With the death of former US President Gerald Ford in December 2006, many Americans found renewed appreciation for the man who steadfastly served following the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Many people knew that he had spent years of his life in public service before becoming President. But few knew the integral role his Christian faith had played in shaping his leadership skills.

During his years in the White House, Ford prayed Proverbs 3:5-6 every night, just as he had since he was a young boy. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” According to King Solomon, the purpose of Proverbs—as revealed in Proverbs 1—is to:

• Teach people wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:2).

• Help people understand the insights of the wise (Proverbs 1:2).

• Teach people to live disciplined and successful lives (Proverbs 1:3).

• Help people do what is right, just, and fair (Proverbs 1:3).

• Give insight to the simple (Proverbs 1:4).

• Give knowledge and discernment to the young (Proverbs 1:4).

• Enable the wise to become even wiser (Proverbs 1:5).

• Let those with understanding receive guidance (Proverbs 1:5).

• Develop proper fear of the Lord, the foundation of true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

President Ford understood the merit of a regular dose of Proverbs. He also embraced fellowship and accountability and surrounded himself with wise people who encouraged him to stay true to God, Christian disciplines, family, and friends.

Today, take time to meditate on the wisdom found in God’s Word. It’s something we all desperately need.