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 18:5-8(KJV):
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 18:5-8(Amp):
5 To respect the person of the wicked and be partial, so as to deprive the (consistently) righteous of justice, is not good.
6 A (self confident) fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A (self-confident) fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
8 The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses in Proverbs warn us of being partial to the wicked in cases where the righteous would be deprived of justice. Fools who cause contention with their words, will not only be self destructive, but will bring destruction to others, as well. Verse 5 tells us that it is a terrible thing before God, when the wicked person receives partial treatment (for any reason); and especially when that partiality would keep a righteous person from receiving their just dues.  As God's children we are taught not to allow the money or position of a person to influence us. We are to treat all fairly regardless of their standing -- whether they are rich or poor, black or white, or educated or ignorant.

James 2:1-4:
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

God, Himself, is not a respecter of persons.  He loves everyone equally. No one person is loved more than another.  However, there is one thing that God is a respecter of -- that is His Word.  If we practice and keep His Word, He will honor us because of it. Therefore, anyone who keeps the Word of God will be respected by God.   

Acts 10:34-36:
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Verses 6 and 7 of our study, stress how foolish it is to for a person to incite contention with their mouths. It actually invites others to retaliate against them, and they could even end up being beat up. The Bible tells us not to rant and rail but rather that a soft answer will turn away wrath.

Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

A person who is a self-confident fool does not restrain his lips. Therefore, his words will bring him to his own ruin, because his lips are a snare.

Verse 8 also warns about those who are whisperers or talebearers.  Their words are like "dainty little goodies," to the one who likes to gossip.  However, to the one who is being gossiped about, they are like hurtful wounds that go down inside the soul. Without the Lord's help, those kind of injuries are hard to overcome. Words do injure and that is why we all need to guard our mouths, as we can wound others with our unkind and sinful words.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love today. I am grateful that You are no respecter of persons. Help me to be like you and not show partiality to any one. Let me be loving and kind to all.  Lord, help me to guard my mouth so that I do not speak unadvisedly.  Help me to be a peace maker.  Father, I yield to You and ask that You help me not to fall into the trap of gossiping about others.  May I bring healing to others and not wounds by any unkind words.  Forgive my sins today and fill me with Your love.  I ask this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.