I love to learn new things and to words of wisdom. A blog I read often recently posted some favorite nuggets of wisdom–simple reflective statements–that prompted me to think about complex questions and concepts. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s (1749–1832) Maxims and Reflections was a German writer, statesman, lawyer, playwright, and polymath.

Some of the favorites listed in this blog brought Bible passages to my mind. How about you?

“How can a man come to know himself? Never by thinking, but by doing. Try to do your duty and you will know at once what you are worth.” ~Goethe

“You felt secure in your wickedness. ‘No one sees me,’ you said. But your ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’ have led you astray, and you said, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.’

Isaiah 47:10, NLT

“It is a great error to take oneself for more than one is, or for less than one is worth.” ~Goethe

Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8, MSG

“No one should desire to live in irregular circumstances; but if by chance a man falls into them, they test his character and show how much determination he is capable of. ~Goethe

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 

James 1:2-3, NLT

“Nothing is more highly to be prized than the value of each day.” ~ Goethe

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.

Lamentations 3:22, MSG