Day 23 - "Fools show their annoyance at once"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 12:15-28 (NIV)
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool's heart blurts out folly. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word turns away wrath. The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What's the difference between showing annoyance immediately versus being prudent with your reactions?
- How can your words either pierce like swords or bring healing to others?
- When have you seen a kind word change a difficult situation?
- How do you choose your friends, and why does this matter so much?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer God, help me be slow to show annoyance and quick to listen to wise advice. Make me trustworthy so you delight in me. Help me choose good friends who lead me toward you, not away from you. When anxiety weighs me down, remind me to speak kind words to others. Amen.