Mon.’s Devo - Wisdom and Giving -

Read: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 22:20-21 Today, Solomon talks about wise people, foolish people, and youth. He says that the wise will choose the right road; where a foolish person can be identified by he way he walks. Some princes are foolish while some servants are wise. So position has no bearing on worth. All the people suffer when the rulers are foolish. Success comes through hard and steady work. To the youth he reminds them that they will one day give an account to God for everything they do. He calls us all to remember God before we get old and have spent our strength on meaningless things. We all go the way of the grave and judgment day comes to everyone. He gives some common sense like, “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade.” And to have a diverse portfolio. He concludes his speech with: Fear God and obey his commands and remember that everything known and done in secret will be judged. Paul reminds his people that their testing produced much joy and generosity. Though they were poor, they gave more than he had hoped to the church in Jerusalem which made Paul so proud of them. Paul encourages them to give again like they did at the first of the year. Paul seemed to always be encouraging them to be givers because he wanted to instill in them the habit of taking care of one another. One day, they might be the ones in need and the people they give to now might be the ones giving to them. They all needed to learn to care for one another. Our Psalm reminds us also that we can take nothing with us when we die so we should spend our money wisely while we are living. Lord, help us to have wisdom with what you have given us. Help us to be generous and joyful in our giving. Thank you for the way you given us your only son and so much more. We are grateful. May we give as you gave.