June 10, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

This chapter of the book of Proverbs concludes the “sayings of the wise”. It covers a range of topics including prudent and wise home building, good work ethic, and refusing to join with the schemes of the wicked or to envy them. It also addresses issues of justice and how God’s people are called to live in times of adversity: verses 10-11 say “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to slaughter.”

God’s people are meant to show the strength and integrity of their character during the “day of adversity” by looking to the good of others, stepping out to rescue those who cannot defend themselves. Throughout the Scriptures God makes His concern for the oppressed, the lowly, and the “least of these” clear, and He calls His people to love, care for, and show mercy on such. Those who suffer injustice and oppression move God’s heart to compassion in a special way!

This truth, coupled with the prohibition of partiality in verse 23 and the commendation to rebuke the wicked in verse 25, is a timely reminder for the people of God in our culture and context right now. We are commanded to rise up on behalf of the oppressed, to shine the light of God’s truth, compassion, love, mercy, and justice into the darkness of the world around us. We must respond to the injustice and oppression we see around us, showing the same depth of care, concern, and boldness that Jesus demonstrated on behalf of those who were marginalized during His earthly ministry.

Proverbs 24

24 Be not envious of evil men,
    nor desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts devise violence,
    and their lips talk of trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is full of strength,
    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
    in the gate he does not open his mouth.

8 Whoever plans to do evil
    will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of folly is sin,
    and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

10 If you faint in the day of adversity,
    your strength is small.
11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
    hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
    and will he not repay man according to his work?

13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
    and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
    if you find it, there will be a future,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

15 Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;
    do no violence to his home;
16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
    but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
    and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased,
    and turn away his anger from him.

19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
    and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future;
    the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21 My son, fear the Lord and the king,
    and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them,
    and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

More Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside;
    get everything ready for yourself in the field,
    and after that build your house.

28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
    and do not deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
    I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,
    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
    the ground was covered with nettles,
    and its stone wall was broken down.
32 Then I saw and considered it;
    I looked and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest,
34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
    and want like an armed man.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • What does it look like, practically, for God’s people to seek justice on behalf of those who have experienced injustice or oppression? How can we live this out as the church today, as families today?

18 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-June 10”

    1. Gracias padre porque tú nos sacaste del lodo de la inmundicia y nos enseñas la verdad para no volver atrás y ser luz en el mundo para todos aquellos que todavía no conocen esa sabia y buena verdad, dame sabiduría y amor para ser mejor todavía y traer personas a tus pies tú eres nuestro Salvador nuestro redentor nuestro padre amado eres mi todo a ti la gloría por los siglos de los siglos en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén ?

  5. Dear Heavenly Father,
    I am reminded of the song that says, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Jesus is merciful, Jesus saves”. This is what You have taught Your children to do. We were rescued and saved by Your grace and love. Now we are to continue the work as Your followers. It is our job to spread the Word and help the less fortunate in possessions or in wisdom. We have to stand with You, as Your mighty soldiers in this war against sin. It takes all of us to bear witness of the Truth. Thank You for loving me and rescuing me. Help me each day to stand for You and with You in this life. I want to do my part. Please show me the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  6. Father of all knowledge, seer of all things done openly and in secret, I come before you in humility covered by the blood of your precious son, Jesus. I cannot help rescue the little ones being taken to their death without you. I cannot shield the young ones from being snatched by the deceiver without you. I cannot encourage the down trodden without you. May your light shine through me today. Pour your spirit in me and through me. The spiritual dead need awakening. If not now when. Father, you can do more in a moment than I can though I live to be over a hundred. With the breath you give me today, strengthen me to go forth with you to save one more for Jesus. Amen

  7. I love and trust Your Word….they are a lamp into my feet and a light into my path.

  8. Good morning Lord!
    Remind all of us not to rejoice when our enemies fall nor to be glad when they stumble. I think we all are getting the point that you don’t like haughtiness in those whom you love.

  9. Father lead me in your wisdom and understanding to speak truth with unbelievers. Give me strength and guidance to be a good neighbor. Help me to always see the good in people. You are a good Father. I love you and trust you alone.

    1. Thank you so much for your prayer. Your prayer says everything I would say. Thank you again.

  11. Dear Holy Father,

    In order to live pleasing in Your sight, I need to empty myself of all pride and equip myself with wisdom and understanding of Your Word, and then be obedient to live it out. I can only do this through the power of Your Holy Spirit dwelling in me.

    I pray I will be emptied of me today, Lord, and Your Holy Spirit would fill me and strengthen me to be a voice of love and hope to those in need.

    In Jesus’s name.

    Amen

  12. Lord, help me be diligent today with the time you have given me to not only accomplish the tasks on my schedule, but to discern and wisely to do your will today.

  13. My Lord, thank you for the timeliness of Your Word, for the clarity and peace. I pray to keep my chin lifted high, and my eyes on you. I serve no other master. I shine only Your Light. Your Name is above all others! Amen.

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