February 2-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:1-3, The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Observe what it is saying.
Today, we begin our look at chapter 11 as an example of the pithy statements of wisdom that fill the remainder of the book. These three statements center on integrity that is fueled by humility. When we choose the humble way, we choose the way of wisdom. Such a Godly approach will cause integrity to be formed deep within our character. It will show itself in trustworthy transactions with one another. We refuse to be deceitful but will insist that our personal and business dealings are marked with absolute scrupulousness. We need to understand how much the Lord detests dishonesty. Such a proud, unfaithful life leads to shame, and if it continues to go unchecked, will lead to the demise of those who participate in it. These verses reveal that authentic faith will make itself known in every aspect of our lives. As the people of God, we cannot be dishonest in our dealings with others for it will be found out in one way or another.
Relate it to your life.
Authentic faith in Christ will lead to holy character that reveals itself in honest dealings with all people.
Do something.
Father, make me pure and holy in all of my ways. May Your word and Spirit form me into the person that honors and pleases You in all of my earthly transactions. May heaven be found on earth where I interact with others. Amen.
February 3-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:4, Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Observe what it is saying.
Proverbs has much to say about money. In some places, wealth is associated with living wisely. Here we find wealth has its limits. It cannot save us. It is of no eternal value. Even if you believe the Lord has blessed you with abundant resources, please do not be confused that your riches are a sign of your salvation. They cannot spare you from eternal judgment. Wealth in the right hands can literally do a world of good. Businesses can be built offering gainful employment to many. Funds can be given to churches and worthy organizations that are meeting the many needs of our world. Scholarships can be established. The hungry can be fed. Shelters can be erected. Treatment can be offered to those who are addicted, disabled, and severely ill. Yet, even if we choose to use our wealth wisely, we cannot expect our generosity to save us. Hopefully, our generosity is a sign that we have encountered God’s loving riches in Jesus Christ, and we cannot help but share our resources with others. However, righteousness alone delivers us from eternal death and condemnation. Righteousness is not achieved by our efforts, but declared by God’s grace through faith. 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Romans 5:19, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Solomon understood far before Jesus ever came on the scene that righteousness alone saves us for all eternity. We now know that righteousness is the gift of Jesus!
Relate it to your life.
I can only claim to be righteous if I am dressed in the righteousness of Christ.
Do something.
Lord, I choose today to trust in Your righteousness alone to save me. Amen.
February 4-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:5-8, The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
Observe what it is saying.
The righteousness of the blameless is a theme that is continued from yesterday’s devotional. To be blameless does not mean we have never sinned, rather it means we are no longer held responsible for our sin. How does this work? For the Jew in the time of Solomon, it came through the ritual of sacrifice. For us, it has come through the one sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus. He carried all of our sin, blame, and shame to the cross. Paul sums it up beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This new found righteousness empowers us to walk the holy straight paths. We are no longer trapped by evil desires. We do not trust in mankind who has no ultimate power, but our trust is completely in the Lord Himself who rescues us from sin today and from judgment in the future. God’s righteousness is a heavenly gift that becomes who we are through and through.
Relate it to your life.
Because of my total trust in Jesus’ sacrifice, I stand blameless before God and become the righteousness of God.
Do something.
Lord, it is difficult to fathom that I have become the righteousness of God. I know this is not possible on my own. I give you praise that Jesus took all my darkness and gave me the heavenly light. Amen.
February 5-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:9-11, With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Observe what it is saying.
Here we find the tremendous power of speech. Godless words can destroy neighbors and cities! We can insistently complain, critically judge, and fallaciously slander those who are close to us and those who lead communities. We have incredible power with such a small device. James spoke about this, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6) We discover the startling news that hell itself is the source of such destructive talk. Satan gains great ground in our world through the spreading of lies and false information that destroys lives and leaders. So, if we have such power with our lips, why not use it for good and speak blessing over our neighbors and communities. Imagine what beauty can be created in our neighborhoods and cities when we sincerely seek to elevate one another rather than destroy each other.
Relate it to your life.
God has given me great power. I need to honestly assess if I am using it for good or evil.
Do something.
Lord, guard my mouth. Give me a heart that speaks words of healing, hope, and blessing. Amen.
