Devotionals

Sinful and worldly foolishness is the opposite of Godly and divine wisdom.
Sinful and worldly laziness is the opposite of Godly and divine strength.
Sinful and worldly wickedness is the opposite of Godly and divine righteousness.

Proverbs 26 draws our attention to not be a fool who is lazy and wicked, as those are sinful choices that are attached to this world. We are daughters and sons who contain the Holy Spirit, and we call on the Spirit to guide us with wisdom and strength so that we are living righteously in the Name of Jesus Christ.

We have spent 26 days together in the Book of Proverbs asking the Holy Spirit for more Godly and divine wisdom, to provide us with His strength so that we can walk with more righteousness as we grow closer in relationship with Jesus.

Every second of the past 26 days, so for the last 2.2 million seconds, we have either chosen to honor and obey God, or we have chosen to dishonor and disobey God. We must remember, while God wants to move in our spirit to shine His light on the Truth that each of these Proverbs offers our eternal existence; simultaneously, the enemy wants us to feel like these Proverbs are too repetitive, maybe boring, or even not applicable to our lives, which could not be further away from the Truth.

God designed the Book of Proverbs, and the repetition is intentional. This teaching tool makes certain that you and I fully understand the importance of Godly wisdom. This is not an attempt to make things boring, rather the repetition and presentation of wisdom in different ways is meant to help us remember and internalize Godly wisdom so that the Holy Spirit can apply it to our lives and through our lives.

Proverbs 26 (NLT)

1 Honor is no more associated with fools
than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

3 Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle,
and a fool with a rod to his back!

4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or you will become as foolish as they are.

5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or they will become wise in their own estimation.

6 Trusting a fool to convey a message
is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison!

7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

8 Honoring a fool
is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

9 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

10 An employer who hires a fool or a bystander
is like an archer who shoots at random.

11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his foolishness.

12 There is more hope for fools
than for people who think they are wise.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road!
Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”

14 As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,
so the lazy person turns over in bed.

15 Lazy people take food in their hand
but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

16 Lazy people consider themselves smarter
than seven wise counselors.

17 Interfering in someone else’s argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

18 Just as damaging
as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friend
and then says, “I was only joking.”

20 Fire goes out without wood,
and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

21 A quarrelsome person starts fights
as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

22 Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.

23 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,
just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

24 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they’re deceiving you.
25 They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.
26 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

27 If you set a trap for others,
you will get caught in it yourself.
If you roll a boulder down on others,
it will crush you instead.

28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
and flattering words cause ruin.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for emphasizing wisdom throughout the Book of Proverbs. You have been made wisdom, and we want to continue to grow closer to You which means that we need to grow in Your divine wisdom. Holy Spirit, please continue to strengthen and grow each one of us, fill us with more of Your wisdom, and guide us to live in oneness and righteousness with You. Steer us away from foolishness, keep us from laziness, and guard us from being wicked or entertaining wickedness. We ask all of this in Jesus’s Name. Amen.

Has the Lord ever asked you to bless and do good to someone who has hurt you? Certainly, this has happened to me, but good lessons did follow when I was obedient. Typically, as believers, we just want to stay away from people who hurt us. No revenge. No retaliation. Just, distance, right? But, if we realize God is always trying to reward us with his goodness, it only makes sense that he would send us to be kind; to be a blessing to someone who doesn’t deserve it. In doing so, Solomon tells us it is like heaping burning coals on that person’s head. Basically, it reveals we believe and live the gospel and our kindness positions the Spirit to bring upon him/her convicting pressure for repentance.

In our passage today, Hezekiah King of Judah begins to share the next five chapters of wisdom writings given by Solomon. Proverbs Chapters 25-29 were some of Solomon’s writings that had never been published; they were found and written into the existing scrolls of Solomon. King Hezekiah, a righteous leader who reestablished Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, added these writings approximately 250 yeas after Solomon’s death, to encourage, as well as challenge God’s people during a time of renewal and revival.

