Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 24:23-26
Prov 24:23-26
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.
John 7:24
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
We often hear that the Bible says we are not to judge. More often than not, when someone says this, it means that they know they are doing wrong and don’t want to hear about it or admit it is wrong. It is not our place to pass judgment on others because only God can do this in the final sense. He alone knows our hearts, so he alone can be the only fair judge. “The Lord knows those who are his.”
We are also told to judge with righteous judgment. It is a necessary part of life for us to make judgments of others, their actions, and even their intentions. We do this based on what we believe, which is based on what we have been taught or have learned on our own. We have the right to our opinions, but that does not mean that we are correct in our understanding, because we may be wrong.
When we know that someone is wrong, we are not to defend them in the wrong they are doing. When we know that someone is right, we are not to condemn them, even if it is to our own hurt or if it proves that we are wrong. This is an easy trap to fall into when it is our children (or grandchildren) that are wrong. It is never wise to condone behavior that is wrong because it only encourages the person to do wrong again. Actions (bad behavior) should have consequences.
In another proverb we are told that if we bail out our kids when they have done wrong, we will have to do it again. My child can be wrong at times and so can yours! When they are wrong, they need to be corrected and maybe even punished so they can learn how to behave and do what is right. The principle of cause and effect (we reap what we sow) is a biblical principle and we need to learn it and teach it to our children. This is real love in action when we do this.
O Lord God, give me right judgment in regard to myself and to others all around me, even those in my family. Help me judge with compassion and with mercy, even as you judge me. I know that it is not my place to pass judgment in the sense of condemnation of others but to leave that up to you, so keep me from doing this. Rather than finding fault with others, use me to help them and to encourage them to do what is right. Guide our nation and our upcoming elections so that we will have leaders who respect you and your word. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Robert
