February 17 ▪ Day 48

Scripture Readings

Proverbs 11:12
Isaiah 45–46
Mark 9
Psalms 48

Verse Focus (Proverbs 11:12)

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
     but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

Meditation

Proverbs 11:12 says, in the NRSV, “Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent.” In the NIV, the verse reads, “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” Curious about the difference between “another” versus a “neighbor,” I looked at the verse in multiple translations. About one third of the translations I reviewed saw the offense as belittling another person, whereas the other two thirds of them translated the offense as specifically against your neighbor. I suppose for our purposes, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s a relative, a stranger, or a neighbor. Belittling another person is never good.

To deride someone is to express contempt for or to ridicule that person. What does it mean to lack sense? Our English idiom might say the person lacks common sense. But to lack sense is to be unaware, unperceptive, and unfeeling. Literally, lacking the ability to see, perceive, or understand. Metaphorically, lacking wisdom. It is ironic that those who ridicule share their “vision” of the neighbor, only to demonstrate that they themselves are completely lacking in true insight.

As always, holding your tongue is a virtue.

Father God, we pray to have true insight and wisdom. Where we lack that understanding, help us to hold our tongues. We may be tempted to ridicule or to speak poorly of someone, but keep us from succumbing. Increase our love for you and for our neighbors. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Isaiah chapters 45 and 46 are a testimony to God’s majesty. Three times in chapter 45, Scripture declares, “I am the LORD and there is no other.” Six times in chapter 45, Scripture says that there is “no other.” Twice, it says, there is “no one besides me.” Another two times, in chapter 45 and 46, Scripture declares, “I am God, and there is no other.” And one time, Scripture says, “I am God, and there is no one like me.”

There are other beautiful, must-memorize verses:

• Isaiah 45:7 — “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.”
• Isaiah 45:19b — “I the LORD speak the truth, I declare what is right.”
• Isaiah 46:4 — “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
• Isaiah 46:11b — “I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have planned, and I will do it.”

God speaks of his servant Cyrus, who will “build my city and set my exiles free” (v. 13). He calls Cyrus “by name” and gives him a new name (or title), even though Cyrus does not know God. God declared the future long ago. All the ends of the earth will see his glory and turn to the God of Israel. Idols cannot save. There is no comparison to the LORD. His salvation is near.

Indeed, these chapters in Isaiah are a bit overwhelming. 🙂

In Mark chapter 9, we read about the transfiguration of Jesus, and the coming of Elijah. Jesus heals a boy that his disciples could not help. He foretells his death and resurrection. The disciples argue about who is the greatest. Others cast out demons in the name of Jesus, and Jesus speaks about responding to temptation.

Again, I noticed how Jesus kept a low profile. When they were coming down from the mountain after the transfiguration, Jesus warned Peter, James, and John not to speak about what they had seen until after his resurrection. Later, when they all passed through Galilee, verse 30 says, “Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were.” The passage goes on to clarify that Jesus tried to stay hidden so that he could focus on teaching the disciples about what would come next. It reminds me of a verse I noticed earlier in Isaiah 45 — verse 15 says, “Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.” Jesus did not shout his identity. He was humble, and unassuming.

As always, I identify with the father who cried, “I believe, help my unbelief!” This is a constant prayer. It seems that I’m always struggling with having faith, but not enough faith. I’m grateful that Scripture shows us that it’s okay to be somewhat divided, so long as we bring all of ourselves to Christ.

At the very end of the chapter, in verse 49, Jesus tells us, “For everyone will be salted with fire.” Think about that for a moment. It took a worldwide pandemic for me to notice this verse. Everyone will be salted with fire. Everyone will be seasoned by suffering. Trials and tribulations will come. Jesus is telling us that “fire” will be part of our lives — not only that, but that such “salt” is good. Elsewhere in the New Testament we learn more about handling suffering: trials develop character and perseverance. God has a purpose in what He allows us to undergo, and in due time, He will restore us.

Psalm 48 magnifies the LORD. Long ago I learned a song set to the first two verses: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness… Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the Great King.” Verse 9 struck me — we ponder God’s steadfast love. And the psalm’s conclusion — that we “tell the next generation that this is our God forever and ever.” Amen!

Father God, I praise you that you are our God forever and ever. I praise you that there is no one like you. There is no other God. Thank you for revealing your will centuries before it came to pass. Thank you for your Scripture — for your living and active word. Thank you that what you purpose will come to pass. Thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for saving me, and bringing me into your kingdom. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your mercy and love. Help me to share your love with my neighbors and the next generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.