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 14:3-5(KJV): 
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

Thoughts for the Day:

In these verses of Proverbs are listed three observations that contain much wisdom. Verse 3 tells us how to recognize a foolish person. When you hear prideful remarks coming out of a person's mouth, you can expect that person to be foolish.  In contrast, a wise person will utter things that will actually preserve them.  Many people's problems can be traced to foolish speech. In our society, we call it "mouthing off."  It is wise to keep one's mouth shut under certain circumstances.  A "loud mouth" will just stir up trouble. One can discern what is in a person's heart by what comes out of their mouth. Bragging and prideful words reveal a foolish heart, while the wise will speak edifying things.

Luke 6:45: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Jude 1:16: "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

The next verse listed here is Proverbs 14:4, which says in the Amplified Version, "Where no oxen are, the grain crib is empty, but much increase of crops is by the strength of the ox."  The lesson we can learn from this proverb is that if we desire to have an increase in any of our endeavors, it will take strength and labor, that will call for provision.   One must provide feed for his oxen in the crib (feeder) so that they can eat well and perform properly.  Also, the stall of the oxen will require a cleaning, if they are kept around to do any work. Work is not always pleasant, and is sometimes messy before the job gets completed. The modern day work ethic is somewhat distorted in some people's minds, as some believe that work is something to be avoided and certainly, should never be unpleasant!  With this kind of attitude very little work will be accomplished. The Bible tells us that whatever we are working at, we should give it our best efforts and work as unto Him, and not men. If we do this, God Himself will reward us.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

Ephesians 6:5-8:

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Proverbs 14:5 says, "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies."

In this verse, we see the contrast between a faithful witness and false witness. The distinguishing factor comes down to telling the truth or lying.  A liar does not make a good witness, as he will lie to cover his own guilt.  In contrast, a faithful witness will tell the truth even if it does not benefit him. Truthfulness should be found in all of God's children.   We are to be witnesses to the world and if we are dishonest, we destroy that witness.  

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and patience with all of us as Your children.  Father, we ask You to deliver us from pride and foolishness and give us Your wisdom.  Give us the strength to do all that is before us each day.  May we do our work as unto You and not unto men.  May our labors count for something.  Let us lead good and pure lives before those whom we live and work with.  Lord, deliver us from the temptation to lie. May truthfulness always be found upon our tongues.  Help me to be a good witness to all that I come in contact with.  I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.