July 31 ▪ Day 212

Scripture Readings

Proverbs 20:17
Deuteronomy 11–12
Romans 5–6
Psalms 28

Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:17)

Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
     but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

Meditation

Our verse focus today, Proverbs 20:17, says, in the NIV, “Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.” Bread that we did not labor for honestly is appealing — after all, everyone wants something for nothing! But this food was actually gained by deceit of some kind. Our sin nature takes pleasure in getting the better of someone else, and thus the food tastes sweet to us. But all sin has consequences, and sooner or later we will reap the results of our ways.

The images in this proverb provide a nice contrast between immediate gratification and the actual outcome of sin. We know what sweet to the mouth is like — pleasure, satisfaction, perhaps even the desire for more. But gravel in your mouth! Not only does it taste of dirt, it breaks your teeth and does not give you what you really need — there is no nourishment and no sustenance in rocks. You can easily understand why the phrase “to eat gravel” is also an Arabic expression for getting into trouble — the one who eats gravel will receive only grief, disappointment, and loss.

Although the proverb uses the example of food, we know that it’s talking about all kinds of profit from deception, fraud, or quick get-rich schemes. The profit may seem sweet when we first receive it, but it will not end up that way. Whether the “gravel” expresses itself in our character, our relationships, our circumstances, or our finances — ultimately, we will regret having taken the wrong path. So, the next time we’re tempted to take the shortcut, the less-than-exemplary route, or the downright sinful way, just remember that mouthful of dirt and rocks. Perhaps that will persuade us to take the right course!

Father God, thank you for this proverb that so aptly contrasts short-term pleasure with the long-term negative results of our sinful ways. Please help us to do things the right way and not be tempted by “easier” ways of accumulating wealth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Deuteronomy 11, Moses tells the Israelites that the Promised Land will not be like Egypt was “where you sowed your seed and irrigated it, like a garden of vegetables (v. 10).” Egypt was a fertile valley irrigated by the Nile river. But the Promised Land is “a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, a land that the LORD your God cares for (v. 11-12).” God provides the rain the land needs in response to the people’s obedience. If the people start worshiping other gods, then the LORD “will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain (v. 17).”

Moses sets before them “a blessing and a curse (v. 26).” The choice, given in verses 27 and 28, is simple: “The blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God… and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside… to go after other gods that you have not known.”

In Deuteronomy 12, Moses speaks of a future place that the LORD will choose to “put his name and make his habitation there (v. 5).” The Israelites are not to offer burnt offerings at “any place that you see (v. 13),” but only at the place that God will choose. This is the place where the Israelites must offer their tithes, the firstborn, their vow offerings, and freewill offerings. Moses makes clear that this does not mean that they are not allowed to eat meat at other times of the year. They may eat from their flocks and herds, or from gazelle or deer, so long as they do not eat the blood. For this meat, it will not matter if they are clean or unclean — all may eat of it. But any of the offerings and contributions, any of the holy things for the LORD, must only be eaten at the place where God puts His name.

In Romans 5, verse 8, Paul writes, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is what God is like. God loves us, not because we are worthy or because of any merit we have, but because of His own character. He is love. He is steadfast, merciful, patient, and kind. But God’s love is not simply a matter of feeling, of harboring goodwill towards us. He actively demonstrates His love by sending His Son to live among us, and then to die for our redemption. God’s love sought us and found a way for us to be reconciled to one another, even though our natures were diametrically opposed.

As chapter 5 begins, Paul tells us in verse 1, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What a marvelous thing it is to have peace with God! Those of us who have known Jesus for a long time forget just what a difference it makes to have peace with God. Because we have peace with God, we can cry out to Him for help at any time. We have confidence that He hears us and that He cares about us. We walk with Him; we talk with Him. We are never alone, and never without resources. I take all of those things for granted sometimes. But it’s amazing that we always have God’s ear. God is not a puppet or a sugar daddy — but who doesn’t want the most powerful Being in the world for a friend?

The other thing that chapter 5 teaches us about God is how bountiful He is. The trespass was great. But His grace is greater. Grace abounds. No matter how much sin and evil is in the world, God’s grace abounds even more.

Romans 6 talks about our response to God. Paul tells us in verse 6, “Our old self was crucified with him.” We share in Christ’s death and his resurrection. My sins were paid for by Christ’s death on the cross. When God looks at me, He sees me clothed in Christ’s righteousness. But that is just the “death” part of the equation. I also have to live for Christ. Paul tells us that we must present ourselves “as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification (v. 19).” But just as Christ’s death is powerful, freeing me from the dominion of sin and death, so his life is even more powerful. With Jesus interceding for me, the Holy Spirit dwelling within me, and God’s grace abounding, I have what I need to be a slave to righteousness, leading to sanctification and eternal life.

Psalm 28 teaches us that God is our Rock — the One who is secure, steady, firm, immovable, unshakable, and unchanging. In other words, God is dependable. We are up and down, easily shaken, easily frightened or worried, easily stressed. We are fragile, broken, and weak. But with God on our side, we take on His attributes of steadiness and certainty. We have solid footing again.

The LORD is our help. God is our strength, our fortress, and our salvation. Hallelujah!

Father God, I’m so grateful that you are dependable. I’m especially grateful that I have peace with you through Jesus Christ. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the transforming power of your grace. Father, we have the same choice that Moses gave the Israelites: blessing or curse, obedience or disobedience. We have chosen the blessing; we have chosen Jesus Christ. But we still must submit as slaves to righteousness. Help us always to choose you and choose what is right day by day. Thank you that your grace abounds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.