God Speaks
Advice on How to Live a Wise Life, Recognize and Avoid Foolish Behavior
Verse of the Day: Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. (Proverbs 27:11 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 169
We Respond
Reflection:
Consider the following questions regarding each Proverbs 27-29:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Proverbs 27
1. God is the only One who can turn people from their foolish ways–if they will turn to Him.
2. People often excuse themselves or blame others for their own foolishness.
Proverbs 28
1. God always grants favor for godly actions, now or in eternity.
2. People will eventually be held accountable for the wicked actions they do not forsake and trust God to forgive.
Proverbs 29
1. God and His word are the ultimate source of wisdom.
2. People who turn away or reject God and His wisdom are foolish indeed.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Proverbs 27-29?
Dear LORD God, my nation and world is being run by fools who think that they can predict and control the future while ignoring or denying You, the only One who can. Holy Spirit, please help me to not boast about myself and to handle praise appropriately. Please lead me to tried and true friends and help me to be one. I long to be wise and make Your heart glad, Father God. Please help me to be considerate of others and express my emotions appropriately. Stop me from being contentious. Please give me at least one kindred-spirit so that we can sharpen each other in the LORD. May I be content with the circumstances You have placed in my life. May I appreciate and carefully look after the provisions and blessings You have given me and my household. May all that I say and do be for Your glory, LORD. Dear LORD God, You are the source of all wisdom. I desire to fear You above all else. Then I will be able to face any kind of danger (real or perceived) with boldness and courage. At present, my nation (USA) is experiencing the consequences of moral rot, lawlessness, and foolish decisions. People are in hiding. Please help us to elect or select wise leaders to give us stability. May the people we elect or select be people who are honest, who obey the law, who fear You, who are trustworthy, who fear to do wrong, who are hard workers, who hate corruption, who confess and forsake their sins, and who receive mercy and forgiveness. Trusting and obeying You will lead us to the justice, peace, success, prosperity, and safety we all long for. LORD God Creator of the universe and sustainer of all life, thank You that You promise to give wisdom without criticism to all who will humbly ask. LORD, as You well know, my nation as a whole has turned its back on You. Therefore, we lack wisdom in all levels and arenas of society. Please, Holy Spirit, convict individuals of their sin and of the righteousness that is found in Jesus Christ so that we all may escape the judgment that is to come for those reject the truth that is found only in Him. Save us, O LORD, out of our foolish wickedness. People continue to stubbornly reject Your correction, O LORD. Please remove the wicked from power and replace them with those who fear You and walk in Your ways. We need the stability that only those who obey You can give. The wicked flatter their friends and lead many astray. Regardless of political party, many people in positions of authority are mockers and oppressors, thieves and speak without thinking. Many have been pampered from childhood and are now rebels. We need people in positions of authority in every arena of society who will judge fairly. Please help us remove the angry and hot-tempered people. Words are not sufficient to induce people to obey the law. We need You to change people’s hearts. We need You to discipline Your children so that we can have peace of mind and heart. LORD, please bring multitudes into Your kingdom and enable us to obey Your just laws. Then, You will receive the glory You deserve. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Proverbs 27-29? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will ask Father God to forgive a fool who has wronged me by their words or actions. This forgiveness is on the basis of Christ’s death on the cross.
- I will teach these proverbs to the children for whom I am responsible so that they can become wise, and I will be glad..
- I will pray 10 minutes daily for my nation, especially that people turn to God or at least live by biblical principles.
- I will tell someone who is trapped in sin how they can escape and experience freedom in Christ.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.