Read – Proverbs 12:1-14, 28

What does it say?
The lives and character of the righteous are compared with the wicked.

What does it mean?
Character is revealed by what people think, say, plan, and do. The plans of the righteous receive praise because they reflect godly character: just, honest, and compassionate. The wicked, on the other hand, reveal themselves by being deceitful, dishonest, and selfish. Both are referred to as plants; while the wicked are uprooted, the righteous establish a root that grows strong and bears fruit. Righteous character is an indication that one has chosen to follow God, which leads to blessing in this life and living with Him in Heaven eternally.

How should I respond?
What do your thoughts, words, plans, and actions reveal about your character? What kind of reputation do you have at home, work, or school? Although some people can display admirable qualities for periods of time, consistent righteous character is only developed by a personal relationship with Christ. If your life isn’t consistently producing godly characteristics, examine your relationship with the Lord. Have you given Him the right to every part of your mind, body, and spirit? Your character can’t determine your eternal destiny, but it does reflect whom you’ve chosen to follow in life.

Read – Proverbs 11:1-23

What does it say?
Solomon gave encouragement to the wise and warnings to the wicked. He contrasted the godly life of the wise with the ungodly behavior of those who lack judgment.

What does it mean?
This passage reads like a résumé for godly character in contrast with ungodly behavior. God Himself is righteous, so it stands to reason that He delights in people who display righteousness in daily life. The righteous are described as honest, humble, kindhearted, blameless, and trustworthy. The integrity of the righteous guides them, providing peace, deliverance, life, and freedom. As a result, they build a godly life that brings delight to the Lord. The wicked will discover that everything they worked for will come to nothing. When they die, all they hoped for in this life will end only in God’s wrath.

How should I respond?
Would you describe yourself as a righteous person? It’s not a word we use very often anymore. Yet, righteousness is exactly what followers of Christ should strive for. Christians live in the world, but we are not to be like it. That means we constantly have to make intentional choices to display godly character. Which traits described in today’s passage best describe you? Have your attitudes, words, and actions lined up with righteousness or with what God calls wickedness? Godly behavior comes only by yielding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. How will your spiritual résumé read today?

Read – Proverbs 10:1-11

What does it say?
Diligence and integrity bring blessing, security, and peace. Laziness and evil behavior result in poverty, grief, and ruin.

What does it mean?
Solomon contrasted the godly actions of the wise with the negative behavior of the foolish. Knowing the value of hard work, the wise person displays godly qualities of diligence, dependability, and integrity. He also has a sense of purpose and prepares for the future. As a result, he experiences blessings from God and respect from others. However, a lazy person loses sight of what is important and thinks only of himself. Anyone who lives to please himself alone fails to please the Lord and brings dishonor to himself and his family.

How should I respond?
Many in today’s society seem to have lost a sense of purpose. Instead of taking initiative and doing their best, they have a mindset of doing only what must be done to get by. However, God designed us to be engaged in fulfilling, productive work. How are you diligently doing the work He’s called you to do? In what areas do you need to discipline yourself to persevere? People who don’t know Jesus personally often form opinions of Christ based on how professing believers behave. As a follower of Christ, your work ethic reflects your faith. If your focus is on working for the Lord with integrity, others will seldom be disappointed.

Read – Proverbs 8:22-36

What does it say?
Wisdom was the first of God’s works and was at His side when He created everything in Heaven and earth. Finding wisdom results in a life of blessing and favor from the Lord.

What does it mean?
This passage sets up a thought-provoking chain of events. Wisdom is central to the character of God. He is the source of all wisdom; finding wisdom results in His blessing and favor. If God is the very embodiment of wisdom, then wisdom is found in His presence. Before sin entered the world, there was perfect harmony between the Lord and His creation; wisdom didn’t have to be sought – it was the byproduct of enjoying the presence of the Lord. Death entered the world through one foolish and sinful act that reflected a hatred of God’s wisdom. To reject wisdom is to reject the Lord.

How should I respond?
Are you pursuing God’s blessings or God Himself? His blessings are often well within our reach as the result of making wise decisions. Today’s passage offers the key to recognizing wise choices: living in the presence of God. As you open your Bible each day, ask God to reveal Himself; then spend time in prayer meditating on who He is. The more you learn about Christ and begin to take on His character, the more quickly you’ll recognize sin in your daily life. How have your decisions this week reflected accepting or rejecting God’s wisdom? Go straight to the source and let Him handle the blessings.

