WHO AM I or WHO AM I?
WHO AM I or WHO AM I?
Same words… different meanings…I often find myself between both questions. Who am I compared to the Lord? Who am I in the Lord?
Oh yeah… the song! The lyrics to that song elaborates on one of these questions very well…
“Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name? Would care to feel my hurt? Who am I, that the bright and morning star would choose to light the way, for my ever-wandering heart?”
Have you ever noticed in Genesis 22, Abraham answered with “here I am” when the Lord spoke to him for the first time to tell him to take Isaac and offer him as a burnt offering on the mountain in the land of Moriah. In the middle of his act of obedience on the mountain, the angel of the LORD called to him in which Abraham responded a little different… “here am I”. Normally, we would think of this just referring to his location but what if we viewed it from a different perspective. Could Abraham be saying, “here I am” and “here am I” as answering the call (test) of the LORD? It seems as though there is a transition that took place within Abraham, from who he was when God sought to “prove/test” him to who he was when his faith was put into action. When Abraham acted on his faith, being obedient and trusting God, he went from just ‘Abraham’ to the place where God called him to be… the father of a great nation. Things seem to really open up after this. We find similar situations with a few other prominent people in the Bible…
Moses asked God in Exodus 3:11, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharoah…?”
David also asked God in 2 Samuel 7:18, “Who am I, O Lord God?..”
Job and his friends realized how much their understanding was not to be compared to that of their Creator – Job 40:4 and 42:3-4. Who are we compared to the GREAT I AM, the CREATOR, the HOLY ONE, JEHOVAH, ABBA, our LORD and SAVIOUR? I am reminded in Job 38-41 of just how small (in myself) I am compared to God so why me? Why any of us? What power do we have? What have I ‘created’? What life do I hold in my hands? (Job 38:4-7 – God asked Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”)
John the Baptist said similar in John 1:27, “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoes’ latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”
But Paul says… “I am an ambassador. I am a minister, a preacher, an apostle. I am a prisoner but free. I am an Israelite but also spiritually adopted and joint-heirs with Christ.”… That’s a lot of ‘I AMs”!
But ‘who am I’ can go deeper than that and on more of a personal level…
Who am I to decide what I say or do tomorrow?
Who am I to know what’s best for my brother or sister in Christ or even my own family?
Who am I to think that what I want is what’s best for me and/or my family?
Who am I to choose what someone deserves?
In the middle of these two questions, is where I’m at right now… God is still showing me who He wants me to be, ever-so patiently and lovingly, but for now, I know that I am His servant, His child, His ambassador, and most importantly, I am loved by Him. Who are you?
Isaiah 55:9-12 – “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So, are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. “For you shall go out with joy and be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
A thoughtful devotion written by Jessica Bramlett.
Seeing God’s Good When It Looks Bad
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)
Paul had a special relationship with the Christians in Philippi; they were not only part of a church he founded, but they were also his friends. Sometimes our friends are confused at what God is doing in our life – and sometimes we are even more confused! In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul wanted to reassure the Philippians that God was doing good even when it looked bad.
When Paul was in Philippi, he was arrested and imprisoned. But God miraculously freed him, and he continued preaching the gospel (Acts 16:25-34). When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was in a jail in Rome. Paul’s Philippian friends were probably thinking, “God used a miracle to set Paul free before. Why doesn’t God do it now? Is He letting Paul down, or is Paul in sin?” In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul assured them that God’s blessing and power were still with him, even in prison – he was not out of God’s will.
Considering how God set Paul free in Philippi, we shouldn’t be surprised they wondered where the power of God was in Paul’s present imprisonment. If Paul wasn’t being advanced, that was all right – because his passion was to see the gospel advanced. Even though Paul was in prison, the circumstances around his imprisonment, and his manner during it, made it clear to everyone he was not just another prisoner, but he was an emissary of Jesus; this witness led to the conversion of many including his guards.
In fact, Paul’s imprisonment gave the Christians around him, who were not imprisoned, greater confidence and boldness, because they saw that Paul could have joy in the midst of adversity. They saw that God would take care of Paul and still use him even in prison. We also know this turned out for the furtherance of the gospel because during this time he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. When Paul was in bad circumstances, God was using him.
God didn’t waste Paul’s time in Rome. God never wastes our time, though we may waste it by not sensing God’s purpose for our lives in our present situation. Are you in a bad place – even a “prison” of some sort? God can use you right where you are, and He wants to. Stop thinking your situation must change before God’s power can be evident in your life. It can be evident right now.
God gave Paul the ability to see the good in a Roman prison – this God is with us!
