Here is one of my proverbs: "A wise man will learn from the mistakes of others. An ordinary man will learn from his own mistakes. But a fool will not learn even from his own mistakes."

As a father, I wanted to learn from the mistakes that I observed in other fathers. And I asked myself what sort of example I set for my sons, for them follow. I hope it has been this: To seek God's kingdom first and to endure in wise love toward all people, until the end of our lives.

Wisdom means keeping a good distance from troublesome people - and wisdom must govern your love. Your petrol (gas) tank (your heart) must be full of love, but wisdom must be in the driver's seat. Otherwise human love can do many foolish things. Your love must "abound in discernment (wisdom)" (Phil.1:9). You must never hate anyone or be rude to anyone. Greet those who don't greet you. Speak respectfully to all men at all times (as it says in1 Peter 2:17). Be good to those who do evil to you.

When the Pharisees called Jesus "Beelzebul," He forgave them (Matt.12:24,32). When they dragged Him to court and accused Him falsely there, He never threatened them, but committed His cause to His Father (1 Pet.2:23). We must follow in Jesus' steps.

So if some Pharisee accuses you (or even takes you to court one day), remember what Jesus said: "You will be hated by all... they will drag you to court... but be wise as serpents and harmless as doves...you will be given words to speak then(so you don't have to be silent there!)...Don't fear people, for everything covered up will be revealed... but he who endures (in love to everyone) until the end will be saved...The time will even come when those who kill you will think that they are serving God" (Matt.10:16-30;Matt.24:9-13;John 16:2).

So, always:

(1) Seek God's kingdom and his righteousness first. and

(2) Always be rooted and grounded in a wise love toward others.

Every group in Christendom holds up their Bibles and says, "We are right. God is with us." Who among them is right? I got a clear answer from the Lord: "God is with those who always speak the truth (even if it goes against them) and who always remain in a wise love towards others (that is, those who never do or wish any harm to others)."

May you spend your lives seeking the kingdom of God first always. That means to do well in your studies or work and to show that Christians do well in all fields, in uprightness of life and with unselfish love to others.

I have some advice for you as to what to do when anyone criticizes you concerning any matter. Say nothing in your own defense. Let the Lord Himself defend you according to Isaiah 54:17: "'No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment will be condemned. Their vindication is from Me,' declares the Lord". It is pointless trying to clarify matters with most people. God is Almighty and His truth is like a fire that needs no defense from puny people like us.