Daily Devotional for December 12, 2015
Proverbs 31
Scripture:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Observation:
Any single guys looking for a wife should read this chapter very carefully! This chapter communicates a few non-negotiable truths that should be strongly considered in a potential spouse. Nothing is more strenuous on a marriage relationship than a husband or a wife who does not treat their spouse in a godly manner. Guys, this is not only a chapter for women, there are truths here that we should live by as well.
Today, Western culture is dominated by image. During the last century, communication shifted from the printed page, to telephone, then to video conference. Entertainment evolved from books, to motion pictures, to digital video. The result? A screen-dominated culture that demands “beauty.”
Often, men and women who are considered “good looking” find undeserved favor and worth because the screen is kind to them. But the fruitless quest for beauty does not stop with physical attractiveness; it includes the need for attractive possessions, such as automobiles and houses.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).
While the writer specifically addressed the value of a godly woman, certainly the same can be said of the man of God. Indeed, God’s creation is beautiful beyond description. Beauty is not in itself evil. The beautiful person, however, is the person who loves God. True beauty is reflected in love for others and for God, bringing glory to Him.
Application:
- Personal Application: Nothing is more attractive or beneficial than placing God first in our lives. Devote yourself to spending time in God’s presence and fulfilling the purpose that He has called you to.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if any truths spoke to them as you read. Talk about each one and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is placing God first in our life. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the ability to look past the temporary or the physical to see the spiritual component of a person’s life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will always keep Jesus in the forefront of their mind. Pray that God will always be first in their heart. In addition, pray that your family will help others put God first.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, December 6 – Sunday, December 13:
- Sunday, December 6: Lamentations 4
- Monday, December 7: Lamentations 5
- Tuesday, December 8: Psalms 66-67
- Wednesday, December 9: Psalms 68
- Thursday, December 10: Psalms 69
- Friday, December 11: Proverbs 30
- Saturday, December 12: Proverbs 31
- Sunday, December 13: Acts 1
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
Portions of this devotional are adapted from God’s Word for Today, July 21, 2013.
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