If you asked around the house what my favorite animated movie is, chances are high that my 9 year-old will quickly shout “Mr Peabody and Sherman!” Released on my birthday four years ago, this science fiction animation features two delinquent characters (a dog and his boy. Yes, you heard me right) who accidentally rip a hole in the universe, time travel and make a mess of world history. Now you have to understand that it’s every small boy’s (and small-boy-in-grown-man’s) fantasy to have some super powers. Not too surprising, considering the recent survey that revealed the most desired super powers are traveling through time, and reading minds. Any recommendations for another delusional movie that will get me to pretend to read minds?

No need to. I already have my super power. So do you. It is all the wisdom we need to navigate this complexity called life.

From my early teen years, I started reading the Proverbs of Solomon: A chapter a day (there are 31 chapters), in no particular order – I loathe routine. It’s a great way to gain wisdom. If you read chapter 10 like I did this morning, you will see things like:

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

Whoever spreads slander is a fool.

He who holds his tongue is wise.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver.

The lips of the righteous nourish many.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom.

The wise accumulate knowledge – a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much – a sheer waste.

You’ll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face.

What’s the super power here? You don’t have to be a direct descendant of Solomon to see this. The ultimate super power that you and I have (within easy reach) is right under our noses. Yes. Literally. With our mouth we can accomplish awestruck wonderful, powerful things. We can restore life, hope, and wealth. Or, we can bring ruin, devastation, and poverty. If that’s not a super power, I doubt Mr Peabody has anything on me.

PS. How about you commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs everyday, starting today? When December 1st rolls around, you’ll be done. Within easy reach, no?!