King Hezekiah knew the people needed the knowledge these previously unpublished writings would provide. We need this Wisdom, as well. So, may we be good to our enemies, pray for them, let go of any grudges, and look for God to bring the reward. Acts of mercy can lead to repentance and salvation in Jesus the Christ. Remember, all things are possible with God!

Proverbs 25 NLT
1
These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2 
It is God’s privilege to conceal things
    and the king’s privilege to discover them.
3 
No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
    or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
4 
Remove the impurities from silver,
    and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
5 
Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
    and his reign will be made secure by justice.
6 
Don’t demand an audience with the king
    or push for a place among the great.
7 
It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
    than to be sent away in public disgrace.
Just because you’ve seen something,
8 
    don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?
9 
When arguing with your neighbor,
    don’t betray another person’s secret.
10 
Others may accuse you of gossip,
    and you will never regain your good reputation.
11 
Timely advice is lovely,
    like golden apples in a silver basket.
12 
To one who listens, valid criticism
    is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
13 
Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
    They revive the spirit of their employer.
14 
A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
    is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
15 
Patience can persuade a prince,
    and soft speech can break bones.
16 
Do you like honey?
    Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!
17 
Don’t visit your neighbors too often,
    or you will wear out your welcome.
18 
Telling lies about others
    is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
    or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
19 
Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble
    is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
20 
Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
    is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
    or pouring vinegar in a wound.
21 
If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
    If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22 
You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
    and the Lord will reward you.
23 
As surely as a north wind brings rain,
    so a gossiping tongue causes anger!
24 
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
    than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
25 
Good news from far away
    is like cold water to the thirsty.
26 
If the godly give in to the wicked,
    it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.
27 
It’s not good to eat too much honey,
    and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
28 
A person without self-control
    is like a city with broken-down walls.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding us, today, about your goodness and the rewards you always enjoy bringing to your children who are called according to your name. Help us to be willing to step out and be kind and forgiving to those who mistreat us. Holy Spirit, we pray for you to use these opportunities to bring more souls into the Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Would you describe yourself as having a teachable spirit—willing to learn, grow, and be led by the Holy Spirit? People in our culture certainly put a lot of emphasis on gaining knowledge, but in Scripture that word knowledge has to do with the ability to grasp the big picture—experientially gain spiritual truths, desire righteous moral principles, and understand the pure nature of God. We learned early in our study, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Pro 1:7).

Biblical knowledge makes life meaningful, because it brings peace, joy, and satisfaction. The Lord helps us look at life circumstances in a more positive way, motivates us to share acts of love, treasure our relationships, and treat others with respect. We may lose our material belongings, but we cannot lose these works of “knowledge” when we have the Lord. Our knowledge of righteousness is with us always, because the Spirit dwells with us.

In our passage today from Chapter 24, Solomon urges his son to remain teachable in the knowledge of the Lord. Adversity will come to every life, so God’s people must stay strong in faith and character. It is during times of adversity where our character is forged and our faith is tested. There is a battle between good and evil. Do we really believe the things we proclaim about God? Is he still Good when we face challenges and devastating news? Every day may be the training ground for bigger battles, but the battle belongs to the Lord. Our part is to persevere and gain Wisdom while we can…

Proverbs 24 NLT
1
Don’t envy evil people
    or desire their company.
2 
For their hearts plot violence,
    and their words always stir up trouble.
3 
A house is built by wisdom
    and becomes strong through good sense.
4 
Through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
5 
The wise are mightier than the strong,
    and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
6 
So don’t go to war without wise guidance;
    victory depends on having many advisers.
7 
Wisdom is too lofty for fools.
    Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.
8 
A person who plans evil
    will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
9 
The schemes of a fool are sinful;
    everyone detests a mocker.
10 
If you fail under pressure,
    your strength is too small.
11 
Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;
    save them as they stagger to their death.
12 
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
    For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
    He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
13 
My child, eat honey, for it is good,
    and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
14 
In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.
    If you find it, you will have a bright future,
    and your hopes will not be cut short.
15 
Don’t wait in ambush at the home of the godly,
    and don’t raid the house where the godly live.
16 
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
    But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
17 
Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;
    don’t be happy when they stumble.
18 
For the Lord will be displeased with you
    and will turn his anger away from them.
19 
Don’t fret because of evildoers;
    don’t envy the wicked.
20 
For evil people have no future;
    the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 
My child, fear the Lord and the king.
Don’t associate with rebels,
22 
    for disaster will hit them suddenly.
Who knows what punishment will come
    from the Lord and the king?

