Month: August 2021

Scripture Readings Proverbs 21:6Deuteronomy 33–34Mark 3Psalms 39 Verse Focus (Proverbs 21:6) A fortune made by a lying tongue     is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. Meditation Proverbs 21:6 says, “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” Yowsa! Wealth achieved through deceit or wrongdoing is an illusion because it will quickly disappear. But it is also a snare — the very means of your downfall. Such ill-gotten gains are not only a trap, but they are a deadly trap. If the lying doesn’t lead directly to death, it will lead there indirectly. Perhaps…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 21:5Deuteronomy 31–32Mark 2Psalms 38 Verse Focus (Proverbs 21:5) The plans of the diligent lead to profit     as surely as haste leads to poverty. Meditation Today’s verse focus is Proverbs 21:5, which says, in the NIV, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” The ESV translates this proverb as, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” As I look at this proverb, I first look up the definition of “diligent” to remind myself of what exactly it means. One dictionary…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 21:3Deuteronomy 29–30Mark 1Psalms 37 Verse Focus (Proverbs 21:3) To do what is right and just     is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Meditation Today’s verse focus is Proverbs 21:3. “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” This is an important principle to remember even though we no longer live during a time when we offer animal sacrifices to God. The Old Testament sacrifices were required both for the entire nation and for individuals — it was a means of atonement, as well as a means of honoring and thanking…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 21:2Deuteronomy 27–28II Peter 1–3Psalms 36 Verse Focus (Proverbs 21:2) A person may think their own ways are right,     but the LORD weighs the heart. Meditation Today’s verse focus is Proverbs 21:2, which says, in the CSB, “All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs hearts.” Literally, the Hebrew is saying that a man’s way is right in his own eyes, so I almost started this paragraph with the NASB2020 translation, which says, “Every person’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD examines the hearts.” But I chose the CSB for first…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:28Deuteronomy 25–26I Peter 4–5Psalms 35 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:28) Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;     through love his throne is made secure. Meditation Our verse focus today, Proverbs 20:28, says, in the ESV, “Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.” Since most of us no longer live in the era of kings, how does this verse relate to us today? What do we learn, and how is this relevant? Well, obviously, we learn that those who rule will find stability and longevity through love and faithfulness. The NIV says,…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:25Deuteronomy 23–24I Peter 1–3Psalms 34 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:25) It is a trap to dedicate something rashly     and only later to consider one’s vows. Meditation Proverbs 20:25 says, in the NIV, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.” What is being dedicated is being given to God through a religious vow. As the NKJV says, “It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows.” We don’t have temple sacrifices, and it’s not customary in our culture for us to vow…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:23Deuteronomy 21–22Romans 15–16Psalms 33 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:23) The LORD detests differing weights,     and dishonest scales do not please him. Meditation Last month we looked at two proverbs in chapter 19 that were nearly identical (Proverbs 19:5 and 19:9; see July 13th – Day 194). Today we get another very similar proverb to one we looked at just eight days ago. Both are from chapter 20. Proverbs 20:10, which we looked at on July 28th (Day 209), says, “Differing weights and differing measures — the LORD detests them both.” Today’s verse focus is Proverbs 20:23, which says, “The…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:22Deuteronomy 19–20Romans 13–14Psalms 32 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:22) Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”     Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Meditation Today’s verse focus is Proverbs 20:22, which says, in the ESV, “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.” This reminds me of what we read in Romans just yesterday. Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ ” Vengeance is mine,…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:21Deuteronomy 17–18Romans 11–12Psalms 31 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:21) An inheritance claimed too soon     will not be blessed at the end. Meditation Today’s verse focus is a proverb that has been a favorite of mine for many years. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.” When I read this proverb, I think of inheritance in terms of the LORD, rather than in terms of my earthly parents. David wrote, in Psalm 16, verses 5 and 6, “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:19Deuteronomy 15–16Romans 9–10Psalms 30 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:19) A gossip betrays a confidence;     so avoid anyone who talks too much. Meditation Proverbs 20:19 says, in the NIV of 1984, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” The NKJV says, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” And the NRSV translates this verse, saying, “A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.” Each version gives a slightly different view of the person we want to avoid. He…

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