Unchanging God – Reflections on From Everlasting (Psalm 90)
Psalm 90 celebrates, in poetic language, the breathtaking eternity of God. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (v. 2).
While each of us had a beginning and each of us will one day close our eyes in death, God has always existed, and he will never die. Because of our descent into sin, human lives are short, full of trouble, and end with a sigh. Generation after generation is swept away like a flood. We flourish like grass in the morning, then wither away. That is our fate before the holy God who knows all our sinful ways.
But Psalm 90 comforts us. It tells us the everlasting God has been our dwelling place through all generations (v. 1). From the dawn of history, God’s people have found a home in the Everlasting One, where his perfect love and favor never end.
Though our lives are punctuated with sorrows and proceed relentlessly toward physical death, God’s love for us will endure as long as he endures. As we wait for Christ to return and make all things new, the Everlasting God sovereignly governs each of our days with perfect wisdom. He helps us number our days (v. 12), and establishes the work of our hands (v. 17), bestowing them with eternal significance.
So, whether today brings joy or tragedy, or a collision of both, we can rest in the wisdom of the Lord’s plan, knowing that he is the Everlasting God.
From Everlasting (Psalm 90) by Sovereign Grace, from the album Unchanging God: Songs From The Book Of Psalms Vol 1. Reflections curated by Sovereign Grace Music.
From Everlasting (Psalm 90) by Sovereign Grace, from the album Unchanging God: Songs From The Book Of Psalms Vol 1.Reflections curated by Sovereign Grace Music.
The Character of the Christian: Sound Judgment
today we continue our series on the character of the Christian. We are exploring how the various character qualifications of elders are actually God’s calling on all Christians. While elders are meant to exemplify these traits, all Christians are to exhibit them. I want us to consider whether we are displaying these traits and to learn together how we can pray to have them in greater measure. Today we will look at a set of three traits that are closely related to one another.
First Timothy 3:2 (which is paralleled in Titus 1:8) says that elders must be “sober-minded, self-controlled, [and] respectable.” We can group these words together because of a shared emphasis on self-mastery that leads to sound judgment.
Sober-minded is a word that relates primarily to the mind. The sober-minded man is clear-headed and watchful, free from excesses and wild fluctuations in thinking and ideas. This trait allows him to keep alert so he can protect himself and others from any kind of spiritual danger. He is not rash, but thoughtful.
Where “sober-minded” relates to the mind, self-controlled relates to decisions that lead to action. The self-controlled elder is free from excesses and wild fluctuations in actions and behavior. He willingly submits his emotions and passions to the control of the Holy Spirit and, with his wisdom, makes wise, thoughtful judgments. He shows restraint and moderation in all areas of life. Thabiti Anyabwile says those who exhibit this trait are “sensible, discreet, and wise.” They do not live for the moment, but consider the future consequences of their actions.
Those who are sober-minded and self-controlled are also respectable. They live orderly lives and are wise and prudent in their dealings so that others have respect for them, both in their character and their behavior. They know how to make wise decisions and live out the kind of practical wisdom described in the book of Proverbs. They are people for whom others have high esteem.
When we put these traits together we see a person who has mastered his thinking and behavior so he is now capable of making wise judgments. His own life is a showcase of such wisdom. Anyabwile aptly summarizes the importance of this trait: “The ministry and the church are always being watched by people inside and outside, and the church’s enemies continually look for opportunities to condemn it and slander it. Churches are greatly helped to withstand this onslaught when its leaders are respectable in their conduct and are men of sound judgment.”
Of course, God does not call only elders or prospective elders to be “sober-minded, self-controlled, and respectable”—He calls every Christian to pursue these traits. Let’s start with sober-minded. In Romans 12:3, Paul writes, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Later, in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, he says, “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
When it comes to self-control, Solomon warns, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Paul lists self-control as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and warns that those without self-control fall prey to Satan’s temptations (1 Corinthians 7:5). He explicitly commands it of all believers in Titus 2:2-6. What Alexander Strauch says of elders is true of every believer: He must be “characterized by self-control and self-discipline in every aspect of life, particularly in his physical desires (Acts 24:25; 1 Cor. 7:9; 9:25). An undisciplined man has little resistance to sexual lust, anger, slothfulness, a critical spirit, or other base desires. He is easy prey for the devil.”
As for respectability, Peter says, “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15–16). Paul writes, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7).
Self-Evaluation
Would others say of you that you are “sober-minded, self-controlled, and respectable”? I encourage you to evaluate yourself in light of questions like these:
- When things do not go your way or when someone points out sin in your life, do you tend to respond with patient humility or with fits of anger? Would your spouse, children, or parents agree?
