Unjust Reward

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 17

Gold Nugget

Verse 13: “Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.”

                                                                                                                             

Commentary

Recently we had a very vivid reminder of just how dangerous and violent a world we live in. After the deadly shooting in Tucson Arizona, the media has been in a frenzy over how this could have happened. Although the country has been in a moral decline for many years, we can’t imagine that something like this could happen. To make matters worse, I don’t think we are reacting in a way that would spark any change. It was very disturbing to see that some people are going to extents to make this a political issue of conservatives being negligent and somehow encouraging such behavior. Even more disturbing was a particular spokesperson claiming that the mental illness that led to these killings is no different than any other illness. She went on to say that early treatment would have prevented this tragedy. By the time she was done, some people were cheering her attempts to prove the current health care situation in place by republicans is to blame. In an attempt to push liberal views, she has made this cold blooded killer into a victim. In that, she has exemplified today’s “gold nugget”. “Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” Although there are some mental illnesses that should be treated just as any other sickness, there are some people that have issues of a spiritual nature. People that may be spiritually bankrupt should not be lumped in with those suffering from a serious physical ailment. Many times people have such an agenda of their own that they can overlook and even condone bad behavior if it somehow works in their favor. They will support or reward evil as if it is good or pure for their own personal gain. The example used in today’s devotion is one of extreme measure, but it shouldn’t keep us from learning a valuable lesson for our own growth. We need to make sure that we don’t do anything to reward or encourage bad behavior. Although we surely wouldn’t defend the person responsible for the story in today’s devotion, we don’t want to support, encourage or reward someone that did anything bad… even if on a smaller scale.

Prayer

Lord, sometimes we are in situations where we know someone has done wrong, but somehow there is someway that we can benefit from the scenario. Help us to resist the temptation to let something go that we should take a stand against.  Amen

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Plans

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 16

 

Gold Nugget

Verse 6: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”

Commentary

Today’s devotion would benefit from some vocabulary words. The first of two words that we would do well to understand in context is the word ‘thoughts”. In the text, the phrase “your thoughts”, are referring to “your plans”. There is an old saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Although I understand the meaning of this old saying, and it does have value, it also can be unfair towards God. He probably would not want us to picture Him laughing at our plans. It is better said, commit you plans unto God. Our lives have been committed to do His will - His way. Until we do, our plans are simply ours, and not His. 

The second word that we would do well to understand in context is the word ‘established”. That simply means, your plans will be established, meaning accomplished. When we make plans without consideration and submission to God, we set our course with ourselves at the wheel. When we do this, we forfeit any expectation that God will see it through. On the other hand, when we make plans having already committed our ways to Him, then our plans will be for Him. Then we can have confidence He will see them through. Or as todays “gold nugget” says, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”

Prayer

Lord, help me to always plan with you as the focus of my intentions. It is when I plan with me at the center, that I have already planned incorrectly. Amen

 

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Special Glasses

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 14

Gold Nugget

Verse 6: “A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.”

Commentary

In the fictional movie “National Treasure”, the main character is trying to find clues around the country that point to treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers of the United States. In a particular scene, the hero finds a special set of glasses designed by Benjamin Franklin. Making slight adjustment in the multicolored lenses, his is able to read clues written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Although the clues had always been there, they were not visible to the naked eye and had passed unseen for over 200 years. Seeing these hidden truths required this special set of reading glasses, the hero would never have found the treasure if he did not discover the glasses and how to use them. All of his efforts (as his father warned him) would have be foolish. The bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians that the things of God cannot be seen by human eyes. To see the things of God we must see with spiritual eyes. There are many people that are just like the scoffer mentioned in Proverbs. They will seek wisdom and never find it, because they are seeking with carnal eyes, but as the latter part of the verse says, he who has spiritual eyes will see wisdom easily.

Back to 1 Corinthians, concerning spiritual things Paul says in chapter 2. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Prayer

Lord, help us to remember that our only means of knowing wisdom and truth is through spiritual revelation. In that, remind us that we must seek you with our heart in submission to what you reveal and avoid at all cost using our carnal eyes to gain understanding . Amen

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Worldly Gain

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 13

Gold Nugget

Verse 7: “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”

Commentary

As we head out for work this morning, let us keep a good understanding of what we head out for. The old cliché, “Are you living to work or working to live?” would be a good reminder of our priorities. As I head out to my job today, I am going because it is what enables me to make the life for my family as best I can for this time. Because my kids need food, clothing and shelter, I use this job to meet those needs. The needs that they have require that I work and provide. However, there is a such thing as pursuing more than we need. As today's gold nugget says, “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”

