Day 18 - "A wise son brings joy to his father"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 10:1-16 (NIV)
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What does it mean to bring joy or grief to your parents, and how does this apply beyond family relationships?
- Which contrast between the righteous and wicked stands out most to you in this passage?
- How do you see the connection between hard work and character in these verses?
- What does it look like for your words to be "a fountain of life" to others?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer Father, I want to be someone who brings joy rather than grief to those who care about me. Help me work diligently, speak wisely, and live with integrity. Make my words a source of life and encouragement to others. Thank you that you provide for the righteous and that following your ways leads to true security. Amen.