Proverbs: God’s Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 20:22-23 (KJV):
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
 

Thought for the Day

Verse 22 – Vengeance belongs to God, not man. God knows how to deal with all injustice. A number of scriptures instruct us not to repay evil for evil, but to wait on God to deal with our enemies and any injustice done to us (Romans 12:17-21).

Our natural reaction to injustice is to retaliate with vengeance. It is impossible for us, in our own strength, to repay evil with good. Yet, the Lord teaches that we are to rise above evil and not return wickedness to anyone. We are to show the world that God’s children are different from the devil’s. When we are lied about, we are to tell the truth and trust God to defend us, even if by telling the truth we become vulnerable. If a spouse, neighbor, co-worker, or anyone else should lose their temper against us, we are not to respond in the same way, but with “a soft answer” that “turns away wrath.” We can do these things only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Peter 3:14-16).

If vengeance or resentment arises in our hearts, we must call out to God to cleanse us from those evil traits and to give us His love and solution to the problem. He has the power to change other people’s attitudes toward us if we keep our hearts right. He sees all that is happening, and He will rescue us if we cry out to Him in faith. He can change any heart designing evil against us or change the circumstances surrounding any problem in our favor if we trust Him and ask Him to forgive and bless those who are persecuting us.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I do want to be like You, so help me to react with Your love when someone does something toward me that is evil. I confess that I cannot do this in myself, but I am asking that You give me the love, understanding and patience that I need to be able to overcome evil with good. Father, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him on the cross, even in the midst of His agony; let me remember what You did on the cross, when I need to forgive trespasses done against me. Lord, give all of Your children the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain them in their trials in this life. We all need Your power and grace to overcome and be like You. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.