As humans, we "need" certain things that would really exceed the real need category. My daughter needed money for an out of town game today. By definition this would not be considered a need. She doesn’t have to be in basketball. That is not a requirement for her education. However; I consider it a need. She needs certain things in her life that she enjoys. We don’t need flavor in our food, but God made apples sweet anyway, just to bless us. Adam didn’t need a woman to keep breathing and live, but God said, “It isn’t good that man should be alone.” So, He made Eve. I need to let my kids have certain things. I need to take my wife out to dinner and a movie sometimes… and sometimes I need to watch football! The point I’m trying to make is, how far are we going when we redefine what we want into what we need? I actually like my job - as far as jobs go, but I’m not going to let my wants push me further into using it for more than providing the needs and acceptable wants for my family. I not going to use it to try and stack money to the ceiling and attempt to impress the world.

Prayer

Lord, I’m thankful for my job and hope I use it to meet the needs of my family in a way that would please you. I don’t want to use it to pursue worldly gain. Amen

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Truth Lasts

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 12

Gold Nugget

Verse 19: “The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

Commentary

Honest really is the best policy. "Truth, Justice and the American Way", was the catch phrase of the comic book superhero, Superman. A statement like that today would be considered offensive to some. Some people today would take issue with even a fictional character standing for American values. At one time, standing up for truth and justice, was the American way. My how things have changed. Regardless of whatever direction our country takes, truth and justice are the Christian way. It is the way of our King and His everlasting kingdom. Like today’s gold nugget says, “The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

The truth last forever, but every lie has an expiration date on it. Some people will lie today, knowing it will be expose tomorrow. They know that they will benefit from it today and assume it will not matter later. However, every lie is toxic and destructive. It’s best that we embrace the long term benefits of walking in truth.

 

Prayer

Lord, I want to always walk in the truth and represent truth in this world that desperately needs it. Amen

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Brutish

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 11

Gold Nugget
Verse 12: “He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.”

Commentary

In today’s “gold nugget”, He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace”, the word despises is translated from the word “Buwz” (booz) which means – “to belittle someone or openly count them as insignificant”. One of the most critical elements to every human being is their own self worth. From the lowliest to the most elevated, all of us are concerned with our self worth. We all want to be of value. A perfect illustration is that of a person who has been left by a partner. When a man or woman is broken hearted by their spouse leaving them, what is so devastating is the feeling of being devalued. Of all the things we are called to do as Christians, we are never called to devalue or belittle someone. Even when they may be in moral bankruptcy, our words of direction and possibly even correction, should never be demeaning.

We are supposed to be humble people that make a habit of exalting and esteeming others as greater than ourselves. No one has ever been won to Christ through intimidation, belittling or downgrading. We are called to illuminate not eliminate. If we read today’s “gold nugget” we see that those who are without wisdom belittle others, but a wise man will not speak derogatory of people. Even the most vile “neighbor” was counted worthy by Christ to die for, so who are we to treat them as if they were not worthy of the same toll that was paid for us.  Your loving attitude to them will work more towards their salvation than anything else. Even though they know you do not support sin, they will not be able to deny your sincere love for them. This is the impact that we should make in their lives.

Prayer

Lord, although we should be bold about the truth and what your Word says concerning sin, we also know that being bold doesn’t mean being a brute. Let your love shine bright through our words and attitudes. Amen

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Engaged

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 7

Gold Nugget
Verse 3: “Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Commentary

If you have ever known a woman who has lost her wedding ring, you have seen a woman broken hearted… or one that wanted a new ring anyway. I’ve seen them cry and feel as if the marriage has lost significance because of the symbol of the ring. She keeps it and guards it closely. Unless she is applying lotion to her hands or washing dishes, there aren’t many reasons she will take it off. It is dear to her. When she first received it she stormed the town to show everyone what she was given and everyone was in awe. Whether the ring had great monetary value or not, most importantly was what the ring symbolized. It symbolized how her life would never be the same. How she would be different moving forward and for the rest of her life. Her behavior was going to change. She was no longer available to anyone else. She was now reserving herself for her one and only. Yes, this ring meant more than can be put into words. If we can understand the importance and meaning of this earthly treasure, than we are asked to apply that understanding to a spiritual concept. Concerning the wisdom of God and the priority we should have to obeying Him, he ask us to view our relationship with Him in the exact same way.

We are expected to treasure His Word and wisdom as today’s “gold nugget” says, “Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” He wants us to treasure Him and His teachings and instructions as a woman would view that engagement ring. The scriptures teach us that we are engaged to Him and we should treasure His truths. We should storm the town to show everyone what was given to us. We should see ourselves as never being the same. Our behavior is going to change. We are no longer available to anyone else. We are now reserving ourselves for our one and only.

Prayer

Lord, I am thankful for your instructions and wisdom that is available to me through your Word. I want to wear it proudly and forsake all the worldly distractions that are set before me. Help me to maintain this for you. Amen

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Being Chastened

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 3

Gold Nugget
Verse 11: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction;”

Commentary

As parents we all have had to chasten (discipline) our children. It’s not always an easy job. Naturally we want to love and please them, but we are tasked with the difficult responsibility of ensuring their training. In the process of ensuring good training we know that our children hurt from the necessary methods. As painful as it may be to see them hurt, we also know that we must hold fast to the measures. All of this, as hard as it may be for both parties, will produce the results that are needed. What can make it all go south very quickly is the attitude that our children may respond with. I want my kids to know that I am not being mean or taking any pleasure in their suffering. If they choose to resent or reject me or my intentions, it hinders and even prevents anything good from coming out of my efforts. I do not want my children to despise my chastening or detest my correction. As our parent (Father), God is tasked with the difficult responsibility of ensuring our training that also includes chastening. Considering our perspective towards disciplining our children and applying it to our relationship with God, we should take the direction of Solomon who says in today’s “gold nugget”, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction;” Whatever we see in our life that may be potential chastening or correction from God should bring us to repentance and not resentment. Know this, God loves us and knows what’s best for us. We should not reject His correction and chastening. He is trying to make us into a people that will be pleasing in His sight and useful for His service.

Prayer

Lord, I see some things in my life that appear to be you chastening me and I want to accept it with a humble and yet joyful heart. I know you are working out your plan in me. Amen

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New Year's Resolve

Reading For Today: Proverbs Chapter 1

Gold Nugget
Verse 10: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

Commentary

It's good to start off the new year very aware that we will receive opposition from others that do not share our desire to allow the New Year to be a new start for many of us. I hope that there are many of us out there that want to take this opportunity to make some changes in our lives. Whatever bad habits or behaviors we may have fallen into in the past year, it is likely that there are some people that we fell into it with. We cannot assume that those people share our new found desires or resolutions to walk away from those things. They will most likely expect you to continue with them. If they have not resolved to change, they will likely take issue internally with your change and how it magnifies their offense. The best relief for them will be to get you back into it, but we must, as today's "gold nugget" declares, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” We have to be very careful and be ready to take whatever measures are necessary and totally remove ourselves from their company if that's what it takes. We don't want to be foolish and claim that we are not influenced by others. That is a foolish place to come to in our minds. We like to think that peer pressure belongs to teenagers, but that just isn't so. Read Psalm 1 if you can and see that God is very concerned with the company you keep and how it will affect you. The reality is we are pressured by our peers. The solution is to change our peers from those that pressure us to do wrong to peers that pressure us to do right. The company you keep can be the biggest element to ensuring your success in you New Year's Resolution.

Prayer

Lord, I also need to be reminded that I want to surround myself with those that will encourage and even pressure me to walk in the faith, walk in love and walk in obedience. Amen

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To Be Bold

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget
Verse 10: “The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.”

Commentary

 You can’t make everybody like you. Accepting that early on will free us from much disappointment. They say that you should never mention politics and religion in certain settings. Pointing out your position to certain people may put you at odds with them without even knowing it. One of the places where religion is considered taboo is in a job interview. So much for that concept, I can hardly wait for an opportunity to present itself in an interview where we can talk about my faith. My position is that of today’s “gold nugget”, “The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.” Although this verse is very descriptive, it can be summed up as follows; People that are unjust will not appreciate the just, but the just will be grateful and helpful to the just.

I would rather a potential employer know just where I stand and what he can expect from me, than to avoiding the foundation of who I am and have it be an issue later. If they are just, they will respond quickly to my openness and embrace our shared faith. If they are not appreciative and respectful of this defining character, I would just as soon know this up front as well. Those that love God will love me as a brother. This may not fit well with many people’s belief, but it has worked well with me. I can’t tell you what a blessing it has been allowing God to be a part of who I am in the workplace or any other so called taboo arena. I have seen too many coworkers and even clients and interviewers come to tears as we begin to talk about the love of God and deep spiritual things. I have just learned to accept that the unjust will not appreciate the just, but the just will be grateful and helpful to the just.

