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 14:15-18(KJV):
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Thoughts for the Day:
The book of Proverbs continues in
these scriptures to point out the benefits of being wise and prudent, versus the folly
caused by being a simpleton. The Hebrew word used for "simple" in verses
15 and 18 really has the meaning of being foolish or easily
seduced. Therefore the simple or foolish man will believe anything, while a wise and
prudent man will look into a matter before he starts down a path. The Bible tells us that
we should "prove all things" not believe all things.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 "Prove all
things; hold fast that which is good."
One does not arrive at being an overcomer until he first learns the all important
lesson of testing or "proving" the issues of this life. In the hour that we live
there are so many things that are false and evil. We must be constantly on guard and
"prove" or test things, lest we become ensnared by something that is wicked.
Cults are spreading. Eastern idolatrous religions are creeping into our country in very
subtle forms, and many Christians are being deceived and have accepted their practices
without even being aware of their evil. Some religious groups have existed for years under
the guise of Christianity, and yet are far from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Lord
warns us of these false teachers and tells us to beware of them.
Looking at Matthew 7:15-23, we find Jesus gives us the guideline for
determining false prophets:
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather
grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and
in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew
you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Certainly, we are admonished to be on guard. However, some go to such extremes as to
become narrow-minded and closed to some beautiful truths in the name of being careful.
What should our role as Christians be in regard to acceptance of a new thought, idea or
doctrine? We are told to prove all things, not to reject them because they might
be strange or new to us. However, we should not receive them either, until we first prove
them. How do we prove things? All true Christians are in agreement that our standard is
the Word of God, the Bible. God left us this Book as a reference, standard, or gauge so we
could know whether something is good or evil, truth or error, right or wrong. (II
Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of
God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.")
Not only are we to test or try the spirits in men, but we are to do the same with any
supernatural manifestations that we might experience. Today, when the world is being
exposed to so many false things we need to be careful not to expose our spirits to false
dreams, visions, revelations, prophecies, voices, etc. The Word of God definitely teaches
that God can manifest Himself in any, or all, of the above things; yet we are not to
accept everything that comes in the name of Jesus. We need to test or prove these also.
One of Satan's greatest devices is to counterfeit the real things of God and come to us
disguised as the working of the Holy Spirit. How do we test these things? Let us look to
God's Word, as there is always wisdom there to show us what is truth.
James 3:13-18: "Who is a wise man and endued with
knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of
wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not
against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
In Proverbs 14:16-18 we see that the wise
man has a fear of God and departs from evil, while a foolish man is angry and arrogant and
because of his anger, he will commit foolish deeds. This causes him to be hated by others.
The simple or foolish man will reap folly as his portion while the wise person will gain
knowledge from God and live an overcoming life. God ways are pure and peaceable with good
works, while the devil is the author of strife and envy. We must prove all things by
checking the goodness of the fruit and looking to see if it agrees with the Word of God;
only then can we accept it.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your wisdom
and guidance each day. It is so exciting to walk in Your ways. I do appreciate
the unexpected blessings You bring my way each day. Thank You for the wonderful
people You have brought in my life. Lord, give me the discernment to recognize those
things that are not of you. Give me spiritual eyesight to see things that are of the enemy
so that I might not be fooled by him. Keep me from anger and help me to know Your
will so that I can follow You closely in all of my ways. Bless my family and friends
and keep them from the wicked one also. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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