the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Proverbs 29:15-27
"The rod and reproof give wisdom." The rod can be used either in its literal sense for children, or figuratively of all the forms of the Lord’s discipline of His own. There is no worse punishment than to be left to one’s own devices (v. 15; Psalms 81:12).
Hasty words (v. 20), anger (v. 22) and pride (v. 23) are at the root of many sins. But in contrast with the first Adam, v. 23 turns our eyes to the Lord Jesus. His incomparable path of humility has as its counterpart the place of supreme glory (cf. Philippians 2:5-11).
Another trap is set by the fear of man; it cannot go together with the fear of God (v. 25). In wanting to please men (or not to displease them) it is the Lord whom we cease to please. How many people have been drawn into evil by bad friends to whom they dared not say no! If we have to take a courageous stand and are afraid of the consequences, let us trust in God; He is our strong tower.
Finally v. 27 reminds us that there is no fellowship between righteousness and iniquity (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). May God keep us in fellowship with Himself