Prayer

Lord, help us to be as Paul requested in 1 timothy 2:8, “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” It’s my prayer that we would be bold in our faith and don’t fear those that will not accept us. Amen

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The True Gift

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 24

Gold Nugget
Verse 11: “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.”

Commentary

The bible teaches us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). If we believe this to be true, then we agree that all of us are guilty of sin before God. If so, what does that mean to us? What is the penalty? The bible tells us also that, “the wages (cost) of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). So we conclude that the scriptures teach us that all of us are guilty of sin and the penalty is death. It seems hopeless unless God changes His mind about what the wage or cost of sin is, but He hasn’t changed what the penalty is. Here enters the true Christmas story. Follow closely as the angel tells Joseph what Jesus’ purpose on earth is in Matthew 1:21, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So we see understand that all of us have sinned and the penalty is death. To replace the hopeless state, he gave the gift of His only begotten son to free us from this trap. As mentioned earlier, God did not change the penalty; He just changed who would pay it. The bible teaches us that Jesus bore the sins of the world and paid our penalty with His death on the cross. This is the true gift to be acknowledged during this Christmas season. Revisiting the verse mentioned earlier, we will read it in its entirety, “the wages (cost) of sin is death”… but, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23). As we gather this day and tomorrow, we can share this true meaning of Christmas with others and in so doing, we may just do as today’s “gold nugget” says and “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.”

• Romans 3:23 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
• Romans 6:23a – “For the wages of sin is death”
• Matthew 1:21 – “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
• Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Prayer
Lord, I pray that we will have the boldness to share these three powerful scriptures with others this Christmas and from now on as often as the opportunity is made available. Amen

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Motives

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 20

Gold Nugget
Verse 6: “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”

Commentary

One morning I sat through a familiar repeat with an acquaintance as he ran through story after story that all featured his goodness. It was literally like it was a presentation of his greatest hits. It wasn’t an isolated incident. This is the norm when I am around him. I also know that he is like this with everyone. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”  Although the guy I mentioned earlier is probably the extreme, the scripture tells us that “most” men will behave this way and that a faithful (or good and just person) is hard to find. Why is it that a good person is hard to find? It’s simple. They don’t proclaim their goodness; therefore you may not be aware of what good they have done.

Some people wear their “goodness” around their neck. It is part of our nature to want to be acknowledged for our works, but should not be at the extent of promoting it ourselves. Another scripture in Proverbs tells us how we get our natural need for acknowledgement without advertising it ourselves. “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;” (Proverbs 27:2a) When someone else speaks of your goodness, it brings more credibility than if it comes from you anyway. Some people do their good deeds in front of others to be seen. Jesus addressed this when He said, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) In summary, let us just do good to please God and let go of any other motives and expectations. If we live our lives to please God, we will be understood by those that understand Him and we will never be fully understood by those that do not understand God. Can we be satisfied with that?

Prayer
Lord, remind us of what we do good for. All we do, we do to please you and show your love to others. We do not need glory and will surely not steal it from you. Amen

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Covering Sin

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 17

Gold Nugget
Verse 9: “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.”

Commentary

I love today’s scripture. It reminds us of the intentions we should have towards other that fall. In today’s society we approach people about their sin less than we used to.  This scripture isn’t saying that we shouldn’t approach people who sin. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” It isn’t saying that we should pretend that the person who sinned didn’t do wrong. It isn’t even saying that we shouldn’t approach them about it. What it is saying is apparent from the latter part of the verse, “he who repeats a matter separates friends.”

As I mentioned, in today’s society we approach people about their sin less than we used to, but somehow there isn’t a shortage in how much we will repeat it to others. People still love to gossip. It is still pleasurable for many of us to share someone else’s mistakes. Somehow it makes us feel better about ourselves. We don’t think about the damage we cause in the relationships between the person that sinned and the person we are telling it to. Again, "he who repeats a matter separates friends.” He who lets an offense go without spreading it is by default, covering it. “He who covers a transgression seeks love.” If someone I know sins, it isn’t in his best interest for me to go spreading it around. By exercising discretion we “cover a transgression”. 

Prayer
Lord, help me to be mindful of how I should handle those that err from the truth. It isn’t going to bring them back into obedience by spreading it around. I know that I want to be restored in love when I err. Help me to consider that when dealing with others. Amen

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Highway to Heaven

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 16

Gold Nugget
Verse 17: “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.”

