Walking Wisely: Real Guidance For Life's Journey

by Charles F. Stanley

Argues that genuine wisdom is achieved only when it is in accordance with God, explaining how to embrace values, perspectives, career goals, and daily decisions that are not compromised by worldly patterns.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

243 pages, Hardcover

First published February 5, 2002

About the author

Dr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.

However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.

Reviews

[Zera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wise man with wise words. After spending much of this year pondering over the topic of wisdom, I found great comfort in reading how this book ties it all together – the difference between earthly and godly wisdom, the source of wisdom and its differentiation from understanding, and how we are to pursue it relentlessly. Charles Stanley writes affably and concisely, and he strikes a balance between objective experience and his subjective anecdotes. I believe this book can serve as a solid starting point in exploring the ways in which wisdom applies in our lives – choosing friends, building friendships that matter, and resolving conflicts and criticisms – as well as an initiation for us to reflect on the areas in our life where we may be lacking wisdom. In all circumstances, Stanley cites the Bible to support his claims, which has also allowed me to mull over Proverbs in a different light.

I am sure to revisit the themes in this book time and again. This man knows a thing or two about friendships.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book by Dr Stanley that I highly recommend. This work focuses on Christian friendships and perseverance in our faith. It's a good choice for those seeking to enhance their Christian experience.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Dr. Stanley's books, but this one has a particularly useful section on friendships and relationships. I highly recommend it and any of his other books. They are edifying and always instructive.

[Jehiel Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. I think it’s the first one that I read from Charles Stanley.

The author outlines biblical principles to put you in perspective to live a wise life according to the Scriptures.

From moment to moment, it tends to be some repetitive, bur in general it’s a good reading.

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing resource. Will be my next graduation book, birthday book, etc. for ages 15-100.

[Bobby Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights from scripture and a wise pastor on walking wisely. Looking forward to incorporating some of Dr. Stanley’s teachings into our core value for youth of wise choices!

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Great book, instructive and encouraging, and scripture based! It reads like good, biblical advice from a close, honest, godly friend.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Excellent book as Dr. Stanley ALWAYS teaches from God's instruction book, the bible. In this book walking wisely Dr. Stanley is so right.. earthly Wisdom and Godly Wisdom Produce Different Outcomes.

* Earthly wisdom results in power struggles, personal kingdom building, greed, envy, avarice, and an argumentative spirit. As James wrote, earthly wisdom is “self-seeking.”
* Earthly wisdom results in a deep drive to satisfy human cravings and lust. It results in addictions, obsessions, and, ultimately, confusion about what is morally right and wrong.
* Earthly wisdom is under the influence of the evil one. It results in blasphemy, heresy, self-justification for sin, and spiritual error.

We must choose wisdom. We must invite God to lead us to His way and His plan. We must ask ourselves continually:

* Is this a wise decision?

* Is this the wise choice to make?

* Is this the wise path to pursue?

* Is this a wise use of my talents, gifts, skills, or resources?

* Is this a wise action to take in a relationship?

* Is this a wise way to live out the purpose God has for my life?

As we ask these questions, we must look and listen for God’s response. We must ask for God’s wisdom with a prayer, “Lord, give me Your answer.”

[Amy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It was FULL of Biblical principles and Godly wisdom. I especially found the section on choosing friends helpful for not only myself but for some friends of mine who were going through some difficult circumstances. God used this book in several different ways with multiple people within my sphere of influence while I was reading it. I had borrowed it but had to get a copy for myself to keep so I could read it again and refer back to it. I highly recommend this book to any believer regardless of where you are at in your walk of faith. If read with an open heart you will definitely benefit from this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! So many ah! moments in just the first three chapters. I think the level you are able to take away will be in direct proportion to the level of how you see God and how you are able to believe for the big things He has promised. I've seen him do stuff Great things and move in ways I never thought possible. I can't wait for More!!

[P.A. Pursley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book on how to walk wisely in both our relationships with people and with God. I learned so many things about my relationship with people. How they are all different and why God puts certain people in my life. He even goes through steps in our walk with God and how that changes.

If you want real information for real life living...this book is for you!

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Charles Stanley books. This book drug for the first half of it and was good on the second half. Enjoyed the chapters on facing temptation and the chapters that dealt with the various aspects of relationships. We can all use more wisdom.

[Kathy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the three Stanley books I have read so far, my 3rd favorite. Again his books are like no other. Truly gifted and blessed with the ability to reach people as a friend rather than a preacher.

[Cws]

241.4

[Jennifer Espada · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blessing!

[Carol Nain · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's good, but I find it difficult to live up to his expectations, even though I know he's right and it is for the betterment of yourself and your family.

[Karen Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Charles Stanley! He always gives such inspiring, wonderful advice.

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost always really like Stanley's books.

[23skadoo40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good reference tool for renewal of Christian belief as it helps one to remember and incorporate the foundation of their Christian faith on a daily basis.

[Loveleah · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to make the right choices and know the right path to take in life's journey.

[Mrlittlebride · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book to read.

[Mavis]

Inspirational!