The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The Wisdom of Life
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The Wisdom of Life
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.
Proverbs 11:30 (NIV)
Reflection
A postal worker noticed the accumulated mail of an elderly woman who usually collected it daily. Knowing she lived alone, the worker shared her worries with a neighbor. This initiated a chain of concern, leading to the discovery of the woman, who had fallen four days earlier and couldn’t get up or call for help. The postal worker’s wisdom, concern, and decision to act likely saved her life.
The teachings of Proverbs, particularly highlighted in Proverbs 11:30, underscore the profound, life-saving power of wisdom and righteousness. This scripture is not merely poetic but a vigorous call to action, reminding us that, as followers of Christ, we are beckoned to bear fruit that nourishes and sustains like a tree of life in a parched land. It emphasizes that true wisdom, deeply rooted in righteousness and divine guidance, extends beyond personal benefit, offering a fulfilling life that actively seeks to care for and profoundly impact the welfare of others.
To "save lives" is not always about dramatic rescues or heroic acts. It's about the daily choices we make that contribute to the well-being of others. It's about noticing the unnoticeable, caring for the forgotten, and extending a hand to those in need. It's the kind word spoken at the right time, the patience shown in moments of stress, and the forgiveness offered instead of resentment.
Wisdom, in the context of Proverbs, is more than intelligence or knowledge. It's a deep, abiding understanding of God's will and a life aligned with His principles. When we live wisely, we navigate our lives with discernment, making decisions that honor God and reflect His love to those around us.
Consider the postal worker who notices a small change in routine and acts out of concern. Such vigilance is an example of wisdom in action—a testament to living with an awareness that extends beyond ourselves. This is the essence of saving lives: fostering a community where care and concern are reflexive, where we look out for one another not out of obligation but out of love.
Application
1. Be Observant: Begin each day with a prayer for God to open your eyes to the needs around you. Sometimes, the opportunity to save a life comes in the quiet moments of noticing what others overlook.
2. Act Wisely: Wisdom calls for action. When you see a need or feel the tug of the Holy Spirit to reach out to someone, don't ignore it. Your response might be the answer to someone's prayer.
3. Cultivate Righteousness: Righteousness isn't about being perfect; it's about aligning your life with God's will. Seek His guidance in your daily decisions and interactions.
Closing Reflection
As you reflect on the wisdom of saving lives, remember that each day is an opportunity to be a tree of life to those around you. Your branches, extended in love and wisdom, can provide shade, comfort, and sustenance to weary souls. May your roots go deep into the soil of God's Word, and may your life be a testament to the life-saving power of His wisdom.
Closing Prayer
Lord, make us instruments of Your peace and wisdom. Help us to be attentive to the needs around us and responsive to Your prompting. May our lives bear the fruit of righteousness that leads to life for those we encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional crafted by Kenny Sallee, ThM…
A postal worker noticed the accumulated mail of an elderly woman who usually collected it daily. Knowing she lived alone, the worker shared her worries with a neighbor. This initiated a chain of concern, leading to the discovery of the woman, who had fallen four days earlier and couldn’t get up or call for help. The postal worker’s wisdom, concern, and decision to act likely saved her life.
The teachings of Proverbs, particularly highlighted in Proverbs 11:30, underscore the profound, life-saving power of wisdom and righteousness. This scripture is not merely poetic but a vigorous call to action, reminding us that, as followers of Christ, we are beckoned to bear fruit that nourishes and sustains like a tree of life in a parched land. It emphasizes that true wisdom, deeply rooted in righteousness and divine guidance, extends beyond personal benefit, offering a fulfilling life that actively seeks to care for and profoundly impact the welfare of others.
To "save lives" is not always about dramatic rescues or heroic acts. It's about the daily choices we make that contribute to the well-being of others. It's about noticing the unnoticeable, caring for the forgotten, and extending a hand to those in need. It's the kind word spoken at the right time, the patience shown in moments of stress, and the forgiveness offered instead of resentment.
Wisdom, in the context of Proverbs, is more than intelligence or knowledge. It's a deep, abiding understanding of God's will and a life aligned with His principles. When we live wisely, we navigate our lives with discernment, making decisions that honor God and reflect His love to those around us.
Consider the postal worker who notices a small change in routine and acts out of concern. Such vigilance is an example of wisdom in action—a testament to living with an awareness that extends beyond ourselves. This is the essence of saving lives: fostering a community where care and concern are reflexive, where we look out for one another not out of obligation but out of love.
Application
1. Be Observant: Begin each day with a prayer for God to open your eyes to the needs around you. Sometimes, the opportunity to save a life comes in the quiet moments of noticing what others overlook.
2. Act Wisely: Wisdom calls for action. When you see a need or feel the tug of the Holy Spirit to reach out to someone, don't ignore it. Your response might be the answer to someone's prayer.
3. Cultivate Righteousness: Righteousness isn't about being perfect; it's about aligning your life with God's will. Seek His guidance in your daily decisions and interactions.
Closing Reflection
As you reflect on the wisdom of saving lives, remember that each day is an opportunity to be a tree of life to those around you. Your branches, extended in love and wisdom, can provide shade, comfort, and sustenance to weary souls. May your roots go deep into the soil of God's Word, and may your life be a testament to the life-saving power of His wisdom.
Closing Prayer
Lord, make us instruments of Your peace and wisdom. Help us to be attentive to the needs around us and responsive to Your prompting. May our lives bear the fruit of righteousness that leads to life for those we encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen.
----------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional crafted by Kenny Sallee, ThM…
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