We see three things that mingle together in our reading of Proverbs 23. First, we hear, do not chase wealth. Yes, work hard and be faithful. But do not just your chief resource, your time, your energy on that which doesn’t last. Second, respect the wisdom of your elders. There is much that they can teach us. Primary among that is this: there is always a future. There is always hope. Today is not the end. Today, let’s cling tight to this wisdom, wisdom that can help us to truly live a wise and healthy life.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you on this wonderful Tuesday morning as we delve into the Book of Proverbs. Today, being the 23rd of January, we find ourselves exploring Proverbs 23. January offers a perfect opportunity to engage with Proverbs, with its 31 chapters aligning seamlessly with the 31 days of the month. Today, we’ll be delving into the wisdom presented in Proverbs 23, uncovering some intriguing passages.

In verse 4, we encounter a noteworthy piece of advice: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Be wise enough to desist.” In a world often emphasizing hard work leading to wealth, this verse encourages us to reconsider our priorities. It brings to mind a poignant quote by Dave Ramsey: “We spend money we don’t have to buy things we don’t want to impress people we don’t like.” How much of our time and energy are dedicated to accumulating possessions merely to impress others? This prompts us to reflect on the judicious use of our most precious resources—time, energy, and effort.

A striking verse, number 22, emphasizes the importance of honoring our parents, particularly as they age: “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” In a culture that tends to undervalue the elderly, this advice serves as a reminder of the unique wisdom and experience that older individuals bring. While society may sometimes view the elderly as burdensome, Proverbs highlights the invaluable gift of their counsel.

Verse 18 provides a fitting benediction to these insights: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” It’s easy to forget, especially in challenging moments, that there is always a future and hope. Experience teaches us that difficult times are not the end of our journey; there is always a tomorrow, offering new possibilities and renewed hope.

In conclusion, Proverbs encourages us to be mindful of our priorities, directing our efforts toward meaningful connections with family, friends, and faith. It cautions against disregarding the wisdom of the elderly and reinforces the comforting truth that there is always a future filled with hope.

Today is indeed a good day, enriched by the wisdom gleaned from Proverbs. As we eagerly anticipate Chapter 24 tomorrow, let’s embrace the future, anchor our hope in Jesus, and remain mindful of His constant presence. Thank you for sharing this time with me, and I wish you a fantastic day ahead!