“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life. Thorns and snares are the way of the forward; he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.” Proverbs 22:3-5
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“Are you ready?” Lena’s maid of honor calls through the bathroom door.
Her words hang awkwardly in the elegant air of that hotel room.
A little less than one year ago, Lena had asked herself that very same question. Her cold feet prompted her to bail on the promise she made to marry Richard; two days shy of their first wedding date.
Despite Lena’s previous trepidation of walking down the isle, the stately Richard found a way to woo Lena into changing her mind.
Rich was beyond generous and young Lena had humiliated him in the most public way. Today was Lena’s big chance to make all wrong things right.
“Yes.” Lena musters a confident answer through the door, despite the butterflies that continue hitting the wall of her stomach. Guilt and fear were her reasons for getting married; not love.
Richard was centuries older than his stunning bride. Although Lena clearly admired his wisdom and worldly knowledge, it was never anything more than in a grandfatherly-sort-of way.
Whenever Richard leaned for a kiss, she always closed her eyes picturing him, thirty years younger.
Rich didn’t just admire Lena’s stunning beauty, he worshiped it; in the same way he worshiped the feminine charms of his three previous wives.
Sadly, his lusty affections never lasted long. After the telling of time and the strains of his roving eye started to show on their lovely faces, he would find a convenient reason to divorce. What Richard lacked in loyalty, he made up for in alimony checks.
Lena was used to being desired and pursed by successful men. Through those wealthy suitors, she had developed a palette for the good things in life. As men had no problem using her, Lena had no issues using them right back. This is what she had always done to survive; it had always kept her sitting pretty.
Lena’s head swirled. She was under so much pressure.
Never in a million years did she imagine that her lifestyle would land her in the awkward position she was in today. She nervously plucked at the flawless three-carrot diamond on her finger. It was the prettiest noose a girl could ask for. But, it was still a noose.
The truth of the matter was: Lena was getting older. The longer she dabbled with men of questionable standards and motives, the less she saw herself worthy of being loved for the right reasons.
Why would any man bother seeing her as anything else at this point in her life? Lena stared at the flawless reflection in the mirror. Did she have value that went deeper than her perfect veneer? One day, that veneer would chip. Who would love Lena then?
Proverbs 22:3-5 tells us that when we are humble and have a reverence for the things that God has, we will find riches and honor and life.
Many arrogantly think they won’t fall into the common traps that have destroyed so many. Those who aren’t prudent won’t heed the warnings of Proverbs 22:3-5.
God has given every person the opportunity to obey His word. If we do, we will be blessed for it.
If we choose to disobey, we will reap the consequences of our disobedience.
In the Bible, God promised that every man will reap what he sows. This isn’t the law of karma; it is a principal of God.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
In Proverbs 22:3-5 it says that a person who fears and honors you will be blessed.
I wish I could say that this is a principal that I have lived by consistently. I repent that I have not feared you or honored you like I should have done.
I have been eager and impatient, thinking that I would be the one person that would get away with living this way and not have to pay the consequences of it.
Lord, can you help me?
I am at a serious crossroad in my life. I have made so many decisions without even considering your will, and I have no idea how you can fix this mess called my life.
Today I commit to reading your word, praying and asking you to lead my steps and obeying the insights and revelations that you give to me.
You promised that you would lead me out of destruction if I turn from my wicked ways. I’m turning from my wicked ways today, Lord. No more compromise from me.
In Jesus’ precious name, finish the work you have started in my heart. Uproot the evil I have sown into my life and plant new seeds of blessing. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Proverbs 22:3-5
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan