Pros and Cons of Music

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach

Music is one of the many things that God has blessed us with. Music has many benefits and uses, a great many good, and a few bad.

Well when someone tells me they have good news and bad news, then ask which I would like to hear first, I usually say the bad first. So I will list, in my opinion, the bad parts of music.

Music's Bad Side:

Con #1: Unnecessary Topics

The first bad thing about music is circumstantial. Not all bands/groups/orchestras (whatever they call themselves), do this; but many bands do. Many bands sing about things that should not be sung about. For example, Korn's song Adidas, which stands for All Day I Dream About Sex. Sex does not need to be sung about. Those types of issues, sex, drugs, suicide etc., are of no benefit to anyone. The only thing about songs that sing about those things, are catchy and/or good sounding (as far as instrumentation goes). However, that is no excuse to sing about them. Its not that hard to sing about other things that are beneficial, or just not about those issues. Whats the point of songs like that? There is nothing good there, so avoid it.

Con #2: Obscenities

One other thing, somewhat related, is using obscenities in the songs. Again, what is the point? Why do musicians feel the need to drop F-bombs, use the S, H, D, G-D, A etc. words? Its pointless! I am 100% sure they can find other words to rhyme with, syllable usage, and convey the same meaning without using obscenities. Its just promoting using that type of unnecessary language.

Con #3: Bad Sound

The final thing that I can think of as far as the bad things of music is... some of it just plain sucks! The biggest example of this would be elevator music! However, this last point is open to preference, seeing as how different people like different styles of music. Although, I have yet to meet one person who actually likes elevator music. I would actually prefer silence over that noise that they call music.

Pros of music:

Pro #1: Educational Aid

It has been shown in various researches that having background music while going about your various chores/work, to improve ones' end results. Students scored higher on tests when music was played, than students who did not listen to music. As well as other researches in the field include playing classical music while infants sleep, increases their learning ability/intelligence.

Pro #2: Emotional/Mental Encouragement/Inspiration

Many of you reading this already know what I mean, by the title alone. There are just some songs that get something inside you stirring, something that brings out a quality in you that intensifies when that song is playing. Whether it is determination, strength, love, a feeling of invincibility. These songs typically go on ones' "Workout" playlist on ones' ipod. These songs are a benefit to individuals because of the inspiration it brings. These songs drive a person to try harder and have a willingness to do so.

Pro #3: Monetary Benefits

This is true in the sense that, musicians often hold fundraising concerts. We saw this with the earthquake in Haiti. Many different artists performed, and asked for donations that would go to those in need. It is also true in the sense that it provides many jobs for people. The various places that concerts are held need to be prepared and that takes workers, those who work with the various effects that the bands use need to be carried out by other workers, the agents set up the concerts, the managers, the bands, they all are paying jobs and helping its' workers.

Pro #4: Worship

Christians, in their various denominations, sing songs in their Sunday services (and other days they have services) sing songs of praise, worship, adoration, and surrender. With these songs, we direct our focus our hearts, souls, and thoughts to God in worship of Him. Through song we rejoice, we cry out, we thank God in song.

Conclusion:

Music is a weapon of great power. Many have mastered it. Many have partially mastered it. Some have the music itself mastered, yet have to work on the lyrics. Some are the other way around, they need to improve on their music, but their lyrics are good. I therefore suggest, that when buying music, look at the lyrics and listen to the song before hand to see whether it is worth buying. Music has more pros than cons, but that does not mean we should not be wary of the cons.

"When words fail, music speaks." ~Unknown

~Wisdom Seeker

"Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully on the strings with loud shouts." ~Psalm 33:3

Stupid Criminals

There have been the criminal masterminds and just plain stupid criminals. First off, I think "criminal mastermind" is an oxymoron. A real mastermind would not be a criminal.

The following are two examples of some stupid criminals, I will try to rank them by the most stupid in my opinion.

#2: This criminal broke into a home to steal items of value and cash. However, he did not find anything that he fancied. Except for some clothes that he found in a closet that he really liked. The next day he was caught, by being identified by the clothes he was wearing.

#1: A man proceeded to rob a bank, then run on foot to get away. However, after running several blocks, the man grew tired, and decided to take nap on a park bench and fell asleep. (money in a bag underneath the bench) He was caught on the same park bench half an hour later.

Needless to say all criminals are stupid. If they were smart they would not be criminals. While criminals may be intelligent in different ways. Some with computers, others with street smarts. However, criminals are not wise! So don't be a criminal!

People who are not criminals make good money fairly, are a benefit to mankind, and do not waste their lives.

Don't waste your lives!

~Wisdom Seeker

Wisdom

What is wisdom? How do we define wisdom?

A Child may define wisdom as, being very smart. The Bible has this to say about wisdom, also the purpose of the book of Proverbs. "To know wisdom and instruction,to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing,in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the youth." ~Proverbs 1:2-4 (ESV) However, for the purpose of this particular blog; I will define wisdom as,

Wisdom: The intertwining of true knowledge into practical living.

Now what I mean by "true knowledge" is Biblical truths into practical living. Now non-Christians may not like that, but many people, evolutionists and atheists alike, while they don't believe what Christians believe; yet they admit that Christians have a great work ethic and are generally pleasant people. So, no one should have a problem with having integrity and morals in life; therefore should not be too upset about my definition.

Where can we find wisdom?

Being a Christian, obviously I will say the Bible. It is a great place to get good advice! I highly recommend reading it to anyone and everyone!

Another great place to get wisdom and insight is from elders. They have lived a long time, and know a lot about life. However, you may not want to ask them about computer problems and various technology related things. Seeing as how many of them probably don't even know how to use a computer.

There are many places to gain wisdom, perhaps the hardest place to gain wisdom is from being reproved by others. "Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence." ~Proverbs 15:32 (ESV) Its really hard to do this, but it is often one of the best places to get wisdom. You just have to be willing to accept it.

What can we do with wisdom?

With wisdom we can change the world. We can change the lives of millions. With wisdom, we can help the planet, our country, the economy, our communities, our family and friends. There is no end to the benefits of wisdom. Wisdom is something that should be sought after by every single person! There is no disadvantages to gaining wisdom.

"The doors of wisdom are never shut." ~Benjamin Franklin

Wisdom Seeker