Read – Proverbs 7

What does it say?
Solomon again urged his sons to keep his words and guard his commands. Wisdom and understanding protect young and simple men from the snares of the adulteress.

What does it mean?
As in the previous chapter, Solomon addressed his son’s personal acceptance of godly instruction so that it became central to who he was. Solomon wisely painted word pictures of putting his teaching on daily, like a ring, and instinctively protecting it from harm as one would protect his physical eyes. When God’s Word is stored in the hearts and minds of His children, it provides wisdom and judgment for every situation. Solomon specifically says that godly teaching helps a person recognize those with immoral intent.

How should I respond?
We are in constant need of wisdom to recognize the pitfalls of sin. The overwhelming message of Proverbs is that wisdom comes from God’s law, which is no longer written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers (Hebrews 10:16). Like a wedding ring, following God’s commands signifies that we belong to Christ and are unavailable to any other way of life. That kind of intimacy with Christ isn’t automatic; it must be intentionally protected. You have no idea what situations or temptations you’ll face this week. How are you internalizing God’s Word to protect and prepare your heart for any situation?

Read – Proverbs 6:1-19

What does it say?
Solomon warned against financial pledges and laziness, which lead to poverty. The Lord hates the ways of dishonest and violent people who stir up dissension.

What does it mean?
Solomon continued to warn his son against foolish behaviors that lead to poverty. He reasoned that God created man to do honest and useful work, using the body for the Lord’s service. That’s why God hates when the human body is used for evil. Solomon laid out six behaviors that are detestable to the Lord – each corresponding to a particular part of the body. Using one’s entire being for God’s honor not only brings Him glory, it benefits the person as well.

How should I respond?
As a child, you may have learned the song “Be Careful Little Hands What You Do.” That principle remains true no matter how old you are. According to this passage, it applies to every part of your body. What would life look like if your behavior was the exact opposite of what God hates? Eyes that look humbly to the Lord for help aren’t filled with pride. A tongue that praises the Lord isn’t used for lying. Hands busy serving aren’t folded in laziness or used to harm the innocent. Feet that carry the good news of the gospel don’t rush into evil. Also, a heart consumed with the love of God has no room for scheming. How will you use your body for the Lord’s honor and glory this week?

Read – Proverbs 4:10-27

What does it say?
Accepting and guarding wise instruction will lead to an unhindered path. Above all, the heart should be guarded as the storehouse for instruction and the wellspring of life.

What does it mean?
Solomon used a metaphor describing two choices in life: the godly path of wisdom or the destructive path of wickedness. He implied that choosing the darker path is the result of rejecting wisdom. Hence, foolishness eventually leads to wickedness. A godly life shines brightly in contrast to the spiritual darkness of the wicked path. But the path of the righteous isn’t taken by accident; it’s the result of accepting wise instruction and guarding one’s heart. Every part of the body must be focused on the wise path.

How should I respond?
Olympic medals are not won by accident. The athletes who achieve the most make choices every day that keep them on the path to success. They listen to coaches, guard their time, and stay focused on their goals. As a follower of Christ, you too have to be on guard and focused in order to avoid foolishness. Staying on the path to godly wisdom requires submitting your heart, mouth, eyes, and feet to God and His purpose. Where have you let down your guard? How has a foolish decision opened the door to ungodly thoughts or behavior? Determine today to take one intentional step “in the way of wisdom.” The path you choose will determine the outcome of your life.

Read – Proverbs 3:21-35

What does it say?
Solomon urged his son to use sound judgment and do good deeds when he had power to act. God blesses the righteous, gives grace to the humble, and honors the wise.

What does it mean?
King Solomon didn’t want his son to delay when he had the power to do something good for someone else. However, good deeds alone aren’t what please the Lord; it takes humility to look out for the best interest of others. As a result, God provides discernment and sound judgment regarding when to act and what to do. It then stands to reason that those who follow the Lord should never intentionally harm or falsely accuse others. While the wicked look out for themselves at all costs, the upright have the promise of God’s guidance and grace.

How should I respond?
The old adage is true: with great power comes great responsibility. Not only are followers of Christ heirs of God’s kingdom, we also have the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Like Solomon’s son, we need to understand that our position isn’t to be used for selfish purposes. But neither are we to do good things simply to gain favor with God. Understanding God’s grace produces an attitude of genuine humility, making it second nature to help others. God’s grace and wisdom are the intangible components in the lives of those who choose to follow Him. And the effects of His grace on any situation can’t be calculated.

Read – Proverbs 2

What does it say?
Wisdom comes to those who accept and apply God’s commands.

What does it mean?
Solomon told his son that gaining wisdom isn’t merely a mental exercise; it requires action. “If” he sought wisdom, “then” it would lead to understanding and work itself out in his behavior. Those who conduct themselves wisely are upright, blameless, just, and faithful. Wisdom is like a two-sided coin: it must be sought, but it is also a gift of God. The logical conclusion, then, is that wisdom comes by seeking God Himself, which results in living in His favor and presence. Seeking godly wisdom leads a person to others who are doing the same and leads away from those living foolish, immoral lives.

How should I respond?
As children we quickly learned that actions have consequences; if you touch a hot stove, then you get burned. People who loved us provided the knowledge that the stove was hot. Choosing to act with understanding by not touching the stove is wisdom. As we become more mature, God provides us with all kinds of knowledge about the “ifs” and “thens” of the world for both our physical and spiritual well-being. But choosing to act on the knowledge we gain is up to us. How would you describe your search for knowledge about God and His ways? The guidance and protection that result from God’s gift of wisdom come by diligently seeking Him and acting on what you learn.

Read – Proverbs 1:8-19

What does it say?
Instruction from parents is valuable, but evil influences lead to despair and ruin.

What does it mean?
God desires that parents diligently teach their children and point them to the Lord. Children would be wise to honor their parents’ godly influence and guidance in their lives. As children learn from their parents’ instruction, it brings honor to the children, the parents, and God. Listening to a parent’s counsel also provides a strong foundation of wisdom in every aspect of life. Solomon strongly warned against evil influences that will lead to a destructive lifestyle. Succumbing to the allure of sinful pleasures, dangerous influences, and greedy desires can lead to a pit of despair and ruin.

How should I respond?
God has set a high standard for parents to live out before their children. This requires intentional daily living that focuses on becoming godly examples that children can follow. As a parent, what areas in your life do you need to bring before the Lord, asking for wisdom and guidance? We can’t expect our children to live honorably before the Lord in areas where we have failed to follow Him. Thank God today for His warning in Scripture against evil influences. What temptations have you allowed to overtake your life because you failed to seek God’s direction or truth? Admit these areas of struggle before the Lord. He is ready and willing to come to your rescue and bring you out of a destructive path into a restored life with Him.

Read – Job 42

What does it say?
Job recognized God’s sovereignty, repented of his presumptuous attitude, and obeyed God’s instructions to pray for his friends. He was given twice as much as he had before.

What does it mean?
Faced with devastating tragedies, Job struggled with what he had always believed about God. In the end, Job realized his arrogance and repented. God vindicated Job in the presence of his friends. It might have been tempting for Job to say to his friends, “I told you so.” However, God didn’t let that happen. God instructed Job to pray for his friends, releasing any bitterness that could have taken root in his heart. Job’s reward was not only his restored prosperity, but also restored faith in the God who loved him enough to give him a glimpse of the reality of who He is.

How should I respond?
In recent years, reality television programs with pseudo-experiences of “real life” have become increasingly popular. The book of Job, on the other hand, does give an actual look at real events experienced in real life. In the midst of tragedies, you might wonder, “Why?” No matter what the answer is, God wants to give you a greater understanding of who He is. In what situation are you questioning what God has allowed instead of humbly trusting Him? Submitting to Him – whether in a season of difficulty or in a moment of victory – changes you and helps you know Him better. That is reality.

Read – Job 38-39

What does it say?
God broke His silence and questioned Job. The Creator of Heaven and earth responded by revealing details of His creation, not by giving a reason for Job’s trial.

What does it mean?
In this courtroom, God was Prosecutor and Judge. Rather than answer his multitude of questions, God asked Job questions, leaving him with no defense. God silenced Job’s wonderings by pointing out the wonders of His creation. Since God perfectly planned and sustains the universe, He could certainly handle Job’s life. God is accountable to NO man; His wisdom and sovereignty were all Job needed to know. Although Job might not have understood the mind or ways of God, he could know and trust Him. Job had been waiting for the answer to, “Why?” but the Lord responded with, “Who?”