More Sayings of the Wise
23 Here are some further sayings of the wise:
It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
24 
A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
25 
But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
    rich blessings will be showered on them.
26 
An honest answer
    is like a kiss of friendship.
27 
Do your planning and prepare your fields
    before building your house.
28 
Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause;
    don’t lie about them.
29 
And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me!
    I’ll get even with them!”
30 
I walked by the field of a lazy person,
    the vineyard of one with no common sense.
31 
I saw that it was overgrown with nettles.
    It was covered with weeds,
    and its walls were broken down.
32 
Then, as I looked and thought about it,
    I learned this lesson:
33 
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 
then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
    scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us experience the truth of Wisdom and grow in righteous living according to your principles as we learn from your loving nature. We all face different kinds of adversity, but each challenge calls us to grow in our devotion; otherwise, we will fall into despair. We know you will be faithful to guide us toward good things, so we thank you for the goodness that is being prepared for your sons and daughters who are led by the Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We can have appetites for many things this fallen world has to offer, can’t we? Therefore, we must be diligent with self-control, as well as teach our children about the foolish path strewn with the temptation and gluttony of food, alcohol, drugs, social media, foul TV/movies, as well as the destructive work of lust that can rob and destroy lives. Every human being has an inclination to follow temptation. These things cannot satisfy a soul that was created to hunger for Christ alone; Jesus is the only Antidote for the world’s poison. Thinking our lives will not be changed by what we consume is the epitome of foolishness.

Gluttony is a topic we don’t cover often, but we should certainly do so. Gluttony is a silent killer that is greatly underestimated; it is a lack of control over one’s consumption. For example, we may not see the overindulgence or poor choice of foods we consume as a sin; however, we may point the finger of shame at the sinful consumption by others of alcohol, drugs, as well as illicit sex. Our bodies are the temple of God; his Spirit lives in us (1 Cor 3:16). So, whatever we choose to indulge in definitely matters to the Lord. Gluttony and lust have tentacles that reach into many areas of human life and relationships, so people need to learn divine Wisdom on how to take authority over them in the Spirit of self-control.

Lust is another topic we rarely cover, but is so very dangerous to our relationship with God and our loved ones. Lust is a sinful desire for something that God has forbidden. Many times we associate lust with sexual behavior, but it is also connected to intoxication, thievery, hoarding, revenge, etc.; the root of lust is emptiness. Lust is a predator and human beings are its prey. Just because a person does not act upon a lustful desire, does not mean sin is absent. Jesus said to even “look” with lust is committing unfaithfulness in the heart (Mat 5:28). God is not unaware of the lustful fantasy of the mind and Jesus teaches the eye is the window to the soul. Pornography is a killer; it destroys trust and intimacy. People may think it is harmless, but they are terribly deceived. Pornography is a battle that is fought in the mind, the root is selfishness, and destroyed lives are the result. There is never a way to satisfy the root of lust.

In our passage from Proverbs 23, today, Solomon continues to teach his son about the areas of life that desperately need Christ’s Wisdom and the fruit of self-control. Solomon has spent a lot of energy and words through his wisdom writings teaching his son about immoral sexuality; he writes about the prostitute or immoral woman—a metaphor for sexual sin and lust.

Wisdom is a Person—Jesus—who calls us to follow him as committed disciples. Folly is a person—Satan—who seeks to trap and kill the unsuspecting. Remember, the pure in heart—those set apart for the glory of the Lord— are the ones who shall see God (Mat 5:8). Gluttony and lust are trespassing thieves seeking to rob the believer and we need to send them straight back to hell.

