Daily Devotional
Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the
Bible.
The Wisdom of God
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs 14:3-5(KJV):
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of
the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Thoughts for the Day:
In these verses of Proverbs are
listed three observationsthat contain much wisdom. Verse 3 tells
us how to recognize a foolish person. When you hear prideful remarks coming out of a
person's mouth, you can expect that person to be foolish. In contrast, a wise person
will utter things that will actually preserve them. Many people's problems can be
traced to foolish speech. In our society, we call it "mouthing off." It is
wise to keep one's mouth shut under certain circumstances. A "loud mouth"
will just stir up trouble. One can discern what is in a person's heart by what comes out
of their mouth. Bragging and prideful words reveal a foolish heart, while the wise will
speak edifying things.
Luke 6:45: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart
bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart
bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth
speaketh."
Jude 1:16: "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after
their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in
admiration because of advantage."
The next verse listed here is Proverbs 14:4, which says
in the Amplified Version, "Where no oxen are, the grain crib is empty, but
much increase of crops is by the strength of the ox." The lesson
we can learn from this proverbis that if we desire to have an increase
in any of our endeavors, it will take strength and labor, that will call for provision.
One must provide feed for his oxen in the crib (feeder) so that they can eat well
and perform properly. Also, the stall of the oxen will require a cleaning, if they
are kept around to do any work. Work is not always pleasant, and is sometimes messy before
the job gets completed. The modern day work ethic is somewhat distorted in some people's
minds, as some believe that work is something to be avoided and certainly,
should never be unpleasant! With this kind of attitude very little work will
be accomplished. The Bible tells us that whatever we are working at, we should give it our
best efforts and work as unto Him, and not men. If we do this, God Himself will reward us.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it
with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
whither thou goest."
Ephesians 6:5-8:
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to
the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free.
Proverbs 14:5 says, "A faithful witness will
not lie: but a false witness will utter lies."
In this verse, we see the contrast between a faithful witness and false
witness. The distinguishing factor comes down to telling the truth or lying. Aliar does not make a good witness, as he will lie to cover his own guilt. In
contrast, a faithful witness will tell the truth even if it does not benefit him.
Truthfulness should be found in all of God's children. We are to be witnesses
to the world and if we are dishonest, we destroy that witness.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love
and patience with all of us as Your children. Father, we ask You to deliver us from
pride and foolishness and give us Your wisdom. Give us the strength to do all that
is before us each day. May we do our work as unto You and not unto men. May
our labors count for something. Let us lead good and pure lives before those whom we
live and work with. Lord, deliver us from the temptation to lie. May truthfulness
always be found upon our tongues. Help me to be a good witness to all that I come in
contact with. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.