Day 53 - Be sure you know the condition of your flocks

16 restraining her is like restraining the wind

 or grasping oil with the hand.

17 As iron sharpens iron,

 so one person sharpens another.

18 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,

 and whoever protects their master will be honored.

19 As water reflects the face,

 so one’s life reflects the heart.

20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied,

 and neither are human eyes.

21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,

 but people are tested by their praise.

22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,

 grinding them like grain with a pestle,

 you will not remove their folly from them.

23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,

 give careful attention to your herds;

24 for riches do not endure forever,

 and a crown is not secure for all generations.

25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears

 and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,

 and the goats with the price of a field.

27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family

 and to nourish your female servants.

1. What does this passage teach about diligence, reflection, and responsibility?
2. How can you tell what’s really in your heart according to verse 19?
3. How does praise test a person, and what does that mean for you?
4. What area of your life is God asking you to “attend carefully” to?
5. What does this say about wisdom in everyday, even ordinary, work?

What verse do you think God is drawing your attention to today?

God, help me pay attention to what matters. Teach me to be diligent with what You’ve entrusted to me. Make my heart steady and my hands faithful. Amen.