How should I respond?
“My God is so big, so strong and so mighty; there’s nothing my God cannot do!” This simple preschool song says it all. Our God, Maker of Heaven and earth, is at work in your life. His history of faithfulness should give you total confidence that He can handle whatever comes your way. When has the enemy tried to tell you differently? When have you felt all alone? You are not! God may not explain the reason for your pain, but He has already done so much more by revealing Himself in Scripture. Our all-wise Creator is at your side and invites you to know and trust Him. Will you?

Read – Job 32-34

What does it say?
No matter what happened to Job, God was just, fair, and right in all He did.

What does it mean?
Job’s three friends seemed to give up on his admitting to some grave sin. Meanwhile, Elihu, a young bystander decided to convey his perspective on Job’s situation and his friends’ advice. He found holes in the arguments of both sides: Job placed blame on God, while the friends found Job guilty without evidence. There are different opinions as to whether Elihu was arrogant or had great insight for his age. Either way, he defended the character of God in the Lord’s silence. Elihu correctly argued that God could never act wickedly, pervert justice, or show partiality.

How should I respond?
We’ll never have all of the answers during life’s most difficult moments. But what do you do when God seems to be completely silent or inactive? Focus on His character traits while you’re waiting for Him to act. For instance, knowing that He is just will guard from saying, “It’s not fair” or “Why me?” What other attributes of God have you seen in Scripture? How do they relate to your current circumstances? What unanswered questions do you have today? Turn them over to your Lord and rest in knowing that He is just. Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14); He sees what you are going through.

Read – Job 27-28

What does it say?
Job talked about the source of all wisdom and understanding. Man can search and find treasures deep in the earth more easily than he can find wisdom.

What does it mean?
Precious metals and gems have been desired for millennia. Man has gone to great lengths to uncover the hidden treasures God placed in the earth. Long before Solomon, Job posed the question, “Where can wisdom or understanding be found?” Certainly not in the depths of the ground or the sea, nor can it be bought with any amount of riches. The answer is given in verse 28. The fear of the Lord (respect and awe for the majesty of God) is wisdom and turning from evil is understanding. Job knew he needed wisdom and that God was its only source.

How should I respond?
How much money is enough? The world’s answer… just a little bit more. Yet no amount of money can buy wisdom or provide security. If people without Christ greedily long for more “stuff,” shouldn’t those who claim His name pursue wisdom? Truly seeking after God and trusting Him will put you on the path of wisdom. Seeking Him starts by studying His Word. What current situation has left you perplexed? What are you pursuing for the answer, more money or godly wisdom? Ask God for understanding as you study Scripture. A God-given “aha” moment is worth more than any treasure.

Read – Job 23-24

What does it say?
Although he was terrified of what else God might have in his future, Job knew he would be delivered if he could find God and plead his innocence in person.

What does it mean?
God’s comments about Job are evidence of the close relationship they shared (Job 1:8). Nothing about Job’s character had changed, yet he felt as if a chasm had been placed between him and the Lord. But despite ominous circumstances and gripping fear, Job maintained his innocence as he laid out the case for God’s judgment on those who rebel against Him. Because he had enjoyed such close fellowship with the Lord, Job understood His character – God’s justice is certain, even if it seems delayed. So if Job deserved God’s righteous judgment, why was he still alive?

How should I respond?
Emotions are powerful. Anxiety and fear can rob your appetite and steal your sleep. You may be terrified of what else could go wrong and why God hasn’t already shown up to fix things. Such draining emotions can alter your sense of reality, creating a feeling of distance from the Lord. We know from Scripture, however, that God never changes and He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5-8). Like Job, find strength by reminding yourself of what you know to be true. Ask Jesus to give you peace of mind to govern any turmoil in your heart. God created you with emotions, but never intended them to rule over you.

Read – Job 18-19

What does it say?
Bildad concludes that a person in Job’s present condition must be evil. Job maintained his innocence and proclaimed God as both his oppressor and his Redeemer.

What does it mean?
Bildad tried to jolt Job into repentance by describing the fate of the wicked, which in his mind perfectly summarized Job’s current state. Job’s reply marks the depth of his despair followed by his greatest proclamation of God. At this, his lowest point, Job firmly believed that God had come against him and withheld justice. At the same time he ached for the day that God would stand as his Defender and tell the world of Job’s innocence. Job’s deepest despair inspired his deepest faith. No matter what God had allowed, Job was certain that only God could deliver and vindicate him.

