Our Daily Bread 17 June 2026 Devotional – Today’s Insight, Bible Reading & Prayer – Wednesday ODB Message
Are you searching for the Our Daily Bread 17 June 2026 Devotional Message? You’re in the right place. Today’s devotional offers a refreshing word from Scripture, a heartfelt reflection, and a prayer to start your day with purpose. Whether you’re reading for spiritual growth, daily encouragement, or Bible study, this edition of Our Daily Bread provides the inspiration and wisdom you need to stay rooted in Christ.
TOPIC: With Friends Like These . . .
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Nehemiah 7-9; Acts 3
KEY VERSE: To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. Job 12:13
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Job 11:7-20
TODAY’S INSIGHT
Some scholars have claimed that the remarkable story of Job is mere allegory and didn’t really happen. The Scriptures, however, refer to Job as an historical figure. Ezekiel twice mentions “Noah, Daniel, and Job” (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). And James writes of Job’s perseverance and how God used it (James 5:11). These writers of inspired Scripture considered Job to be real. His story warns us against the dangers of offering mere words instead of compassion and understanding as we comfort suffering friends. Instead of telling them where they’re wrong, how much better it is to listen to them and pray with them.
Our Daily Bread 17th June 2026 Devotional | MESSAGE
“I know you better than you know yourself!” As a young man, I heard that confident declaration from a friend. Her intentions were good, but my complicated life as an adopted missionary kid had been shaped across four continents and cultures. She didn’t really know me.
Zophar, a friend of Job’s, sounded wise in his assessment of Job’s difficulties. “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?” Zophar asked him (Job 11:7). “They are higher than the heavens above” (v. 8). Who can argue with that? But then Zophar dared speak of something he couldn’t know: Job’s heart. Without evidence, he proclaimed, “If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then . . . you will stand firm and without fear” (vv. 14-15).
Job responded sarcastically, “Wisdom will die with you! But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?” (12:2-3). Job’s reality was so complex that even he didn’t know what was taking place (see Job 1-2). He correctly said, “To God belong wisdom and power” (12:13). It didn’t come from Zophar, who presumed to have authority and insight that weren’t his.
Our friends may need our loving counsel from time to time. But usually friends in crisis need us to bring their names in prayer to the one who truly does know them.
REFLECT & PRAY
When has someone been truly helpful to you in a crisis? How can you help another in a difficult situation today?
Heavenly Father, please help me rejoice and relax in the wonderful truth that you truly know me and still love me.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.
