The way of life [winds] upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below.

Proverbs 15:24 (NKJV)

Good Morning,

Happy Wednesday! In today’s devotional, I want to continue along the lines of things we covered in yesterday’s newsletter and podcast. In our Faith+ reading plan, we have begun our journey through the Bible with the Wisdom Books. If you are following along with us, we have completed James, Ecclesiastes, and will be finishing the Book of Proverbs in just a few days. As we read through Proverbs, we see over 23 different personalities highlighted in its chapters.

Why are those personalities there? They are there to help us to “ponder the path of our feet” and consider our ways. We want emulate the wise, good, and righteous. We do not want to be the proud, foolish, or the scoffer. In today’s verse and podcast devotional, we see that the path of the wise gets higher, better, and brighter. I know that’s what you desire for your life as well!

Let’s take a look at a few personalities today. Proverbs 21:23-26 says, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. 24 A proud [and] haughty [man]--"Scoffer" [is] his name; He acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the lazy [man] kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.”

When you guard your mouth, you keep your soul (mind, will, and emotions) from many troubles. If you are loose with what you say, you will cause your life to be full of trouble that you wouldn’t have experienced if you had guarded your mouth. In verse 25 and 26, we see that we should be diligent and generous.

Verse 24 speaks about the the proud and and haughty person. The writer calls them a scoffer. Although we do not use that term often, our lives and social media feeds are filled with scoffers. If you follow the advice and words of scoffers, you get the results of the proud and scoffers warned of in the Book of Proverbs. Today, pray the daily prayer for 2026 knowing that God wants to give you wisdom and take time to consider what we are reading in Proverbs. After you pray this prayer, pause and take time to listen. Always remember, prayer is not complete until you take time to listen.

In today’s podcast, I share more about personalities in Proverbs - especially about the scoffer. Take six minutes and stream it today. If you’re reading through the Bible with us this year, your chapter reminders are below. If you want a pdf print out of the plan, click here. Stream today’s podcast and share it with others. I’m praying for you!

I am the salt of the earth. I am the light of this world. Jesus said it so I believe it. I am a carrier of the Glory of God. Today, I will experience the extreme goodness of God. Today, I make myself available for God to show His goodness to others through me.  Today, I am increasing in influence. Today, I will see the goodness of God in my life! Today, something good is going to happen to me so I expect miracles. 

We are reading through the wisdom books of the Bible. Today, read Proverbs 28 and Matthew 11.