How should I respond?
What allows a person to face life’s deepest despair with an equally deep faith? Recognizing the Lord for who He is – the only secure shelter during life’s roughest storms. Each of us must choose to either draw closer in faith or turn away from Him in anger. Allowing Christ to change your life prior to those painful moments makes turning to Him instinctive. That kind of trust floods your mind with peace and your heart with joy, which glorifies the Lord. How can you praise God today regardless of your circumstances? Will you join Job in declaring, “My Redeemer lives”?

Read – Job 15-16

What does it say?
Eliphaz accused Job of being proud and made a case that Job deserved his lot because of his wickedness. Job responded to those who came to comfort him.

What does it mean?
Because Job knew his faith in God hadn’t faltered, his friends’ accusations were not comforting, but insulting. Job was distressed, humiliated, and despised by his community; relief was nowhere in sight. He believed God had caused his distress, although he couldn’t understand the reasons. Still, Job believed that God heard his cries and saw that his heart was humble. He firmly believed that God’s faithfulness was unwavering. Job’s only comfort was his belief that God could be trusted to intercede for him.

How should I respond?
What Job believed to be true, we know to be true. Jesus Himself intercedes for us from His throne in Heaven. Followers of Christ should pray for one another and offer comfort when we can. Our efforts, however, are limited by our humanity. Only Jesus – God with us – can intercede for us perfectly and continually (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). Only the Holy Spirit – God in us – can provide perfect peace, comfort, and guidance through the storms of life (John 14:16, 26). What situation is causing you to grieve? To whom have you turned for comfort? Talk to God – there is no lasting comfort but His.

Read – Job 12-13

What does it say?
Job responded to his friends and prayed to the Lord.

What does it mean?
Job‘s friends repeatedly rebuked him and gave him no comfort or encouragement. He had reached the conclusion that their silence would be the best wisdom they could offer. He knew his only true and lasting comfort would be from God Himself. Even with all God had allowed to happen, Job continued to hope in the Lord. He decided to take his case straight to God instead of accepting the judgment of everyone around him. He wanted to speak to the Lord directly and longed to hear His reply.

How should I respond?
Many times the encouragement and answers we seek from friends may be limited or inappropriate. God is the only one who can give complete assurance. Perfect comfort requires a perfect Comforter. The Holy Spirit comes alongside us to give comfort so we will know how to offer the same to others in their times of need (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Where do you turn when a problem occurs: Do you turn to social media, call your friends, or take the issue to the Lord first? Intercessory prayer is good and necessary, but going directly to God offers direct comfort. In what situation do you need to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit? As you accept His comfort, you’ll be able to recognize and help others who need to do the same.

Read – Job 10

What does it say?
Job pleaded with God. He wanted to know why God would create him just to punish him so severely.

What does it mean?
Job had reached the point in his suffering in which he began to question God’s faithfulness. He began to wonder if God was angry with him and thought it was good to oppress him. Even though he knew he served a just God, Job began to question His intentions for allowing the innocent to suffer while the wicked went unpunished. The faithfulness and goodness of God were hard for Job to see in his current circumstances. He felt as if the God he had always loved and served had betrayed him and was now his enemy.

How should I respond?
Have you ever suffered to the point that you began to question God’s goodness and faithfulness? Hebrews 10:23 tells us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” We can hold firmly to the promise that God is still faithful despite our health, circumstances, or bank account. Aren’t you glad that God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our amount of faith at any given moment? God remains faithful even when we are faithless. How will you trust in His faithfulness today?

Read – Job 7

What does it say?
Job explained his restlessness, sharing details about the physical and mental suffering he was enduring. He asked why God was testing him every moment of his day.

What does it mean?
Job’s suffering was so multifaceted that he didn’t have a moment’s relief. Even if the physical pain eased enough to allow sleep, nightmares would awaken him. The effects of restlessness and hopelessness wracked Job’s body and emotions to the point that he begged God to leave him alone, if only for a brief moment. Job didn’t understand why God allowed him to suffer so greatly or why He wouldn’t at least forgive him of his sin and restore him. His only comfort was in knowing that one day he would die, and the suffering would end.

How should I respond?
Suffering will not always be understood on this side of Heaven. Some suffering is the result of natural consequences: fall off a roof, and you’ll likely break bones. But what about suffering that can’t be explained, as when a newborn baby dies? Unexplained adversities cause many to ask the age-old question, “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” How do you respond when God doesn’t give relief right away? Making the decision to love the Lord in spite of tragic circumstances is a matter of trust. Jot down ten things you know to be true about God’s character. When you can’t see what God is doing, you can always trust Him. Will you give Him your hopelessness today?