If you seek wisdom, listen to wise people. However, do not take anything they say as the “Gospel Truth” until you compare what they say to the Truth. Remember, everything you hear and accept affects your faith.

Proverbs 1:5-6 NLT
(5) Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance
(6) by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

Many people start something new and continue with it until they meet opposition (internal or external). God, however, needs finishers – people that complete their assignments. The Apostle Paul stated:

2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT
(6) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.
(7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
(8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.

If you want to be successful, you must create a solid foundation upon the Word of God. God’s Word is wisdom, but in the King James Version of the Bible, success is only found in one Scripture:

Joshua 1:8 KJV
(8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

it is essential to life to plan ahead. Every plan that you make should be prayed over and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Psa 37:5
(5) Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you.

Something that many people do not do is engage their brain and think about situations and opportunities that arise. Thinking is part of living. If you stop thinking for yourself, anybody will convince you something else is true.

Pro 21:29 NLT
(29) The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.

Diligence is a determining factor in your success. Solomon warned us about diligent living.

Proverbs 4:23 KJV
(23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

In today’s society we must act with urgency on matters that God instructs to do. It was one of the keys to the accomplishment of Jesus’ and Paul’s work on the earth.

Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
(13) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
(14) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.