Pastor Mary mentioned in yesterday’s devotion that Solomon reiterates many things that he shared within the pervious chapters; and in Proverbs 20 we see much of the same pieces of wisdom being shared. You will notice that within each Proverb, Solomon rephrases the nuggets of Godly wisdom that he is sharing with not only his son, but with all believers, including you and me. This is not an exercise of annoyance, rather an exercise of continuously pointing believers towards having an obedient heart for Truth; a heart that is not only in relationship with Jesus, but one that longs to grow more faithful and righteous.
Today, is the inauguration of President Donald Trump back into office as the 47th President of the United States, it is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. there were approximately 250,000 people who marched on Washington for jobs and freedom at the largest civil rights gathering. During that speech, Dr. King quoted the Word of God 4 times. On the 8th time that he said “I have a dream” he went on to quote Isaiah 40:4-5, as he said, “I have a dream that one day ‘every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together’.” As many of you know, Dr. King was a minister and theologian who loved Jesus, and here we are almost 57 years after he was assassinated, honoring not only his life and what he did for civil rights, but how he loved Jesus and stood as a vessel for God’s Truth before the world to witness God’s love, justice, righteousness, and peace. We need to pray for this same wisdom that Dr. King embodied for our 47th President of the United States, President Donald Trump. Just as Solomon speaks of the wise counsel of the kings of his time, we want that same Godly wise counsel for our President so that it will translate God’s love, justice, righteousness, and peace to impact all of America and the world.
Proverbs 20 (NLT)
1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.
Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.
2 The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar;
to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
only fools insist on quarreling.
4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season
will have no food at the harvest.
5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart,
a person with understanding will draw it out.
6 Many will say they are loyal friends,
but who can find one who is truly reliable?
7 The godly walk with integrity;
blessed are their children who follow them.
8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence,
distinguishing the bad from the good.
9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart;
I am pure and free from sin”?
10 False weights and unequal measures—
the Lord detests double standards of every kind.
11 Even children are known by the way they act,
whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—
both are gifts from the Lord.
13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty.
Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
14 The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,”
then brags about getting a bargain!
15 Wise words are more valuable
than much gold and many rubies.
16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt.
Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.
17 Stolen bread tastes sweet,
but it turns to gravel in the mouth.
18 Plans succeed through good counsel;
don’t go to war without wise advice.
19 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
so don’t hang around with chatterers.
20 If you insult your father or mother,
your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.
21 An inheritance obtained too early in life
is not a blessing in the end.
22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
23 The Lord detests double standards;
he is not pleased by dishonest scales.
24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?
25 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God
and only later counting the cost.
26 A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat,
then runs his threshing wheel over them.
27 The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,
exposing every hidden motive.
28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is made secure through love.
29 The glory of the young is their strength;
the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;
such discipline purifies the heart.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the example of wisdom for our lives. Holy Spirit, please impart Your wisdom to each of us today. Be with President Trump today and each day that he serves as our 47th President. Impart Your Godly wisdom to him so that he can make sound decisions for our country. We ask for You to guide his heart, words, actions, inactions, and steps each day that we are all within his care. May You be glorified, Jesus, in America and throughout the world. We ask this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.