Together in Christ: 'Upright, Humble, and Wise!' — Proverbs 3:33-35

Sunday, September 15, 2024

The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!
— Proverbs 3:33-35 NLT

Key Thought

Most of us want to live a blessed life that brings joy and delight to our heavenly Father. If we choose to listen, the Holy Spirit often shows us the best ways to live, and not to live, in the wise sayings in Proverbs. Today, as we focus on the best ways to bring God's blessings to those we love, we learn some things to seek: uprightness, humility, and godly wisdom. We also learn what to avoid: wickedness, mockery, and foolishness.

Once again, the Scriptures give us a three-point alignment list for our lives:

  • Am I seeking to walk uprightly with the Lord and honor Him in all that I think, say, and do?
  • Am I living with humility and graciousness as I interact with others?
  • Am I looking to wise people and the Scriptures while praying for God's gift of wisdom [1] to help me live with others and honor God?

Our message today is an excellent reminder of wise and essential Scriptural principles we need to guide our lives:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. [2]
O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. [3]
[1] James 1:5.
[2] Proverbs 3:5–8.
[3] Micah 6:8.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, please forgive my sin. Use Your Holy Spirit and Your loving people to awaken me when I stray. I want to live an upright life, avoiding any form of wickedness, mockery of others, and worldly foolishness. Draw my heart, O God, to the things that please and honor You and that display Your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful justice. Teach me, O God, to walk in holiness and humility as I seek to bring Your blessing to others. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Proverbs 3:1-8; Micah 6:8
  • James 1:5-8; Romans 11:33-36

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 3:33-35 NLT — The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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