Daily Devotional for July 17, 2007

Proverbs 15
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)

Arrogance is a powerful tool that Satan uses to destroy many. Consider the person who rises to a position of importance and begins to lord it over others. He/she continually demands the spotlight, takes credit for work others do, and refuses to listen to criticism and constructive suggestions for improvement. Suggestions that this person “rein in” a little fall on deaf ears – listening to others’ advice is not in his/her vocabulary. And ultimately, a huge fall is often the result. Think of politicians who rise quickly in prominence and don’t keep their egos in check. Think of people in ministry or those who rise in the workplace to a position of great wealth or authority – pro athletes, military officers, business executives, and entertainers – and it is simply more than they can handle. Often, the “rise” is followed by a serious and perpetual fall from “glory” – and many times lives are ruined forever.

There IS a way to avoid this. It is as plain as day in this scripture passage. Stay filled with God’s word, active in prayer and conversation with Him, attentive to the wisdom and advice of your Christian friends and advisors. Keep assessing yourself continually for even the tiniest crevice where Satan could start to wedge his way into your life and thinking. Stay focused on living a Godly life and behaving in a manner that pleases Him. Ask God to keep you on the right path, and He will be more than happy to give you the tools for success.

©2007 Debbie Robus