Devotionals for August 21, 2023
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READ
POVERBS 18:4-24
The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
REFLECT
Did those details feel connected to you? You’ve probably heard the scripture about “a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” but Proverbs 18 ends with that verse. All the details leading up to this type of friend are convicting: The power of our words. The power of the LORD. The power of a generous spirit. The power of forgiveness. It all leads to deeper friendship. That friend who sticks closer to you than the family may not be instantaneous. It will take time and intentional, Christ-like love to get there.
APPLY
Q: Where does the righteous person find safety and wisdom?
Q: Which part of Proverbs 18 challenged you the most?
Q: How can you be that intentional friend to someone else today?
Q: Which part of Proverbs 18 challenged you the most?
Q: How can you be that intentional friend to someone else today?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Lord, I praise your holiness and goodness! You have shown such friendship to me and the whole world. Help me to work towards reconciling with and serving others in the compassionate name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Lord, I praise your holiness and goodness! You have shown such friendship to me and the whole world. Help me to work towards reconciling with and serving others in the compassionate name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.