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I'll Bet He Will Listen Next Time...

 
 John  Sedwick was a civil war general that is remembered for his last words more than his military record. During a battle in 1864, his troops were probing skirmish lines ahead of Confederate defenses and he was directing artillery placements. Confederate sharpshooters were about 1,000 yards away and their shots had caused members of his staff and artillerymen to duck for cover and suggest he do the same. Instead Sedgwick strode around in the open and was quoted as saying, "What? Men dodging this way for single bullets? What will you do when they open fire along the whole line?" Although ashamed, his men continued to flinch, so Sedwick replied, "I'm ashamed of you, dodging that way. They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance." Well you may have guess what happened next. Just seconds later he fell forward with a bullet hole below his left eye.
   Proverbs 12:15  
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

   We may think we have all the answers but a wise person listen to others when they give them warning. Don’t ignore wise counsel, your arrogance may come back to get you.

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