Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.30.5.NASB We can trust God. We may not feel like we can trust other people, but we can trust that what God says, He will do. As the Bible mentions here in Proverbs chapter 30, we see that God’s Word withstands testing and it is strong enough to be a shield to protect those who place their trust in Him. Do we trust in what God says? Do we hold fast to Him and take refuge in Him? Let Him be our shield today!

For those of you in the United States, Happy Thanksgiving! Today is the day that we celebrate our gratitude for all the blessings we have received. God’s Word speak frequently about gratitude, which goes hand in hand with humility. Without humility, you will never be truly grateful. As we continue reading in Proverbs 29, see what it says: A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.29.23.NASB This idea hoes contrary to everything we think we know. Humility leads to honor, not pride. Humility knows that we can’t do everything and that we don’t deserve everything. Humility is truly thankful for…

Guess what? You’re not perfect. Shocking, I know. Most of us know that we’re not perfect and freely admit that we have areas that we need to work on, yet when we are corrected by others, we get upset and angry. Why is that? If we know we’re not perfect, why do we get so defensive when others point it out? A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. Proverbs 29:1 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.29.1.NASB The Bible reminds us that pride and arrogance are not the way to respond to these situations. If we have someone in our life who is brave enough to give…

Do we give honest feedback? Or, do we tell people what they want to hear? In reading through the rest of Proverbs chapter 28, we see this verse in and among the others. He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. Proverbs 28:23 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.28.23.NASB When we get asked our opinion, are we honest and do we tell the truth? Or do we just say what we think the other person wants to hear? Do we try to flatter people just so they will lime us, or promote us? This can be seen often in the business world, but is by…

Do we admit when we mess up? It can be so easy to just try to cover it up and move on, yet reading through Proverbs 28:1-14, we see this verse: He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:13 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.28.13.NASB Are we willing to admit our mistakes? Certainly, God Himself has said He will forgive us, just look at 1 John 1:9. We also must be willing to admit to ourselves when we mess up. Finally, we must be willing to admit to others when we have wronged then. True humility and desire to change and try…

Who we truly are is reflected to others. Proverbs 27:15-27 gives us several ways we can continue to be wise, bur see what it says in verse 19. As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. Proverbs 27:19 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.27.19.NASB Our heart reflects who we try are. The things we care about and the way we move and work with people is a direct reflection of what is in our heart. Bitterness and anger will show itself in our dealings and responses to people. The same is true for kindness and humility. What do our actions today say about the kind of person we are?

What do you tell others about yourself? Some people seem to spend all their time bragging about everything they have done to others. The Bible recommends humility. Read Proverbs 27:1-14, focusing on verse 2. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.27.2.NASB We don’t need to praise ourselves. We shouldn’t spend our energy trying to raise others opinions on what we do or how we do it. Now, on the flip side, we aren’t to go around degrading ourselves. God has created us and we are His. But, we are to be humble and do our very best…

What’s your work ethic? That may seem an odd question to ask in a Christian Devotional. But, the Bible addresses every area of life, so we should, too. In reading Proverbs 26:21-34 we see: “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man. Proverbs 24:33‭-‬34 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.24.33-34.NASB As believers, we should be among the best, most dedicated workers out there. We work as we are working for God, not just an earthly boss. If we are lazy and irresponsible, then we should realize that we are going to experience the…

“Why do we fall?” This question was asked of Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman Begins. The answer? “So we can learn to pick ourselves back up.” In reading through Proverbs 24:1-20 we see the same issue addressed in verse 16. For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. Proverbs 24:16 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.24.16.NASB What differentiates the righteous from the wicked? The righteous man rises again. As we are trusting in God to carry us through everything we go through, we have no difficulty trusting God to pick us back up again. We know that God sees us and works through…

Do you ever envy non-believers? I must admit that in some moments, at times I do. I see people who have no respect for God doing things that they seem to be enjoying or getting things that seem to be fun and a twinge of jealousy can creep in. What does God’s Word say about that? After reading Proverbs 23:15-35, this verse stood out to me. Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always. Proverbs 23:17 NASB http://bible.com/100/pro.23.17.NASB Apparently we are not alone in having moments of envy and jealousy. This reminder here is there to keep us focused on what really…