We used to talk of common sense, but so many are so far from the Lord that I now refer to wisdom as not-so-common sense. We explore the blessings of not-so-common sense in general and particularly in family life.

Paul compares his ministry to the swindlers and counterfeits who had plagued the churches in Corinth. He served the Christians in love and would rather be impoverished than impose upon them. We serve a loving Master, who moves us to serve in love, even when we serve those who are not so lovable.

We often feel justified when we speak our opinion, but the wise person knows it is always better to listen before speaking. If your lips are moving, you're not learning. Let us resist the temptation to speak first, so that we may been seen as wise, instead of playing the part of the fool.

A patently false proverb!?! We will learn how a proverb that is 100% wrong found itself in holy scripture, and what it tells us about superstition, and putting our faith in the wrong places.

Acrocorinth is the name of the ancient stronghold that guarded Corinth. Perched atop a rugged ridge, it was an imposing fortress. Paul uses this mountaintop stronghold as a parable for the strongholds satan builds in our lives and communities when we aren't led by godliness.

Pride is deceptive and persuasive. Because the human heart is easily turned inward, and away from others, our conscience can deceive us. In order to avoid the foolishness of pride, we need to pay careful attention to God's Word, which can never steer us wrong.

Nowadays the world confuses loudness with leadership and confidence (I dare say arrogance) with competence. In this chapter, we learn the blessing of speaking kind, not harsh words. When we use our tongues to lift others up, we share the love and life we ourselves have first received from the Lord our Maker.

Paul teaches us that those who are generous will reap generously. We will learn how the parable of this chapter naturally grows out of the large agricultural economy of ancient Corinth.