Proverbs 23 NLT
1
While dining with a ruler,
    pay attention to what is put before you.
2 
If you are a big eater,
    put a knife to your throat;
3 
don’t desire all the delicacies,
    for he might be trying to trick you.
4 
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.
    Be wise enough to know when to quit.
5 
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
    for it will sprout wings
    and fly away like an eagle.
6 
Don’t eat with people who are stingy;
    don’t desire their delicacies.
7 
They are always thinking about how much it costs.
    “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
8 
You will throw up what little you’ve eaten,
    and your compliments will be wasted.
9 
Don’t waste your breath on fools,
    for they will despise the wisest advice.
10 
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers;
    don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
11 
For their Redeemer is strong;
    he himself will bring their charges against you.
12 
Commit yourself to instruction;
    listen carefully to words of knowledge.
13 
Don’t fail to discipline your children.
    The rod of punishment won’t kill them.
14 
Physical discipline
    may well save them from death.
15 
My child, if your heart is wise,
    my own heart will rejoice!
16 
Everything in me will celebrate
    when you speak what is right.
17 
Don’t envy sinners,
    but always continue to fear the Lord.
18 
You will be rewarded for this;
    your hope will not be disappointed.
19 
My child, listen and be wise:
    Keep your heart on the right course.
20 
Do not carouse with drunkards
    or feast with gluttons,
21 
for they are on their way to poverty,
    and too much sleep clothes them in rags.
22 
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23 
Get the truth and never sell it;
    also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 
The father of godly children has cause for joy.
    What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25 
So give your father and mother joy!
    May she who gave you birth be happy.
26 
O my son, give me your heart.
    May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
27 
A prostitute is a dangerous trap;
    a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
28 
She hides and waits like a robber,
    eager to make more men unfaithful.
29 
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
    Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
    Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
    trying out new drinks.
31 
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
    how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32 
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;
    it stings like a viper.
33 
You will see hallucinations,
    and you will say crazy things.
34 
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,
    clinging to a swaying mast.
35 
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
    I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up
    so I can look for another drink?”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us really think and focus today on the sinful roots of gluttony and lust. We need to be aware and on guard, because we know how you feel about these things. The enemy tries all the time to use fear as a way to alienate us from your presence, but gluttony and lust operating in our lives does the same thing. It’s all sin and we need your help to overcome everything sent to destroy us. We pray for your goodness and courage to fill us, today. We pray for you to give us a desire for righteousness that far exceeds any desire for that which is forbidden by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

As parents, we should always want God’s best for our children and that means they need plenty of love, guidance, and correction. Many times we want to shield our children from the lack and pain we may have experienced in our young lives, or the difficulties that tried to destroy our own futures. After all, this is a fallen world and sin tempts everyone and, yes, especially parents; we are all flawed so we need our Creator to direct every life. The enemy is never silent or still; he moves to rob, kill, and destroy the abundant life of Christ moment by moment. Satan—the author of sin and death—hates and strives to destroy everyone connected to Christ—our Holy God and Author of the Holy Life.

We may passionately desire a meaningful and successful future for ourselves and our loved ones, but many times we stop looking beyond this natural realm for the victory only grace can provide. The world is not our home; this worldly system of lies is not our Creator. Only God can bring us meaning and success for living; we can make plans and steer things, but if the direction we are going is not the will of God then our efforts will not bring what we hope to gain. Evil cannot be satisfied. We cannot follow our hearts, we must obediently follow the righteous plan of God laid out in his Word. But, are we promised if we teach our children the gospel, they will always follow Christ and never veer from the Truth? Let’s remember the lesson of the Prodigal son who as a child experienced the loving care of the Father, yet demanded his own selfish way and left the safe dwelling of grace for a season; he experienced tremendous lack, but he found his way back to abundant life (Luke 15:11-32).

In our reading from Proverbs 22, today, King Solomon reminds us the greatest need for children is to know the saving power of Jesus and it is the parents job to set the course from the beginning. Therefore, as believers, our children should be the first ones we teach about their sinful nature and the righteous nature of Jesus to bring salvation and deliverance. Children need instruction, guidance, and discipline; this is an example of sharing the Good News of Christ. As our heavenly Father disciplines his children, we must also correct our children by helping them pursue and follow the spiritual realm of righteous living with the Lord. Yet, there is that free will, the deception of Satan, and a world culture that tries to steer a heart away from God; leaving a soul feeling lost and disconnected.

