Daily Bible Devotionals

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Proverbs 31. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel - to Ithiel and Ucal: Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know? Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:1-6 (NKJV)

Nobody really knows who Agur, son of Jakeh is.  Neither Agur, his father, nor his sons Ithiel and Ucal are mentioned anywhere else in Scripture.  Some scholars speculate that Agur is a nickname for Solomon, but that does not explain his father and children.  Other scholars think he was a Gentile, living between Judea and Babylon, but that does not explain how his wisdom was included in the Jewish proverbs, which point to God’s revelation as the only true source of Wisdom.  Finally, other scholars think he was an allegorical character with his name loosely translated in Hebrew as “the one who first gathered maxims together," his father’s name meaning "despised," and his son's names understood to mean “I am weary” and “I am exhausted.”  Less important than who Agur was, is what he said.

His words seem to mirror Job’s, which point to God (specifically, the Godhead Person of Messiah – Jesus) as the creator of heaven and earth. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-14) “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7 (NKJV)

“And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” John 17:5 (NKJV)

We understand Agur grasped the idea of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”) because he learned God’s Word from his father, and Biblical values were passed down for four generations.  That is because they not only taught the Word, but he did not add to it!  (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32)  Let the same be said of us!  Walk in the Word, not turning right or left!

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-20 (NKJV)

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.  A slave will not be instructed by words alone; for though he understands, there will be no response.” Proverbs 29:18-19 (NASB)

I have spent all my adult life in the music business and in local church music ministry.  As a touring recording artist, I have partnered with over 1000 local churches’ efforts in all 50 US states to share the gospel and encourage believers.  There is a very close relationship between music and preaching, which is evident throughout the Bible.  Martin Luther said that music is “the handmaiden of theology.”  Music serves theology.  Music is the soundtrack for vision (proclamation of God’s Word).  When the music and vision are in sync, it makes the transition from pedestrian life to corporate worship effortless.  But it doesn’t matter how good the music is when the vision is off.  Things just never come together, and the congregation is left with less than they hoped for, less than it could have been.

I have heard today’s verse preached from the perspective of a pastor’s vision for a church, for a building program, a small group effort, or perhaps, a way to reach young people.  While that is true from an operational standpoint, this proverb is not speaking of a pastor’s vision but God’s vision as revealed in His Word, the Bible.  Lack of vision (in Proverbs 29:18-19) is contrasted with keeping the Law.  So, the presence of vision means aligning oneself with the Word of God.  God is saying that whenever people depart from His Word and seek to do ministry for Him, yet apart from His articulated way to worship Him, it always ends badly. And we see that throughout the Bible.  

Consider the days when Samuel was called by God:  “Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the WORD OF THE LORD WAS RARE (my emphasis) in those days; there was no widespread revelation.  And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, ‘Here I am!’” 1 Samuel 3:1-4 (NKJV)

Consider the generation after Joshua: “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who DID NOT KNOW THE LORD, NOR THE WORK WHICH HE HAD DONE (my emphasis) for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. They FORSOOK THE LORD (my emphasis) and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.” Judges 2:10-13 (NKJV)

Indeed, we are a generation that lacks vision…in our nation and in our churches.  We’re reading the Bible to align our values with God’s vision. The seeds of REVIVAL!

“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.” Proverbs 28:4-5 (NKJV)

As we are rounding third base and heading toward home plate, here in the Book of Proverbs, we should be thinking about what the big takeaway lesson is.  Sure, there are hundreds of micro lessons and practical perspectives we can apply to fortify our faithfulness and situational wisdom, but the overall plea of the Book of Proverbs is for our life’s posture to reflect that we are God’s people and that we seek His Word (the Bible) in order to live according to it.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

We must remember that the Hebrew word that translates as “Law” is “Torah.”  And Torah means “teaching” in Hebrew.  God is not calling us to a life of prideful legalism.  He is telling us the way of abundant life can only be found when we submit to His teaching, as articulated in the Bible.  If we seek the Lord in His Word, He will be faithful to reveal the truth of Scripture.  By the revelation of God’s Spirit (given to all believers), we will be able to understand (from the Bible) how to live a life that pleases Him, even in the midst of great opposition.  God loves us that much!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 (NKJV)

Foolish men forsake God’s teaching, either ignoring it or flat-out rejecting it.  God calls fools “evil men”: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.” Proverbs 8:13-14 (NKJV)

The only way to transition from foolishness to wisdom is to receive the Living Word, Messiah Jesus.  When you cross that line of faith, He gives you His Holy Spirit, Who reveals the Bible in a practical way: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)

“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; you shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.” Proverbs 27:23-27 (NKJV)

There are two types of shepherds in the church.  First, there are those who truly care for the well-being of the sheep.  By doing so, they will forever have wool for their clothing and milk to drink.  Then, there are those shepherds (let's call them “baaaa-d” shepherds) who only see the sheep as a source of leather and mutton.  They do not care about the sheep.  Bad shepherds only care about themselves.  It won’t be long before their flock is completely diminished.  Now, consider what God’s Word has to say about Good and Bad shepherds, and choose which one you will be.  

“‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: ‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the Lord. ‘But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.  I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,’ says the Lord. ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.  In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’” Jeremiah 23:1-6 (NKJV)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:11-18 (NKJV)

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. ’Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”  John 21:17 (NKJV)

“As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools. Like one who binds a stone in a sling is he who gives honor to a fool. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools. The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:1-12 (NKJV)

Today’s proverb deals primarily with fools; the extent to which we can trust them, and how we should deal with foolish behavior.  So, it is important that we Biblically address exactly what a fool is.  A fool is not necessarily a person who lacks superior intellect.  Many of the world’s most educated people are foolish.  A fool is not a person who makes mistakes.  Even the most righteous among us make mistakes from time to time.  People who are funny or silly are not necessarily foolish.  No, a fool is someone who is not wise.  In fact, foolishness is the opposite of wisdom.  So, let’s see how the Bible defines wisdom and work backwards.  

Wise people fear the Lord and obey His Word: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)

Fearing the Lord means hating evil. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.” Proverbs 8:13-15 (NKJV)

A wise person learns to hate evil by searching the Bible (Godly counsel) and fears the Lord by believing His Word to the extent that they live faithfully according to it.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

So, a fool denies (or ignores) God’s Word. Therefore, they do not fear the Lord.  Ergo, fools love evil; maybe not to the extent of mass-murdering evil, but any counsel other than God’s Word is evil. Fools are dangerous, must be avoided and weeded out because unchecked evil always leads to some manner of death.

“These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; for it is better that he say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.” Proverbs 25:1-7 (NKJV)

It is better to be summoned by the king than to be asked to step aside for one more worthy.  Today’s passage is from a collection of King Solomon’s proverbs, so we get a rare insight into the relationship between sanctification and promotion from a king’s perspective.  This is not a pedestrian’s theory about how to impress a king.  It is from a king telling you how kingdoms work at the highest level.  And the wisdom is scalable, meaning that it works on both national and personal levels.  

First and foremost, there is personal sanctification (setting oneself apart), the “putting-off of dross.”

“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, Who also will do it”.  1 Thessalonians 5:21-24 (NKJV)  (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Personal holiness precedes promotion.  It is fairly easy to develop a reputation of righteousness to fool the common man.  But God sees beyond your reputation (the part of your life that everyone can see) and looks deeper into your character (who you really are down deep).  You can’t fool Jesus by simply claiming He is your Lord. If He truly is your Lord, then you must surrender to His Lordship!

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)

“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:11-12 (NKJV)

We should not brag to the Lord, “Look what I did!”  Rather, surrender to His lordship and earnestly (yet humbly) seek His great, “Well done…”   (Matthew 25:21-23)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Proverbs 24. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverb 23:4-5 (NKJV)

In Newport Beach, California, there is a shopping mall called Fashion Island.  It was one of my favorite places to frequent when I lived in Southern California.  Everything about the mall was perfect, from the high-end boutique shopping and restaurant options to their landscaping, koi pond and the posh movie theater with the wide leather recliners. But my favorite thing about Fashion Island was how they would valet a long line of high-end sports cars right in front of Canaletto Ristorante Veneto.  When I say “high-end,” I’m not talking about Mercedes, Porsche, or BMW…the high-end autos of Middle America.  I am talking about supercars: McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Maserati; cars you only read about in magazines.  And there they would be, just sitting in the sun, driven by the elite, men who have no problem spending $500,000 + on a car.

I recall slowly walking past the valet line with a friend from Newport Beach, marveling at these feats of automotive engineering, when I mumbled the age-old question, “What do these people do that they can afford these? And why can’t I do THAT for a living?”  My friend, who is by no means poor, answered, “Don’t be fooled. These guys are all just one bad business deal or market downturn from losing it all.”  Some folks simply do not feel alive unless they are living on the edge.  And the only folks who know where the edge is, are those who have gone over it!  While the supercar valet line is never-ending, the group of guys driving up and tossing their keys to the valet is ever-changing.  That is EXACTLY the point of today’s passage from Proverbs 23.  If you put your trust and security in riches, beware. Riches have a tendency to fly away and leave you completely financially and spiritually bankrupt in the process. No, we cannot rely on riches or the obsessive pursuit thereof to fill the emptiness inside.  Only Messiah Jesus can do that!  

Focusing on building our earthly “kingdoms” takes our focus off God and the tasks He has set apart for us within His Kingdom. When people seek God, they typically entreat Him for what He can do for them.  Seldom do we consider what He requires of us in His plan for our lives!  Any plan other than God’s plan is destined to fail.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it… ” Psalm 127:1a (NKJV)

“Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches - feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”  Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV)