Daily Devotion of Proverbs 11

Daily Nugget:
In most of Proverbs 11, one will find the results that come from a good character trait or action. In the same verse, one will read about the consequences when the opposite is done.

Good versus bad behaviors are not thought about much. After seeing how this Proverb puts the consequences of wrong actions plain and simple, one will realize even more the accuracy of the wisdom of God.

One bit of advice in Proverbs 11:14 has protected many from making wrong decisions and can be guideline wisdom for future choices. This proverb is about seeking counsel (advice).
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

The excellent advice when making life changes or choices is not to decide on your own. Seek multiple discernments that you can trust and are from those experienced in the area you are seeking sound advice. There is usually safety in numbers.

One of the keys to getting good direction is seeking it from the right people. Pick someone you look up to, especially if they are spiritually discerning.

When I was a fifth-grade teacher, quite often I would deal with the children’s social problems. I recall one young lady that was asking another same-age peer a dating question. When I got involved, my first question was to the girl giving the advice. I asked her, “Have you ever dated.”

“Oh, no,” she replied. “I’m too young, and my parents won’t let me date.”

Then I turned to the one seeking advice and asked, “Why are you seeking help from one that has no experience in what you are requesting advice?”

She shrugged her shoulders, indicating she did not have a reason. “You should ask a person that you can trust and has experience in what you are seeking advice. Who would that be?”

Quickly, she responded, “My parents.”

When seeking counsel, go to someone who knows what they are talking about and has some experience in the area you are asking. Furthermore, seek a person that is more spiritual than you and can discern God’s will and direction.

Going to an unsaved person would not be one that would give spiritual advice that could be relied on. God’s opinion and direction are never wrong. If His guidance is followed, there will be no regrets, and it would be His will for one’s life.

If you are a Christian and are seeking God’s direction, ask Him first to open or close doors of opportunity, and to make His will clear. Any people that are also in tune with God often may say the same answer that the Lord has already laid on your heart. Multiple counsels many times confirm the direction you feel the Lord would have you go.

Also, when seeking other’s advice, seek it sparingly. Too many ask everybody they come in contact. It is not long before they find themselves confused even more. Find one or two people, again that you think have already shown that they are being led by God’s Spirit, not their own opinion.

God wants you to do His will and way. He does not intend for your finding His will for your life to be a guessing game. If it is His direction, it will be clear. Prayerfully and patiently wait for His guidance.

Today’s Thought:
“Opinions: everyone has some, but few know what God has to say about the question or situation. Seek only advice from godly sources.” — B. B.

Words to Understand:
Abomination: detested; strongly hated; seen as vile
Counsellors: advisors; counselors
Hypocrite: one who advises for another to do something that he does not do himself
“Just weight”: is referring to a scale used in weighing out a product
Transgressors: sinner; violator of God’s commandments

Today’s Reading:
Proverb 11
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.