As I type this devotional, I am sitting next to a cup that bears my granddaughter’s picture and the wisdom proverb found in verse 6 (Ch 22). I know it takes the faithful work of God’s Spirit to help raise children into God-fearing adults. I pray for Christian parents to understand the power of a strong free will, the tendency of every human being to demand his or her own way, and Satan’s unquenchable hunger to destroy God’s design for family. I pray against a spirit of shame and failure for parents who have done all they knew to do only to feel their children are lost; we must trust the seeds of Truth we have sown in our children. When we pray and trust the Word of the Lord for salvation, we are saved and that salvation works to bring our families to Christ, as well (Acts 16:31-32). I pray for the supernatural and transforming work of Christ to bring people of all ages, who have heard and received the seeds of Truth, back to the Truth with their obedient lives and receive wholeness for the Glory of our amazing Lord in Jesus’ name! May the Wisdom of Christ open blind eyes to see and deaf ears to hear what the Spirit is saying in their spirits!

Proverbs 22 NLT
1
Choose a good reputation over great riches;
    being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
2 
The rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord made them both.
3 
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
    The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4 
True humility and fear of the Lord
    lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5 
Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
    whoever values life will avoid it.
6 
Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7 
Just as the rich rule the poor,
    so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 
Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
    and their reign of terror will come to an end.
9 
Blessed are those who are generous,
    because they feed the poor.
10 
Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
    Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11 
Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
    will have the king as a friend.
12 
The Lord preserves those with knowledge,
    but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13 
The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!
    If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14 
The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;
    those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.
15 
A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,
    but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16 
A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor
    or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Sayings of the Wise
17 
Listen to the words of the wise;
    apply your heart to my instruction.
18 
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
    and always ready on your lips.
19 
I am teaching you today—yes, you—
    so you will trust in the Lord.
20 
I have written thirty sayings for you,
    filled with advice and knowledge.
21 
In this way, you may know the truth
    and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22 
Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
    or exploit the needy in court.
23 
For the Lord is their defender.
    He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24 
Don’t befriend angry people
    or associate with hot-tempered people,
25 
or you will learn to be like them
    and endanger your soul.
26 
Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
    or put up security for someone else.
27 
If you can’t pay it,
    even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28 
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
    set up by previous generations.
29 
Do you see any truly competent workers?
    They will serve kings
    rather than working for ordinary people.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Rescuer! We pray for a spiritual rescue mission for our sons, daughters, and family of loved ones to return to the Truth and Life you offer. We pray for a spiritual rescue mission for our friends, neighbors, and this world that desperately needs your forgiveness and grace. We pray for Wisdom to guide the choices of all of your children. We pray to see the foolishness of our selfish ways. We pray for the gospel seeds already planted in hearts to overtake the sinful inclinations of human flesh, so we can genuinely emulate the Truth. Give every heart that has some knowledge of you, an unquenchable hunger for the Truth and pursue it for overflow. Bring the miracles we need, Lord. Deliver us and our loved ones from evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Victory in Jesus is one of my favorite gospel songs. It reminds me of the atoning work of Jesus for me; to redeem, cleanse, heal, and open my eyes to the Truth of the Father’s love for me. As a believer, I have victory because I have repented of sin and chose to reach for his godliness. The Lord guides, directs, and has authority over all things. Therefore, if I stay focused on my Lord, I never have to fear not being in the right place at the right time; I will not miss a single good thing God has for me. I have victory over sin and death to live in Christ and, if you have repented and been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so do you!

In our passage this morning from Proverbs 21, King Solomon reminds us of the power, knowledge, and presence of the Lord over all creation and this Lord examines the motives of human hearts. Think about how God knows the hearts that run to share goodness and the hearts that run to do evil. God can move people around and in and out of positions according to his will. He knows the leaders who will honor his Word and who will not. As believers, when we do the will of the Lord, we may not always see the results right away, but God sees the Truth of our discipleship. God knows and has the power to position any human being where he or she can bring the most good for the benefit of Christ and his Kingdom.

