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 25:27-28 (KJV):
27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Proverbs 25:27-28 (AMP):
27 It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to seek glory, their own glory, causes suffering and is not glory.
28 He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses from Proverbs tell us that it is not good to boast of one's own accomplishments, and also states that one who cannot rule their own spirit is like a broken down city. Verse 27 tells us that eating too much honey is not healthy, nor is it healthy for a person to seek ways in which to honor himself.  To seek one's own glory is to seek a good opinion of one's own attributes that would bring honor or glory to himself.  Obviously, this would lead a person to being prideful in their own accomplishments. The Bible has a lot to say about avoiding pride, as when a person yields to this sin, it will set them up for a fall.

Proverbs 16:18: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

1 John 2:16-17:
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Men are mortal and prone to weakness and error. If we rely on self, without the underlying foundation of faith in God, we will at some point in our life face a situation where self reliance fails us. We must all realize if we have any abilities, and are able to accomplish anything in this world, it is because God has gifted us with those abilities and gave us the health, strength and desire to be able to achieve those things. Many self-made men and women will testify to the fact that they reached a point in their lives where they were no longer able to keep on going. They faced problems they were not able to solve on their own.  They were forced by their halting circumstances to call on God. Confidence in our own abilities, without God, is a false foundation and will crumble under the attack of the devil and his evil powers. Only God's power can defeat the evil attacks of Satan.

Verse 28 tells us that a person who cannot rule over his own spirit is as vulnerable to attacks as a city that is broken down and has no wall around it for defense.  In Bible days, most cities had high walls around them for protection against enemies. They had gates that were open during the day for the commerce trade to come and go, but they would shut them at night so that no intruders would gain an advantage of them.

As individuals we become vulnerable to the devil's attacks if we do not have a wall around our own spirits.  Our "wall" and "high tower" that gives us protection is found in our faith in Jesus.  He is the one who keeps our hearts and minds steady so that we are able to resist the attacks of the enemy.  He is our solid rock and we can remain steady and solid because of Him. David speaks of this in the book of Samuel.

2 Samuel 22:1-4:
1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:
2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

If we do not rely on Jesus to keep us, the enemy of our souls, the devil, could come in and drive us crazy. However, all Christians have the promise of God to be able to keep our minds and souls against the onslaughts of the wicked one. We are required to reinforce our cities (lives) by keeping our walls built up.  We do this spiritually by reading the Word of God, praying and fellowshipping with others of like faith. 

Isaiah 26:1-4:
1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am glad that You are that High Tower that we can run into, when we need defense from the enemy of our souls. Lord, keep me from pride and deliver me from all that would offend You. I do appreciate being able to read the Bible and find strength and comfort within its pages. Lord, I acknowledge You as my God and my King. I rely on You, and You alone, and do not put my confidence in my own self, nor any other man.  Thank You for protecting me from all of the attacks of the devil.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.