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Proverbs 24:23-34 (NIV)
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: 24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. 25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them. 26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. 27 Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. 28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead? 29 Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” 30 I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
What was once your strength, but now is a weakness, due to neglect?
The spirit of the devil brings division, and one way is to show partiality to one group, one theology, or one ideology, on others. Those who let the convicted killers, rapists, and the violent free from jail are purposefully creating fear and discord across the nation. The world is driven by unfulfillment and the quest for more. More things, more power, more control. It feels overwhelming and I struggle to see this evil happening around me. I have become soft in my faith due to the easy way of life. Now all that is being threatened and I have been shaken. Please forgive me. Let me not be weak in my faith, but strong. The Spirit of the Living God is greater than the devil’s antics. You promised that the faithful will be satisfied. Give me confidence, discernment, and the strength of Your Spirit to live according to Your will no matter what chaos is surrounding me. Let me judge impartially, speak honestly, stay loyal, show restraint, and work hard. Help me grow in wisdom so that more and more I may live a life that pleases you. The only Power that I desire is that of the Holy Spirit. Lead me to do Your will, show me Your ways, and be the person You say that I am. Let me bring about unity and shine Your light into the dark world through Your love. Amen