Commentary

When I add a destination in my GPS, my navigation tool will tell me that my current route includes tolls. Although this may be the easiest route, it may cost me more than I want to pay. I can tell it to avoid the tolls, but it may be a less convenient route. The journey through this life is much the same. The easiest route will cost you the most in the end. In Matthew 7:13-14 we read, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”

The wide road to destruction is easily accessible and most people choose that path, but the path to everlasting life is narrow and few choose it. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.”  We may find that the highway to heaven is not always the smoothest, most convenient or most trouble free route, but the destination makes the traveling conditions worth every mile. Conversely, I wouldn’t trade the hardships or tribulations that I suffer as a Christian or all the things I might miss as I “depart from evil” for the open highways of this world, because of the “toll” it will take and eventually cost me. I choose to “depart from evil and preserve my soul.”

Prayer
Lord, I know that I miss some of the things this world has to offer as I serve you, but I choose to depart from evil to please you and preserve my soul. Amen

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Honest Work

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 13

Gold Nugget
Verse 11: “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.”

Commentary

The old saying, “Cheaters never prosper” (or as Zazu said in the Lion King, “Cheetah’s never prosper”), is a plagiarizing of today’s gold nugget that says, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.” When it comes to truth lessons, God said it first. Lying, cheating and ill-advised shortcuts may seem prosperous, but ultimately the result is diminishing. It may seem beneficial to claim that extra deduction or slight fudging of some numbers, but in truth we are taking prosperity into our own hands instead of leaving our wellbeing in God’s hands.

The later part of today’s gold nugget says, “he who gathers by labor will increase”. Hard work has always been the respectable thing. Currently we are finding the present white house administration being challenged with this reality. After ever increasing unemployment benefits and stimulus packages, even the liberal president is concerned people are choosing to avoid work and live off the government. Maybe our country should turn from its current social agenda toward a biblical truth that says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

 

Prayer
Lord, help me to be committed to hard work while upholding a standard for truth and honesty. Amen

 

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To Rebuke or Not to Rebuke

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 9

Gold Nugget
Verse 8: “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”

Commentary

To rebuke or not to rebuke… that is the question. It isn’t always easy drawing the line between when you should confront someone and when you shouldn’t. The truth is, every rebuke isn't appropriate, even when someone is in the wrong. We all know people who have no regard for God. We know people who do not want our opinion or our instruction. To them, your words will only irritate and provoke them. I'm not talking about people that we don't know if they will receive our correction. We don't avoid correcting based on the unknown. It's those who we now good and well will not be receptive. They are like the first part of today's gold nugget that says, “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you...”

So, when is the right time to rebuke? When the person being confronted or others affected by the issue could benefit or learn from your correction, then proceed with love. Those who love truth will receive it from you when it is delivered in love. Not only will they accept your correction, they will love you for it. Consider the second part of today’s “gold nugget”, “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”

Prayer
Lord, I know there is an appropriate time to confront someone. Help me to have the wisdom and love to know when it is the right time and when it isn’t my place . Amen

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The Strongman

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 7

Gold Nugget
Verse 26: “For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.”

Commentary

Proverbs chapter seven paints the illustration of the young man that is lured away by the seductress. An evil woman with evil intentions lures him into her bed with empty promises. Trading peace and safety for pain and death, the man doesn’t see his own demise. He isn’t aware that it will cost him his life (verse 23). This scenario doesn’t seem applicable to most of us. Maybe we are neither the seductress nor the foolish young man, but we must remember that this story is an illustration of a greater lesson. Although it could be said that this book was written with a focus on younger men, it can be applied to anyone. Knowing the original target audience was to that of young men, we find it speaking in terms that they would understand. If you talk to a man about wisdom and hard work, he may not show great interest in your passion, but if you talk to him about the desires for woman and money, his ears will perk up. That is exactly what Proverbs does.

Concerning foolish behavior, proverbs compares it to a harlot that will cause poverty and death. We consider ourselves neither harlot nor foolish, but today’s “gold nugget” reminds us that “she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.” That is to say, those that thought themselves strong became her victims. Don’t put your confidence in how “strong” you are, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall”, but put your confidence in how much you can stay focused on Jesus.

Prayer
Lord, I don’t want to be the foolish young man that thought so highly of himself that he didn’t posses the humility to see when a trap was laid before him. Help me to stay humble before you and keep my eyes steadfast upon you. Amen

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