Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 March 2021, Tuesday Message
Topic: Does It Matter How I Live?
Opening Prayer: Open my eyes O Lord that I might behold wondrous things from your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Proverbs 21:15 – 31
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow? • Is there any warning for me to heed? • What is God revealing to me in this passage?
We cannot hide what is in our hearts. It will show in our actions and choices and our actions and choices have consequences. The day of reckoning is sure to come. Let us keep to the path of righteousness, and never stray from it for our own good (vs.15 & 16). For many people, ‘prosperity and honour’ (v.21) are their aim. Often, they achieve them by underhand methods and trampling on competitors.
V.21 makes it clear that prosperity and honour are by-products. The godly person will seek ‘righteousness and love’ and will be rewarded with ‘life, prosperity and honour’. Are your aims self-centred or God-centred? Wisdom overcomes overwhelming obstacles. It enables us to be guarded in our utterances. A poor attitude to work and mindless pursuit of pleasure will only lead to poverty and frustration.
The wise person gives generously. The lazy person amasses and withholds (vs.17,25,26). The righteous should be rest assured that their commitment to the things of God will not be in vain (v.18). The Lord is not pleased with the sacrifices of evildoers. He cannot be bribed. Those who put their trust in Him stand firm and are unshakeable (see Psalm 125:1).
Practice/Word Application
• What then? Let wisdom be your hallmark.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Father God, help me to be mindful of the way I live so as to please you in all things. • Praise God for the grace that made you a Christian and the empowerment to be a faithful witness.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Prov. 1-2; 1 Cor. 14:21-40
Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 March 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.