“In all labor there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Prov. 14:23
Today’s daily devotional
My younger brother has never really been a “talker”. He never troubled himself (or anyone else for that matter) with pesky verbal affirmations. He always just did what needed to be done.
During our formative years, I used to wonder what went on in his head. Sometimes he would occasionally pop up with something to say; but that usually occurred when food was involved. “Pass the potatoes!”
It was always startling to hear his unfamiliar vocal chords in action. Most of the time he would just smile and grunt his approval at my mother’s cooking.
Over the decades, I have watched him grow from a gangly eating machine into a full-fledged adult. Despite my early suspicions of wondering if he had fully grasped the American language, my little brother graduated top of his class with a degree in chemical engineering. Not only did he accomplish this, but he did it one year ahead of the typical graduate.
I wish I could have the pleasure of boring you with my unending list of academic achievements, but I cannot tell a lie. It is a sad thing to say that my little brother has surpassed his “big talking” sister faster than her speedy mouth could say, “Slow down!” I never even saw it coming.
In Prov. 14:23 it says that in working hard you will always get a reward. My brother is a living example of that truth. He accomplished much because he never wasted his days with futile conversations. He DID. I guess the secret to success is keeping your mouth shut!
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to grasp the concept of working hard. It sounds like it would not be too entertaining, but I know that if I have a good attitude it can make even work fun.
I have so many goals. I have held these goals close to my heart, but they always felt so far from my grasp. Perhaps this is because I distract myself with my ramblings instead of doing what needs to be done.
Lord, help me to focus. I want to be productive and I want to produce more not just for me; but also for you and your kingdom. In Jesus’ precious name, help me to be happy to work hard and find joy in doing it, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional.
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan
A special thank you to my brother, Eric for his quiet impact on my life.