- Do you have any unrestrained or unhealthy habits in what you eat or drink or in your entertainment? Or in all of these things are you joyfully submitted to the Holy Spirit?
- Do you exhibit consistency and discipline in the spiritual, devotional, relational, and bodily aspects of your life?
- Do you maintain a schedule? Do you generally bring your tasks to completion and do so with excellence?
- Are you confident in what you believe, or are you easily swayed by new books, new teachers, or new ideas? Do people seek your counsel when they are uncertain or facing a difficult decision?
Prayer Points
Apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5), so we need his strength if we are to grow in holiness. Let me encourage you to pray in these ways:
- I pray that you would fill me with your Spirit so that self-control reigns in my heart and life. (Galatians 5:23)
- I pray that you would help me to put others first so that I do not think of myself more highly than I ought to think. Help me to think with appropriately sober judgment. (Philippians 2:3; Romans 12:3)
- I pray that you would help me to be slow to anger so that I might have mastery over my temper. (Proverbs 16:32)
- I pray that others would ask me about the hope within me because of my joyful, respectful life. (1 Peter 3:14–17)
Next week we will consider what it means to be hospitable.
Knowing Jesus
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11)
To know Jesus is not the same as knowing His historical life; it is not the same as knowing correct doctrines regarding Jesus; it is not the same as knowing His moral example, and it is not the same as knowing His great work on our behalf.
– We can say that we know someone because we recognize him: because we can distinguish what is different about him compared to other people.
– We can say that we know someone because we are acquainted with what he does; we know the baker because we get our bread from him.
– We can say that we know someone because we actually converse with him; we are on speaking terms with that person.
– We can say that we know someone because we spend time in his house and with his family.
– We can say that we know someone because we have committed our life to him and live with him every day, sharing every circumstance as in a marriage.
Knowing Jesus also means knowing the power of His resurrection, the new life that is imparted to the believer now, not at death.
– The power of His resurrection is the evidence and seal that everything Jesus did and said was true.
– The power of His resurrection is the receipt and proof that the sacrifice of the cross was accepted as payment in full.
– The power of His resurrection means that those connected with Jesus Christ receive the same resurrection life.
Knowing Jesus also means knowing the fellowship of His sufferings. This is all part of following Jesus and being in Christ. Being in Christ also means being conformed to His death. Yet, Paul was not morbidly focused on suffering and death in the Christian life. His focus was on the resurrection from the dead. Paul understood that any suffering and death allotted to the Christian are a pathway to resurrection life right now and the ultimate resurrection from the dead. Paul faced true hardship, but the suffering was worth it, considering the greatness of the resurrection from the dead.
Remember that Paul wrote this having experienced more suffering than we will ever experience, and he wrote it from the custody of Roman soldiers. This wasn’t merely theological theory and ideas, but a lived-out connection with God.
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 31
Proverbs 31
The Words of Lemuel
Description of a Worthy Woman
Reflection
You may have heard of the “Proverbs 31 woman.” The final chapter of Proverbs describes a woman who fears the LORD. We know that those who fear God have wisdom. The woman described has a lot of responsibility and is not someone who is brushed aside. She is respected and praised by those around her.
Reflect
What attributes describe this kind of woman in Proverbs 31?
What does the passage say about husbands?
Engage
Whether you are a girl or guy, the Bible has much to say about our roles in this world, and Proverbs 31 helps us understand how to love and respect one another as men and women.
What verses help you to understand your opposite gender?
Does this give you better expectations of relationships?
What confuses you?
An Extra Mile
Read Ephesians 5:22-33 where it talks about wives and husbands. What is their relationship supposed to look like according to this passage?
The word “submit” can be a controversial word. Given everything you’ve learned from Proverbs and how all people are to listen to, learn from, and build each other up, how do these verses connect?
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 30
Proverbs 30
The Words of Agur
Reflection
We know by now that the Bible is full of wisdom—Proverbs is like our road map to wisdom. Every word of God is trustworthy and true, and when we follow Him, He is a shelter that we can run to anytime.
Reflect
Read verse 5 again. What does it say about God’s Word?
Engage
In what ways have you seen God’s word to be true in your life?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 29
Proverbs 29
Warnings and Instructions
Reflection
The Bible is full of counterintuitive statements. We see them in many of Jesus’ teachings like “the last will be first,” “dying to ourselves,” “losing your life to gain it,” etc. Here in Proverbs we see many other paradoxes, one being in verse 23 of today’s chapter. It tells us, “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will receive honor.”
