the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Proverbs 11:18-31
The tendency of our selfish hearts is to monopolize everything and to keep more than we should for ourselves (vv. 24, 26). But let us read in Luke 6:38 what the Lord Jesus commands. The true path of blessing for ourselves is to be occupied with the good of others. That sometimes appears to defy human caution and wisdom, but God’s arithmetic is not the same as man’s! He upsets man’s calculations and precautions. Riches are always a snare for those who put their trust in them (v. 28; cf. Mark 10:24; 1 Timothy 6:17-18). "Rich in good works", such ought to be our ambition, in accordance with this last reference.
Yet there exists in this world something of the greatest value, which we are invited to seek out and gain. What is there more precious than a soul? To redeem our souls, the Lord "sold all that he had" (Matthew 13:44-46). Yes, "he that winneth souls is wise" (v. 30). This is a happy service, but what do we know of it? It was the service of the disciple Andrew (John 1:41-42); it can be ours too, whatever our age and our level of knowledge. What are the special requirements for the one who wants to be a soul-winner for the Lord? Just this same wisdom ready to seize the occasion (Ephesians 5:15-16). Love is also needed, so able to find the way into the heart (1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Corinthians 9:22).
