Day 20 - "The Lord detests dishonest scales"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 11:1-15 (NIV)
The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What are some "dishonest scales" in modern life - ways we might be unfair or deceptive?
- How does pride lead to disgrace in your experience or observation?
- What does it look like to build up your community rather than tear it down with your words?
- Why is seeking wise counsel so important for making good decisions?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending PrayerGod, help me be completely honest in all my dealings. Keep me humble so I can grow in wisdom. I want to be someone who builds up my community rather than tears it down. Give me integrity that guides my decisions and help me seek wise counsel when I need it. Thank you that righteousness delivers and protects. Amen.