Reflect
What other verses have you seen that seem to contradict modern thinking?
Engage
What do you think it means to be lowly in spirit? (Hint: It is not thinking less of yourself or beating yourself up… think about humility.)
What does that look like for you in your life?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 28
Proverbs 28
Warnings and Instructions
1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2By the transgression of a land many are its princes,
But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
3A poor man who oppresses the lowly
Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law strive with them.
5Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the Lord understand all things.
6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
7He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury
Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
9He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
10He who leads the upright astray in an evil way
Will himself fall into his own pit,
But the blameless will inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
14How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear
Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding,
But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood
Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.
18He who walks blamelessly will be delivered,
But he who is crooked will fall all at once.
19He who tills his land will have plenty of food,
But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.
20A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth
And does not know that want will come upon him.
23He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24He who robs his father or his mother
And says, “It is not a transgression,”
Is the companion of a man who destroys.
25An arrogant man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
27He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Reflection
While confessing we have done something wrong is difficult, if we hide our sins, we suffer even more. Verse 13 tells us, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” In James, we read that we should confess our sins to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed (James 5:16).
Reflect
What happens to those who hide their sin? What happens to those who confess them?
Engage
As we have been talking about hard conversations, admitting our sin to someone can be very difficult. Why do you think confessing and praying for one another brings healing?
An Extra Mile
What are the things in your life you need to confess? Who is a safe person you can tell and pray with?
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 27
Proverbs 27
Warnings and Instructions
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, but the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
7 A sated man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.
8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may reply to him who reproaches me.
12 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naïve proceed and pay the penalty.
13 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for an adulterous woman hold him in pledge.
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.
15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike;
16 He who would restrain her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who cares for his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied.
21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.
22 Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats will bring the price of a field,
27 And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your maidens.
Reflection
In today’s reading, we see another famous proverb in verse 17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” A blacksmith can actually use one piece of iron to sharpen another piece. Normally this is through hammering and friction. In the same way, people can help make one another better, but sometimes it takes some friction and hard conversations to get there.
Reflect
What does verse 5 say?
What do you think it means?
Engage
If we care about someone, telling them the truth with grace is a way we can love them well. On the flip side, we also have to be open to correction and guidance from others. Have you ever seen a friend do something wrong, but you didn’t stop them? Why not? Have you ever done something wrong and wished someone had called you out?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 26
Proverbs 26
Similitudes, Instructions
Reflection
Chapter 26 talks a lot about someone who is foolish and the consequences of their actions and spends a good portion addressing gossip. Re-read verses 20-26. Some versions use the word “whisperer,” while others use the word “gossip” or something similar. This passage explains how gossip looks charming but is really the opposite.
Reflect
What does the passage say about someone who gossips?
When there is no “whisperer,” no one who is spreading gossip, what happens (verse 20)?
Engage
We are all guilty of gossip. By listening to wisdom, practicing obedience, and praying for help, we can become better at catching ourselves and holding our tongue.
What ways can you practice these things?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 25
Proverbs 25
Similitudes, Instructions
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there comes out a vessel for the smith;
5 Take away the wicked before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;
7 For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
8 Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbor humiliates you?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another,
10 Or he who hears it will reproach you, and the evil report about you will not pass away.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.
15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
16 Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, that you not have it in excess and vomit it.
17 Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house, or he will become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
Reflection
This chapter starts off with a puzzling verse. Oftentimes, God does not reveal His full plan to us, but that does not mean that He takes pleasure in keeping secrets from us. When we can’t see the full picture, we have to trust God more to show us the way. When we trust in God, we honor Him and bring Him glory.
Reflect
Read verse two again: “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings to search things out.” What does it mean to conceal?
Engage
Do you ever feel like you’re in the dark and don’t know what’s happening?
Are there specific parts of your life where you feel lost and need to ask God to reveal His plan?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 24
Proverbs 24
Precepts and Warnings
1 Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them;
Reflection
Reflect
What do these verses say about the wicked and those who do not know God?
What is our response supposed to be when we encounter people we don’t like?
Engage
Of course, these things are often easier said than done. Pray that God would help you to forgive and to love those who are difficult to love.
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 23
Proverbs 23
On Life and Conduct
1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,
2 And put a knife to your throat if you are a man of great appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food.
4 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it.
5 When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.
6 Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies;
7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, and waste your compliments.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not move the ancient boundary or go into the fields of the fatherless,
11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14 You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad;
16 And my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the LORD always.
18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
20 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with rags.
22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.
26 Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
27 For a harlot is a deep pit and an adulterous woman is a narrow well.
28 Surely she lurks as a robber, and increases the faithless among men.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly;
32 At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things.
34 And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, or like one who lies down on the top of a mast.
Reflection
The people around us influence us more than we think. This passage of Proverbs warns us to be careful of those who are deceitful, stingy, and foolish. If we are not rooted in wisdom, it can be very easy to be swept away by foolish things. Verse 17 says, “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.”
Reflect
What do these verses tell us about speaking to the foolish and listening to them? Why do you think that is?
Engage
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit within us as a helper. He allows us to understand and guides us as we live. Those who don’t know Him cannot discern right and wrong easily and having hard conversations with them can hurt our relationships with them. We need to pray for those who do not believe and love them but also be cautious in the way we speak to them.
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 22
Proverbs 22
On Life and Conduct
1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have a common bond, the LORD is the maker of them all.
3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naïve go on, and are punished for it.
4 The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.
8 He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, and the rod of his fury will perish.
9 He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, even strife and dishonor will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the treacherous man.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is cursed of the LORD will fall into it.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;
18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,
21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;
23 For the LORD will plead their case and take the life of those who rob them.
24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man,
25 Or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.
26 Do not be among those who give pledges, among those who become guarantors for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?
28 Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set.
Reflection
Reflect
What does verse 17 tell us? What do we need to apply our hearts to?
Engage
Has someone ever told you that you were wrong? How did you respond? When things don’t go our way, it is very easy to give up and react poorly. Pray that God would allow you to practice giving and taking advice.
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 21
Proverbs 21
On Life and Conduct
1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, because they refuse to act with justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, but as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the naïve becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, turning the wicked to ruin.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret subdues anger, and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.
24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, who acts with insolent pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he is craving, while the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
29 A wicked man displays a bold face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD.
Reflection
In our human nature, we all think we know what is best for ourselves. It’s an innate part of who we are. However, most of the time, we aren’t that great at determining the best for ourselves. In verse 2 of today’s reading, we see that in the moment, everyone thinks his or her way is right. Ultimately, though, God is the one who determines right from wrong. That is why He gave us the Bible! We have a book full of truth and grace that helps us to make the best choices as we go through our lives.
Reflect
Some of the best things for us to pursue are righteousness and kindness. What does verse 21 say those who pursue those things will find?
What does verse 3 say God values?
Engage
What do you think it means that God weighs the heart?
If God loves us and wants the best for us (which He does), in what areas of your life do you need to trust Him?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 20
Proverbs 20
On Life and Conduct
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.
4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing.
5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out.
6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are abominable to the Lord.
11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them.
13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.
14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, but when he goes his way, then he boasts.
15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; but the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; and for foreigners, hold him in pledge.
17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.
19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.
20 He who curses his father or his mother, his lamp will go out in time of darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and a false scale is not good.
24 Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, how then can man understand his way?
25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being.
28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king, and he upholds his throne by righteousness.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.
Reflection
Reflect
Where does the passage say our steps are from?
Engage
Have you ever struggled to know God’s plan?
What did you do about it?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 19
Proverbs 19
On Life and Conduct
1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.
2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs.
3 The foolishness of man ruins his way, and his heart rages against the Lord.
4 Wealth adds many friends, but a poor man is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape.
6 Many will seek the favor of a generous man, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.
12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.
14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of conduct will die.
17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.
18 Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death.
19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, for if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.
22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, but will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer and the naïve may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away is a shameful and disgraceful son.
27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, and the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.
Reflection
Reflect
What does chapter 19 tell us about those who do not listen to instruction?
What other kinds of actions does this chapter encourage? What kinds does it warn against?
Engage
How well do you take advice?
Do you listen and take advice to heart? Do you disregard it? Do hard conversations hurt?
True listening requires obedience. If we hear the words spoken to us, but ignore them, we aren’t actually listening. How can you practice listening in your life?
An Extra Mile
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 18
Proverbs 18
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.
3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes scorn.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
13 He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but as for a broken spirit who can bear it?
15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
17 The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot puts an end to strife and decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly.
Reflection
The tongue is a very powerful part of the body, and the Bible has much to say about it. Solomon tells us in verse 21 that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” That’s a lot of power! Our words can be used for great good, but also great harm, and this is why the Bible teaches us over and over about our words, our tongue, and the way we speak to one another.
Reflect
We have already read about how powerful our words can be. What verses talk about words/the mouth in this chapter?
Engage
What are some of the things you’ve learned about words through Proverbs so far?