Join us in today’s devotion and prayer-
Read Proverbs 26:13-28 in your favorite version or in the following KJV and then join us in praying below:
Proverbs 26:13-28
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (KJV)
Our Father,
We ask that by the counsel of your Holy Spirit that you would help us to be diligent in all we do; we want to serve you and others well in the name of your Son Jesus. Also by your counsel, help us to always be truthful and avoid deception and gossip.
We also ask that you would help us to change our attitudes and thinking; help us to avoid anger and quarrels and help us to replace our usual responses that hurt others with loving, caring, and forgiving conversation instead.
We know that we cannot do this by ourselves and need your help to demonstrate your love and the grace of your Son Jesus to others; left to ourselves we end up hurting even the very ones we are closest to, our friends, and members of our families.
Thank you Father for helping us to transform the way we think, speak, and act; for helping us to be more like your Son Jesus.
Praise your name Lord for now and forevermore.
In Jesus Name, Amen.