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 11:21-23(KJV): 
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Thoughts for the Day:

The book of Proverbs is continually pointing out the contrast between good and evil. It points out how the results of each of these lives affects them personally and those around them. The first half of Verse 21 tells us that even if two people are walking together and holding hands, if one is evil and the other righteous, the wicked will not be spared judgment, just because they are close to a righteous person. In a marriage where one of the partners is a Christian, while the other is not; this verse tells us that the Lord will judge each one separately, on their own merits.  Many times, a wayward spouse or child will think that the prayers of their family members will be enough to prevent them from facing any judgment.  While it is true that prayers said for the back sliders will certainly give them extra time to repent, each one who is wicked or unrepentant will have to face a day of reckoning.

Women or men who marry a mate who does not know the Lord are getting into a situation that they will regret, as the Scripture warns us not to become "unequally yoked." 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says:

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

These scriptures apply to other relationships too, such as close friends, business partners, etc. We should pray diligently before entering into any kind of partnership, and heed the advice of not becoming unequally yoked, if the other party does not know the Lord.

The last half of verse 21 is a wonderful promise for Christian parents in regard to the welfare of their children.  It says that if our seed (our children), stray from the ways of God, we can pray and the Lord will deliver them. The prayers and the confessions of parents can greatly affect the lives of their children. We should always stand in faith for our children and never talk evil of them, even if they fall into the devil's traps. The Lord will hear our prayers and deliver them, even as this verse promises.

Verse 22 gives us a description of a fair woman who does not use discretion in her affairs. Indiscretion will open the door for many problems. What is indiscretion?  It is the lack of using good judgement; one who is not careful in their behavior. Proverbs paints the humorous picture of a pig with a gold ring in its nose as the description of a lovely woman (a beautiful looking jewel); yet, a pig (her behavior) is wearing it. Although a woman can be attractive, without the beauty of the inward life, she is like the unclean swine.

Verse 23 tells us that the desire of the consistently righteous brings only good, while the expectation of the wicked brings wrath. The Lord promises those that follow Him that He will give them the desire of their hearts.

Psalm 37:4: "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being so good to us.  When I count my blessings they are many!  Lord, as I daily seek You, may I always be willing to change those things that are not pleasing to You.  I know if I surrender them to You, You will empower me to overcome the things that are not like You. Help all of us who are called by Your name so that we might reflect Your love to a world that needs You so much. Thank You for Your strength to carry out Your will daily. I thank You that You promised never to leave me, nor forsake me.  I am not alone.  I love You.  I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.