EVANGELICAL CHURCH WINNING ALL Food for the Day - 2023 FRIDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2023 TEXT: PROVERBS 20:1-14 TOPIC: BE WISE

*PROVERBS 20:1-14 NIV*

1:Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2:A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.

3:It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4:Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

5:The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

6:Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

7:The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

8:When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

9:Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

10:Differing weights and differing measures— the Lord detests them both.

11:Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?

12:Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.

13:Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

14:“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.

*B E W I S E*

Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (NIV). To be wise is to show good judgement. 

Moreover, you gain wisdom from experience. This is where intellectual power is displayed through moral control. 

That is why a wise man will refuse to be intoxicated with and by wine because it will only make him a fool and cannot be satisfied (vs.1).

Some people think that drinking beer will make them forget their problems. Do not be deceived by this, friends.

Verses 2 and 3 show that a wise man does not get into a quarrel, rather, he is always cool - headed. 

A wise man is hardworking, very insightful and faithful (vs.5-6). 

Also, blessings follow the righteous man and his children. Indeed, a wise man does not get involved in crooked dealings.

Therefore, run away from a sluggish hand to avoid its consequences (vs.13-14).

*QUESTION:* Are you wise or foolish in attitude and behavior?

*PRAYER:* Oh God, grant me the grace to pursue and gain wisdom, in Jesus name. Amen.

*Food for the Day - 2023*