AME Christian Education - Into God's Word

Daily Spiritual Vitamin

Walking in Wisdom // Proverbs 28:20–28

Friday, September 30, 2011
Trusting oneself is foolish, but those who walk in wisdom are safe. Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty. When the wicked take charge, people hide. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly multiply. Proverbs 28:26–28

Wisdom in Wealth and Poverty // Proverbs 28:8–16

Thursday, September 29, 2011
Rich people picture themselves as wise, but their real poverty is evident to the poor. When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. Blessed are those who have a tender conscience, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a lion or bear attacking them. Only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a king will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes. Proverbs 28:11–16

The Wisdom of Justice // Proverbs 28:1–5

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely. It is better to be poor and honest than rich and crooked.
Proverbs 28:5–6

The Danger of Pride // 2 Chronicles 32:20–26

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
From then on King Hezekiah became highly respected among the surrounding nations, and many gifts for the LORD arrived at Jerusalem, with valuable presents for King Hezekiah, too. About that time, Hezekiah became deathly ill. He prayed to the LORD, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the LORD's anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah repented of his pride, and the people of Jerusalem humbled themselves. So the LORD's anger did not come against them during Hezekiah's lifetime. 2 Chronicles 32:23–26

Act Justly // Deuteronomy 1:9–17

Monday, September 26, 2011
But how can I settle all your quarrels and problems by myself? Choose some men from each tribe who have wisdom, understanding, and a good reputation, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’ I instructed the judges, 'You must be perfectly fair at all times, not only to fellow Israelites, but also to the foreigners living among you. When you make decisions, never favor those who are rich; be fair to lowly and great alike. Don't be afraid of how they will react, for you are judging in the place of God. Deuteronomy 1:12-13, 16-17

Wisdom and Government // Proverbs 25:1–10

Sunday, September 25, 2011
Don't demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It is better to wait for an invitation than to be sent to the end of the line, publicly disgraced! Just because you see something, don’t be in a hurry to go to court. You might go down before your neighbors in shameful defeat. So discuss the matter with them privately. Don't tell anyone else, or others may accuse you of gossip. Then you will never regain your good reputation. Proverbs 25:6–10

The Wisdom of Self-Control // Proverbs 25:21–28

Saturday, September 24, 2011
A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28

Neighborly Advice // Proverbs 25:16–20

Friday, September 23, 2011
Don't visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. Putting confidence in an unreliable person is like chewing with a toothache or walking on a broken foot. Singing cheerful songs to a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing someone's jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in a wound. Proverbs 25:17–20

Words Fitly Spoken // Proverbs 25:11–15

Thursday, September 22, 2011
Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold. Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition.
Proverbs 25:11–12, 15

Humbly Seeking God // 2 Chronicles 7:12–18

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. I will listen to every prayer made in this place.
2Chronicles 7:14–15

Asking for Wisdom // 1 Kings 3:5–14

Tuesday, September 20, 2011
That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you! [Solomon replied,] “Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?" The Lord was pleased with Solomon's reply and was glad that he had asked for wisdom. So God replied, "Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people and have not asked for a long life or riches for yourself or the death of your enemies -- I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding mind such as no one else has ever had or ever will have!
1 Kings 3:5, 9-12

The Creator’s Hiddenness // Isaiah 45:9–17

Monday, September 19, 2011
"Destruction is certain for those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot ever argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, 'Stop, you are doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be!’ This is what the LORD, the Creator and Holy One of Israel, says: "Do you question what I do? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands, I stretched out the heavens. All the millions of stars are at my command. Truly, O God of Israel, our Savior, you work in strange and mysterious ways. Isaiah 45:9, 11–12, 15

Instruction in Wisdom // Proverbs 15:21–33

Sunday, September 18, 2011
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 15:29–33

The Better Way // Proverbs 15:15–19

Saturday, September 17, 2011
For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. It is better to have little with fear for the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil. A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them. A lazy person has trouble all through life; the path of the upright is easy! Proverbs 15:15-19

A Righteous Life // Proverbs 14:27–34

Friday, September 16, 2011
Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes. A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away. Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor him. The wicked are crushed by their sins, but the godly have a refuge when they die. Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. Proverbs 14:27, 29–33

The Wicked and the Foolish // Proverbs 12:12–16

Thursday, September 15, 2011
The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. People can get many good things by the words they say; the work of their hands also gives them many benefits. Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. Proverbs 12:13–16

Wisdom and Wealth // Proverbs 10:22–28

Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise. The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly. Proverbs 10:22–23

Wise Words // Proverbs 10:18–21

Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow! The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. Proverbs 10:19–21

A Wise Child // Proverbs 10:1–5

Monday, September 12, 2011
A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. The LORD will not let the godly starve to death, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame. Proverbs 10:1, 3–5

Walk the Straight Path // Proverbs 4:10–15, 20–27

Sunday, September 11, 2011
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:23–27

Prize Wisdom // Proverbs 4:1–9

Saturday, September 10, 2011
My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you.
Proverbs 4:4, 7-8

Walk in Your Parents Paths // Proverbs 1:8–15

Friday, September 9, 2011
Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor. Proverbs 1:8-9

Insurance Policy Paid in Full // Psalm 91:9–16

Thursday, September 8, 2011
The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14–16

Keep God’s Commandments // Joshua 23:1–8

Wednesday, September 7, 2011
So be strong! Be very careful to follow all the instructions written in the Book of the Law of Moses. Do not deviate from them in any way.
Joshua 23:8

Walk Uprightly Psalm 84:8–12

Tuesday, September 6, 2011
For the LORD God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who do what is right.
Psalm 84:11

Guard Your Heart and Mind // Proverbs 23:15–19

Monday, September 5, 2011
My child, how I will rejoice if you become wise. Yes, my heart will thrill when you speak what is right and just. Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed. My child, listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:15–19

Trust in the Lord // Proverbs 3:1–12

Sunday, September 4, 2011
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 direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7

Wisdom Benefits // Proverbs 3:13–26

Saturday, September 3, 2011
Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Proverbs 3:13, 22-24, 26

Wisdom Benefits // Proverbs 3:13–26

Friday, September 2, 2011
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.
Proverbs 3:27–28

God’s Abundant Blessings // 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Thursday, September 1, 2011
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure for God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8