When I was young, “He who…” jokes were popular. For example: "He who runs in front of a car gets tired; he who runs behind a car gets exhausted." Or this one: "He who leaps over a cliff jumps to a conclusion."

As a child, I found these amusing, though not particularly wise. 

I later learned that the Bible has many truly wise sayings, and by studying the scriptures about “He who” we can become wiser. Let’s look at a few examples.

Cupidity is acquisitiveness, avarice, covetousness, or simply greed. We need money to buy necessities, but the question is, “Just how much money is enough?”

We need food, clothing, and shelter to sustain life. There are other “necessities” in this modern age: transportation, communication, education, health care, etc. We also have wants that enhance our well-being. We can enjoy material things in a balanced way.

The year 1963 is remembered for significant events that occurred in the United States and in Southeast Asia. The world was aroused by the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of a Buddhist monk setting himself ablaze in Saigon to protest the government oppression of Buddhists. The rest of the year would be no less grim.

There is a wry old saying that “if it weren't for the last minute, I would never get anything done!” Many people live by this premise. Tension certainly builds as a critical deadline nears or a crisis looms, and the potential for a hazardous or devastating outcome can be exciting. Movies, television, and adventure stories often use this scenario, where events seem out of control as the hero or heroine, in grave danger, is faced with overwhelming odds and impending disaster.

In the latter half of the 1950s, there was a television program called “Father Knows Best.” It was “squeaky clean” and wholesome compared to most of today’s programming. The father, named Jim Anderson, portrayed knowledge and thoughtful wisdom in advising and guiding his family.