: “The becoming is the joy in the journey.”

Wisdom from the Word: “So you will walk in the way of good people, and will keep on the paths of the righteous.” (Proverbs 2:20 NET Bible)