Day 29 - "Better a little with the fear of the Lord..."
Proverbs 15:16–33 (NIV)
16Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
17Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
18A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
19The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What contrasts does this passage draw between different ways of living, and which of these "better than" comparisons speaks most directly to your current priorities?
- How do the proverbs about speech and patience (verses 18, 23, 28) challenge the way you handle conflict or difficult conversations?
- Which verses about seeking counsel, correction, or wisdom expose areas where you might be too proud or stubborn to ask for help?
- What does this passage teach about how God responds to the righteous versus the wicked, and how does this affect your relationship with him?
- How do verses about contentment, family relationships, and work ethic apply to the specific challenges you're facing right now?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer
Lord, help us learn to be content with what we have rather than always wanting more. Teach us patience when we're tempted to react in anger, and give us wisdom to know when to speak and what to say. We want to be people who listen to good advice and learn from correction, even when it's hard to hear. Thank you that you hear our prayers and care about both our big decisions and our daily choices. Help us remember that true wisdom starts with honoring you, and show us how to live with the kind of humility that leads to real honor. Amen.