Day 51 - A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road!”
Today's Reading is Proverbs 26:13–28 (NIV)
13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18 Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
19 is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Questions to Consider about the Reading:
- How are laziness, gossip, and deception connected in this passage?
- Which images or metaphors stand out most to you?
- How does this passage help you reflect on your words and actions?
- What warning or correction feels most relevant right now?
- How can you bring honesty and integrity into your conversations today?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
What verse seems to offer a needed wake-up or encouragement?
Ending Prayer
Lord, guard my heart from laziness, gossip, and false words. Make me wise in how I speak and faithful in how I act. Help me to live with integrity and love for the people around me. Amen.