Topic: A Shining Light [Thursday February 1st, 2018]
Text: Proverbs 12:17-28 (KJV)
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Key Verse: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)
MESSAGE:
The writer in this passage addresses the character of some individuals – how their attitude to life promotes or diminishes their worth. He talks about a diligent person who will always find food and the man who runs after fantasies and lacks good judgment. Whereas righteous men work for their food, the wicked would rather steal from others than work for honest wages. The writer also points out that a man must reap whatever he sows.
Nowadays, many people are depressed on account of the challenges of life. A large number of people go into harmful practices while seeking solution to life’s challenges. Sadly, many seek solution the wrong way and from wrong sources. By so doing, they complicate their cases. The only sure refuge in time of trouble remains the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Many lives have been destroyed by wrong use of words. In these perilous times, the love of many is waxing cold; people are lovers of themselves and have no affection or regard for others; interpersonal relationships are going down the drain. People freely employ caustic words against others. It is also sad to see that even within the Body of Christ, this insensitivity is manifest as so-called believers tear apart their brethren through uncharitable words.
These unchristian behaviours have destroyed the faith of many and have caused heaviness of heart to others. This is the reason some churches are becoming scanty and believers who were once vibrant are no longer showing interest in the things of God. It can be traced to the carefree attitude of some Christians who are detached from fellowship and see no reason to show the all-important christian love which soothes the wounded heart.
Let’s return to the cross for cleansing so that our first love for God and fellow men can be restored. Then, there will be revival!
Thought For The Day: A soothing word doeth good like medicine.
Bible Reading in a Year: Exodus 7-9.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
