Proverbs 13

To those used to receiving these devotions earlier: I inadvertently stored the file in the wrong location, keeping it from being posted at the usual time. Please accept my apologies if you did not receive it in time for your usual devotion. - Kevin
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Swans frequently visit a certain pond where ducks, geese, and other waterfowl are found.  Yet even in this idyllic setting there is danger. A number of swans have been killed because they didn’t see power lines. Neighbors in the area complained. Soon the power company installed red flags on the lines. Now the swans can see the danger and avoid it. Since the red flags were installed, not a single swan has died.

Proverbs 13 features twenty-five “red flags” installed for our protection. The author states each warning in the form of a contrast. Like yesterday’s proverb, he contrasts the life of the upright with that of the wicked. Each “red flag” encourages us to avoid evil and seek wisdom. All twenty-five are worthy of meditation. But consider these four warnings today:

Verse 1: DON’T IGNORE INSTRUCTION AND REBUKES!  Parental instructions and reprimands aim to warn not control. Wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others. Wise sons learn from others while foolish ones boast of their own independence.

Verse 2: GUARD WHAT YOU SAY! Words can cut and destroy. "The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness" (James 3:6). To exercise self-control, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you speak.

Verse 7: BEWARE OF PRIDE. Humility – even when one is wealthy – is a great virtue. Humility is not thinking less of yourself – but thinking of yourself – less. To have something – and yet treat others with kindness and compassion – displays true wealth.

Verse 13: DON’T DISRESPECT GOD’S WORD. The Bible is God’s unfailing word to us. It is like an owner’s manual for a car. If you obey God’s instructions, you will "run right" and find His power to live. If you ignore His word – you will have breakdowns, accidents, and failures.

Like the swans avoiding the power lines, which of the above “Red Flags” do you need to see? Pick one and spend time in prayer asking God for the wisdom to avoid it today.