Day 168: Message Received

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 17:9-11

Central Thought: God wants His people to practice wise discernment.

Thick – this is great when you are talking about a milkshake. However, when it comes to learning the lessons of life, it is not so great. Thickheaded people usually just do not get it and often have to suffer a great deal more before they learn a lesson than do prudent people.

The words of today’s reading set the contrast before us: ‘A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool” (Proverbs 17:10, NIV). Those who know how to learn from the example of others find a great deal less trouble. Words of correction are often all the person of discernment needs to learn life’s lessons. Christians who practice discernment build friendships with others because they are trustworthy. They are also far more effective as witnesses for Christ since their lives better reflect Christ’s nature.

God wants us to learn life’s lessons quickly and to put those lessons into practice every day. We will encounter many unsaved people who need to see a clear testimony of Jesus’ saving grace. If we know how to discern life’s lessons, we will be ready to give the clearest testimony of the salvation He offers us.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding me to consider all of my actions.

Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:23b-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11