Now, as God’s sons and daughters, we may not like where we are positioned sometimes, because God does not ask us where we want to serve, what we want our responsibilities to involve, or if we like the people with whom we serve. God simply positions us, guides and empowers us, and asks us to go and do his will where he places us. Learning to treasure our call from the Lord is a part of our transformation; to become disciples [students] of Christ.

God has moved kings, presidents, and other leaders throughout history in order to accomplish his justice and reveal his glory. There have been times in my life where I did not understand God’s positioning process, but down the road of life a bit farther it all made sense to me. Christ was discipling me, so I could disciple others. I was learning valuable lessons that would help prepare, sustain, and make me victorious in the next place the Lord was taking me. Therefore, keeping a humble attitude is essential, because we must be motivated to do the will of God.

Proverbs 21 NLT
1
The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
    he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 
People may be right in their own eyes,
    but the Lord examines their heart.
3 
The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
    than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 
Haughty eyes, a proud heart,
    and evil actions are all sin.
5 
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
    but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 
Wealth created by a lying tongue
    is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
7 
The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.
8 
The guilty walk a crooked path;
    the innocent travel a straight road.
9 
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
    than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 
Evil people desire evil;
    their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 
If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
    if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 
The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;
    he will bring disaster on them.
13 
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor
    will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 
A secret gift calms anger;
    a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 
Justice is a joy to the godly,
    but it terrifies evildoers.
16 
The person who strays from common sense
    will end up in the company of the dead.
17 
Those who love pleasure become poor;
    those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 
The wicked are punished in place of the godly,
    and traitors in place of the honest.
19 
It’s better to live alone in the desert
    than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 
The wise have wealth and luxury,
    but fools spend whatever they get.
21 
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 
The wise conquer the city of the strong
    and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
    and you will stay out of trouble.
24 
Mockers are proud and haughty;
    they act with boundless arrogance.
25 
Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,
    for their hands refuse to work.
26 
Some people are always greedy for more,
    but the godly love to give!
27 
The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable,
    especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 
A false witness will be cut off,
    but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 
The wicked bluff their way through,
    but the virtuous think before they act.
30 
No human wisdom or understanding or plan
    can stand against the Lord.
31 
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, you have called us to be your disciples and you continue to use all of Scripture to help us discover and learn your righteous ways. Our human wisdom is inadequate, but your divine Wisdom in Christ makes us victorious as disciples. Examine our hearts and motives; help us grow in Truth. Give us eyes to see evil and run from it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Broken promises, the abandonment of a parent, abuse of trust, unfaithful mates, untrue gossip, physical or emotional violence are just some of the acts of injustice we can face in this life; they all leave deep wounds and pain. Even though God has promised to be our Vindicator, letting him handle things when we have been wronged can be a difficult challenge. Oh, we trust God for sure, right? Yet, we know God’s timing is different; he may not deal with things right away. God’s perspective of a situation is entirely righteous bringing to the forefront the motives of every heart; he may not deal with the situation the way we would prefer. God’s goal is to make us stronger and persevering in this life; he may call us to forgive an offense without receiving an apology or a change in that person. God’s way is not a “get even” process; he is pure righteousness.

In our passage today from Proverbs 20, we are reminded about the fallen nature of humanity and the pain that sinful flesh can inflict. We want to see justice be served when we are harmed; it is not wrong to want justice, but we must allow God to execute it. Scripture reminds us it is God’s place to judge, punish, justify, and vindicate (Ro 12:19). God alone is pure and without sin, so he can cause our innocence to be radiant with his glory before others should that be his plan.

If we do not leave injustice with God, we will find ourselves with bitter souls [a sin]. We will hold onto grudges and spend our energy condemning others. Instead of living in this awful soup of negativity, we can trust God to deal with our hearts, the hearts of others involved, choose to look at the situation with the eyes of mercy, and forgive (1 Pet 2:21-23). Making a list of wrongs is not Jesus; nor is being happy when those who have harmed us get harmed by others. The Wisdom of God—Jesus— calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Mat 5:44). If Jesus could look at those who were murdering him and ask the Father to forgive them, we can choose love and receive grace for the things we face.