February 6-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:12-13, Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. 13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Observe what it is saying.
The theme of neighbor continues today. To deride is to scorn and ridicule. It is the attempt to make others feel as little as possible with the intention of making you feel as important as possible. Wise people show tremendous discretion in what they speak. They refuse to gossip. They will be loyal and refuse to fail the test of friendship by telling secrets that are not for them to tell. They honor others by what they say and do. They are unlike those described by James, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10) James then goes on to make the connection to wisdom a couple of verses later when he writes, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13) Wisdom is revealed in our actions, including how we speak about one another.
Relate it to your life.
I tell on myself when I open my mouth!
Do something.
Oh Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
February 7-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:14-15, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
Observe what it is saying.
Here are two practical principles for leaders of nations and everyday people. First, Solomon wrote these words as king of Israel. He understood the weight of what such leadership entailed. He valued collective thought and input in decision-making for the nation. He understood that one person does not possess all the wisdom of God and that wise people understand their limitations and continually seek counsel from others. Obviously, this teaching applies to anyone who is in a leadership position for a corporation, an organization, or a church. Second, A frequent theme covered by Proverbs is advice pertaining to the giving of loans or the securing of debts. The teaching is consistent: Don’t give loans or secure debts. To better understand this teaching, we need to remember that interest-bearing loans to fellow Israelites were forbidden. It was legal to give such loans to foreigners, so if “stranger” implies a foreigner, then even these types of loans are strongly discouraged. The problem with such a loan is that they are often given when the lender could not afford to lose the money. It could end in poverty or even slavery if the loan was not repaid. For example, Judah volunteered to personally guarantee the safe return of his brother Benjamin back to their father, Jacob. When this seemed impossible, Judah had to offer himself to Joseph as a slave. Such an arrangement was sealed by a handshake. The general practice that this teaching advocates is for wise financial decision-making in all things.
Relate it to your life.
To live wisely, I will seek the counsel of those with strong Christian minds and will be cautious of overextending myself in extended financial arrangements.
Do something.
Lord, keep me humble to seek counsel as needed and to live within my means. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:1-3, The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Observe what it is saying.
Today, we begin our look at chapter 11 as an example of the pithy statements of wisdom that fill the remainder of the book. These three statements center on integrity that is fueled by humility. When we choose the humble way, we choose the way of wisdom. Such a Godly approach will cause integrity to be formed deep within our character. It will show itself in trustworthy transactions with one another. We refuse to be deceitful but will insist that our personal and business dealings are marked with absolute scrupulousness. We need to understand how much the Lord detests dishonesty. Such a proud, unfaithful life leads to shame, and if it continues to go unchecked, will lead to the demise of those who participate in it. These verses reveal that authentic faith will make itself known in every aspect of our lives. As the people of God, we cannot be dishonest in our dealings with others for it will be found out in one way or another.
Relate it to your life.
Authentic faith in Christ will lead to holy character that reveals itself in honest dealings with all people.
Do something.
Father, make me pure and holy in all of my ways. May Your word and Spirit form me into the person that honors and pleases You in all of my earthly transactions. May heaven be found on earth where I interact with others. Amen.
February 3-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:4, Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Observe what it is saying.
Proverbs has much to say about money. In some places, wealth is associated with living wisely. Here we find wealth has its limits. It cannot save us. It is of no eternal value. Even if you believe the Lord has blessed you with abundant resources, please do not be confused that your riches are a sign of your salvation. They cannot spare you from eternal judgment. Wealth in the right hands can literally do a world of good. Businesses can be built offering gainful employment to many. Funds can be given to churches and worthy organizations that are meeting the many needs of our world. Scholarships can be established. The hungry can be fed. Shelters can be erected. Treatment can be offered to those who are addicted, disabled, and severely ill. Yet, even if we choose to use our wealth wisely, we cannot expect our generosity to save us. Hopefully, our generosity is a sign that we have encountered God’s loving riches in Jesus Christ, and we cannot help but share our resources with others. However, righteousness alone delivers us from eternal death and condemnation. Righteousness is not achieved by our efforts, but declared by God’s grace through faith. 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Romans 5:19, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Solomon understood far before Jesus ever came on the scene that righteousness alone saves us for all eternity. We now know that righteousness is the gift of Jesus!
