Friday 5/29

Into the Wilderness (week 6) Day 5

Before you read God’s Word today, ask for His help by praying this short prayer:
Lord, quiet my heart and settle my mind. Help me set aside the distractions and busyness around me. Let Your Word do more than fill my mind with knowledge; let it change my heart. Show me what is true, correct me where I need it, and guide me in how I should live. Lord, help me not only to hear it, but to receive it and obey it. Draw me closer to You through this time and continue growing me to live like Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs 13

[1] A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,

but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

[2] From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,

but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

[3] Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,

but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

[4] A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,

but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

[5] The righteous hate what is false,

but the wicked make themselves a stench

and bring shame on themselves.

[6] Righteousness guards the person of integrity,

but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

[7] One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;

another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

[8] A person’s riches may ransom their life,

but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.

[9] The light of the righteous shines brightly,

but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

[10] Where there is strife, there is pride,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

[11] Dishonest money dwindles away,

but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

[12] Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

[13] Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,

but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

[14] The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

turning a person from the snares of death.

[15] Good judgment wins favor,

but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. a

[16] All who are prudent act with b knowledge,

but fools expose their folly.

[17] A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

[18] Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,

but whoever heeds correction is honored.

[19] A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but fools detest turning from evil.

[20] Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.

[21] Trouble pursues the sinner,

but the righteous are rewarded with good things.

[22] A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,

but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

[23] An unplowed field produces food for the poor,

but injustice sweeps it away.

[24] Whoever spares the rod hates their children,

but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

[25] The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,

but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

Reflection:
Reread (v. 20) The challenge of this verse is not about avoiding everyone who struggles, but about being intentional with who has the most influence over your daily decisions and mindset. It invites honest evaluation: who actually shapes your thinking when no one is correcting you. A good way to remember this is that your circle is not just your company, it’s your compass. The question is: are the influences in your life pointing to wisdom or to foolishness?

Pray Lord, thank You for the wisdom in Your Word. Help me to pay attention to the people I allow to shape my life and the voices I listen to each day. Give me discernment to choose friends and influences that lead me toward wisdom, truth, and obedience to You. Amen.