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: Lord, to guard our hearts against bitterness and resentment for the pain we have endured from others, we give you our emotions and surrender our right to get even. We forgive others, will wait for the justice you declare, and call for the Spirit to heal and restore our souls. You have taught us to forgive as we have been forgiven and we want to honor your Wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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.

Much of what Solomon writes in Proverbs 18 reiterates many things he has shared in previous chapters. Yet, every time I read through these Wisdom points, I gain something deeper in meaning from them as they relate to my life. Sometimes the passages are affirming and sometimes they are convicting. I have especially valued everything relating to that big muscle—the tongue. Today, I truly treasure the Wisdom shared about active listening, friendship, and counseling.

Pastoral care—providing emotional and spiritual support—is a bit different then pastoral counseling—more specialized emotional and psychological support—but both require pastors to rest with discernment in the healing work of God’s Spirit. Listening is key, so that is where the pastor must begin. When people open up to talk, it requires eye contact, focused listening, and empathy—the ability to place one’s self in that person’s shoes. We must fight the urge to chime in while a person is trying to share from the wounds in their hearts. The Spirit will guide the conversation.

In our passage today from Proverbs 18, it clearly does not take a pastor to share compassionate or empathetic listening and care. You can be an emotional and spiritual support for others, too. God invites all of us to find our refuge in his name; salvation is found in no other name (Ro 10:13).

As we humble ourselves seeking the miraculous help of God to bring healing, we find the Lord waiting to honor us with his love, friendship, and blessing. “There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Pro 18:24). Jesus is a Friend who stands at heaven’s court and reaches out to love and heal us. Jesus is the Healer, because Jesus is a Friend who offers pure love and vows to never leave us. Healing always flows from him as we agree in his love. So, when 2-3 are gathered in his name, Christ is in the midst ready to extend truth, love, and grace (Mat 18:18-20).

Proverbs 18 NLT
1
Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
    they lash out at common sense.
2 
Fools have no interest in understanding;
    they only want to air their own opinions.
3 
Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
    and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 
Wise words are like deep waters;
    wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 
It is not right to acquit the guilty
    or deny justice to the innocent.
6 
Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
    they are asking for a beating.
7 
The mouths of fools are their ruin;
    they trap themselves with their lips.
8 
Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 
A lazy person is as bad as
    someone who destroys things.
10 
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
    the godly run to him and are safe.
11 
The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
    they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 
Haughtiness goes before destruction;
    humility precedes honor.
13 
Spouting off before listening to the facts
    is both shameful and foolish.
14 
The human spirit can endure a sick body,
    but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 
Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 
Giving a gift can open doors;
    it gives access to important people!
17 
The first to speak in court sounds right—
    until the cross-examination begins.
18 
Flipping a coin can end arguments;
    it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 
An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
    Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 
Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    the right words bring satisfaction.
21 
The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
    and he receives favor from the Lord.
23 
The poor plead for mercy;
    the rich answer with insults.
24 
There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today about the power of friendship, love, and empathy. Lead us to be healers of one another. Help us to care deeply and listen carefully to the hearts that carry wounds and need the delivering Savior. We desire to control our tongues and become people who listen more than we talk. Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see and ears to hear how we can be a blessing and a true friend in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Learning what it means to worship the Lord our God is the purpose of Scripture. God reveals himself on the pages though his miraculous work, pure character, and the people he highlights for faith. Since the beginning of our reading in the Wisdom Book of Proverbs, we have learned our worship of God is reflected in our practical lifestyle choices.

When human beings choose a foolish lifestyle [void of Wisdom], they end up isolating themselves farther and farther from living in the Truth. In stepping away from a humble posture before God, people become destructive, judgmental, critical, and opinionated—fools. This isolation pushes any kind of conscience or conviction to the side; people do not see their actions as self-serving or their mouths like machine guns shooting out careless and condemning words that wound the soul of others. Fools think the worst and act accordingly; becoming absorbed with self. Living foolishly is always a temptation, so Solomon shares with his son and writes about it in some form in every chapter, so God’s people will better understand the ways of Wisdom.

