Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Proverbs 12:20-28 (NRSV)

Read Proverbs 12:20-28 on biblegateway.com

Verse 20Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy.
Verse 21No harm happens to the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.
Verse 22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Verse 23One who is clever conceals knowledge,
but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.
Verse 24The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
Verse 25Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
but a good word cheers it up.
Verse 26The righteous gives good advice to friends,
but the way of the wicked leads astray.
Verse 27The lazy do not roast their game,
but the diligent obtain precious wealth.
Verse 28In the path of righteousness there is life,
in walking its path there is no death.

Devotion

Are there lies and deceit in your heart? The heart, for the ancient Hebrews, was the center of one’s being, the “I,” the place where one connects with God. All of a person’s behaviors flowed from the heart, whether good or bad. When God was looking for honesty, truth or commitment, God looked into the depths of one’s heart. When God found evil, it lived in one’s heart.

The one to be born in Bethlehem will say, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” To promote peace is an intentional act that springs from the depths of the heart.

Prayer

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Urge your Holy Spirit to promote peace through all that I say and do. Let joy dance in my heart. Amen.

Gary Wilkerson Luther Seminary

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