1. A fool is one who has conclusions before he has gathered all of the information.

2. A fool is one who is comfortable with you when you are at your worst. You will do well to avoid such a man that is at peace with the weakness within you.

3. A fool is one who causes your doubts and fears to strengthen and your faith to wane.

4. A fool is one who responds with hate when he is rebuked.

5. A fool is one who despises the instruction and exhortation of a proven teacher of wisdom.

6. A fool is one who utters slander.

7. A fool is a child who disregards the words of his father. If a child, whether he is young or old, cannot honor the parents who have given him sustenance and shelter for years, there is no hope for such child indeed.

8. A fool is one who uses anger and rage to threaten and manipulate others.

9. A fool is one who believes that they do no wrong, for the sons of men are full of pride and haughtiness.

10. A fool is one who shares his offence to other men around him.

11. A fool is one who refuses to keep the vows his lips have uttered.

12. A fool is one who meddles in the affairs of others.

13. A fool is one who will envy the prosperity of you rather than seeking to learn how it was attained.

Excerpt from “The House That Wisdom Built”

“Watch and Pray” were very words of Jesus Christ to his disciples. (Mathew 26:41). Christians, especially in Nigeria are quick to quote this at the slightest opportunity to counsel or preach. Though it was given in the context of watching and praying against temptation but it applies to every aspect of our lives. However we seem to have over-emphasized one of the two instructions at a great expense of the other. We have all become ‘prayer warriors’ and expect every thing to fall into place just by Praying.

We have failed to recognize the deliberate arrangement or prioritization of the two words. He said “Watch” first and then “Pray”. I believe if we do the first very well you will likely do less of the second. However, we have all either consciously or unconsciously left the first only to concentrate on the second. Little wonder we don’t get results. It has gotten so bad that even public officials instead of accepting responsibility for failure in the discharge of their public duties, turn to prayers and ask for prayers. Should you not ask for prayer as a leader? Yes, you should. But you do not have such a right if you are not watching as a leader. We can’t progress as a nation or a society if we continue with this trend. I quite agree with the crux of the write up by Sabella Abidde in the link below: http://www.punchng.com/opinion/viewpoint/fifty-four-billion-prayers-and-counting/

It is time we accepted responsibility for our destiny and stop believing that everything will be solved by just praying. We need to start using our thinking cap without underplaying the role of God in the affairs of men. God will not do what He has ordained men to do and man cannot do what only God can do. God is responsible for the supernatural and He has delegated responsibilities for the natural to men. It is time for us to be responsible.

Watching means planning, preparing, strategizing, being on the look out, focusing, taking actions, etc. The watching aspect is the part that has been delegated to men. When we watch, then God can heed our prayers and act. So if you want a better nation, it is time to start acting. Make your choices wisely. Don’t just act with flimsiness. Don’t be rash. He that believes shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:16.

Our future is in our hands. It is time to wake up and chart the course of your life by watching and praying.