No matter what generation in which we live, we can choose to be foolish or wise; everyone has the opportunity to choose between living for good or evil. Although, as human beings, we will always struggle against sin in thought, word, or deed, we do not have the right to simply say what we want and then apologize later. In time after repeated harm, no one is listening to us; we are too caustic and untrustworthy with their feelings.

There is a time to confront a person and time to be quiet; Wisdom knows the difference. Arguments, quarrels, and outbursts of anger show very little self-control. According to Solomon, a fool has a closed mind to the sound judgment shared by others while at the same time has a big mouth. This is another picture of pride. It’s a human problem and for this reason James reminds Christ’s [Wisdom] followers, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (1:19).

How about gossip? People tend to love juicy gossip—negative information—and they can hang onto it for a very longtime; long after it may even be proven false. Gossip is an addiction and it destroys lives and relationships. Gossip has been described as a “delicacy” to the appetites of fools. So, when those seeking to grow in Wisdom hear gossip, what is the proper response? We need to speak up when others are put down; at those times a reputation is being destroyed. So speak up in righteousness, because in Christ we are full of truth and grace. Let’s remember, in Christ, our delicacy [food] is to do the will of the Father (John 19:30).

Waging war against sin by acting in righteousness is Wisdom’s call to every believer, because it delivers one from evil. The words and ways of a wise person brings forth blessing. Foolishness delivers dishonor, shame, and disgrace in time leaving a person abandoned in desperate need of the Savior. Certainly, Jesus is right there to bring that salvation, but if a person continues on the path of foolishness, the consequences become more and more severe.

The Ten Commandments given by God are love orders, because God cares about our relationship with himself and with others. I ran across the Ten Commandments of Human Relations [by Robert G. Lee 1927-1960] while reading today and thought I would share them with you:
Speak to people
Smile at people
Call people by name
Be friendly and helpful
Be genuinely interested in people
Be generous with praise and cautious with criticism
Be considerate with the feelings of others
Be alert to give service
Learn to trust people
Have a sense of humor

Scripture reveals Jesus emulated all of these things throughout his brief human life on earth. The words of a fool can become a trap for his life; words can bring about ruin and destruction. It may take a lifetime to build a good reputation, but very quickly that can be destroyed when a person forgets the need to tame the tongue.

Proverbs 17 NLT
1
Better a dry crust eaten in peace
    than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.
2 
A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son
    and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
3 
Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.
4 
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
    liars pay close attention to slander.
5 
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
6 
Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
    parents are the pride of their children.
7 
Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
8 
A bribe is like a lucky charm;
    whoever gives one will prosper!
9 
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
    but dwelling on it separates close friends.
10 
A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
    than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
11 
Evil people are eager for rebellion,
    but they will be severely punished.
12 
It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
    than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.
13 
If you repay good with evil,
    evil will never leave your house.
14 
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,
    so stop before a dispute breaks out.
15 
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
    both are detestable to the Lord.
16 
It is senseless to pay to educate a fool,
    since he has no heart for learning.
17 
A friend is always loyal,
    and a brother is born to help in time of need.
18 
It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt
    or put up security for a friend.
19 
Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;
    anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.
20 
The crooked heart will not prosper;
    the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.
21 
It is painful to be the parent of a fool;
    there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
22 
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
23 
The wicked take secret bribes
    to pervert the course of justice.
24 
Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 
Foolish children bring grief to their father
    and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.
26 
It is wrong to punish the godly for being good
    or to flog leaders for being honest.
27 
A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.
28 
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Prayer: Father, please help us focus not just on our interests but upon the interests of others. Help us to listen and talk less. We desire for our words to be a flowing river of life for others, so we ask for you, Holy Spirit, to put a watch over our mouths. As well, please guard us against pushing through our agendas at the sake and well-being of others; you love the motivation and work ethic we have to make a difference for the Kingdom, but how we do it is even more important. In Jesus’ name. Amen.