Relate it to your life.
I can only claim to be righteous if I am dressed in the righteousness of Christ.
Do something.
Lord, I choose today to trust in Your righteousness alone to save me. Amen.
February 4-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:5-8, The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
Observe what it is saying.
The righteousness of the blameless is a theme that is continued from yesterday’s devotional. To be blameless does not mean we have never sinned, rather it means we are no longer held responsible for our sin. How does this work? For the Jew in the time of Solomon, it came through the ritual of sacrifice. For us, it has come through the one sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus. He carried all of our sin, blame, and shame to the cross. Paul sums it up beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This new found righteousness empowers us to walk the holy straight paths. We are no longer trapped by evil desires. We do not trust in mankind who has no ultimate power, but our trust is completely in the Lord Himself who rescues us from sin today and from judgment in the future. God’s righteousness is a heavenly gift that becomes who we are through and through.
Relate it to your life.
Because of my total trust in Jesus’ sacrifice, I stand blameless before God and become the righteousness of God.
Do something.
Lord, it is difficult to fathom that I have become the righteousness of God. I know this is not possible on my own. I give you praise that Jesus took all my darkness and gave me the heavenly light. Amen.
February 5-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:9-11, With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Observe what it is saying.
Here we find the tremendous power of speech. Godless words can destroy neighbors and cities! We can insistently complain, critically judge, and fallaciously slander those who are close to us and those who lead communities. We have incredible power with such a small device. James spoke about this, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6) We discover the startling news that hell itself is the source of such destructive talk. Satan gains great ground in our world through the spreading of lies and false information that destroys lives and leaders. So, if we have such power with our lips, why not use it for good and speak blessing over our neighbors and communities. Imagine what beauty can be created in our neighborhoods and cities when we sincerely seek to elevate one another rather than destroy each other.
Relate it to your life.
God has given me great power. I need to honestly assess if I am using it for good or evil.
Do something.
Lord, guard my mouth. Give me a heart that speaks words of healing, hope, and blessing. Amen.
February 6-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:12-13, Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. 13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Observe what it is saying.
The theme of neighbor continues today. To deride is to scorn and ridicule. It is the attempt to make others feel as little as possible with the intention of making you feel as important as possible. Wise people show tremendous discretion in what they speak. They refuse to gossip. They will be loyal and refuse to fail the test of friendship by telling secrets that are not for them to tell. They honor others by what they say and do. They are unlike those described by James, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10) James then goes on to make the connection to wisdom a couple of verses later when he writes, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13) Wisdom is revealed in our actions, including how we speak about one another.
Relate it to your life.
I tell on myself when I open my mouth!
Do something.
Oh Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
February 7-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:14-15, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
Observe what it is saying.
Here are two practical principles for leaders of nations and everyday people. First, Solomon wrote these words as king of Israel. He understood the weight of what such leadership entailed. He valued collective thought and input in decision-making for the nation. He understood that one person does not possess all the wisdom of God and that wise people understand their limitations and continually seek counsel from others. Obviously, this teaching applies to anyone who is in a leadership position for a corporation, an organization, or a church. Second, A frequent theme covered by Proverbs is advice pertaining to the giving of loans or the securing of debts. The teaching is consistent: Don’t give loans or secure debts. To better understand this teaching, we need to remember that interest-bearing loans to fellow Israelites were forbidden. It was legal to give such loans to foreigners, so if “stranger” implies a foreigner, then even these types of loans are strongly discouraged. The problem with such a loan is that they are often given when the lender could not afford to lose the money. It could end in poverty or even slavery if the loan was not repaid. For example, Judah volunteered to personally guarantee the safe return of his brother Benjamin back to their father, Jacob. When this seemed impossible, Judah had to offer himself to Joseph as a slave. Such an arrangement was sealed by a handshake. The general practice that this teaching advocates is for wise financial decision-making in all things.
Relate it to your life.
To live wisely, I will seek the counsel of those with strong Christian minds and will be cautious of overextending myself in extended financial arrangements.
Do something.
Lord, keep me humble to seek counsel as needed and to live within my means. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals