Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 13:6-10
Prov 13:6-10
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked. One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat. The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Matt 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”
Salt has many purposes in our lives. Like so many things, it is necessary for good health but too much is harmful. Salt adds flavor to what would otherwise be bland or even tasteless. Salt serves as a binder or a stabilizer when baking. Salt has been used for countless centuries to preserve foods. In addition to all of these uses, salt is often used in gardening, as a household cleaner, or in personal care.
As the children of God and followers of Christ, we serve many purposes in this world, depending on our situation in life, where we are, and even who we are with at the time. We can add flavor to a dull world. We can preserve those who are struggling. We are to be binders and stabilizers rather than adding confusion or causing strife. But as salt can lose its saltiness, we can lose meaningfulness.
“Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.” When we live according to the will of God, we find our lives to more peaceful and with less drama than those who follow their own devices. The Bible often gives two choices for us: we can live according to the flesh, or we can follow the Spirit of Christ. The latter gives life while the former brings death. There are times that living right will bring persecution, but more often, it keeps us out of trouble. Following Jesus will give us better marriages and make us better parents. It will improve our work ethic and make us better employees and employers. His way improves our relationships with others because we seek their good.
O Lord God, you are the only true God, the giver of life and you are the source of all wisdom and only you can show me the true meaning of love. In your majesty and your power, you have created all things, but in your mercy, you have given me eternal life in Jesus. To you, the Father, and to Jesus your Son, with thanksgiving, I give all praise and glory and honor. Be with me each moment of each day because I cannot live without you. Be with the leaders of our nation so that your people can live quiet and peaceful lives. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
