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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You said, “A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?” (Prov 20:24). This means that you are charting my course through life, and I shouldn’t worry if I don’t understand everything that happens to me. You are completely trustworthy, even if your timing or purpose isn’t clear. I rest in your leadership today and praise you for your guiding care! Today in Your Word Today you told me more of Solomon’s proverbs. Solomon had a lot to say about various types of people. He talked about the fool, the simple, the wise, the scorner—and he talked about the sluggard. Solomon said, “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth” (Prov 19:24). My first reaction is to think, ‘How ridiculous! I’m nothing like that!’ But after further reflection, I realize that this caricature has some uncomfortable similarities to my own weaknesses. Do I start a project with great enthusiasm, only to toss it aside when I lose interest? Do I begin a new diet with determination, only to end up falling back into my old eating habits? Solomon’s picturesque proverb makes a penetrating point: those who lack the diligence to follow through will end up starving right in front of table full of opportunity. Reflection “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Prov 18:8 NIV). Refusing to hear gossip is as hard as refusing a delicious dessert. Yet the best way to resist a rumor is to never take that first bite. If you don’t nibble on the first morsel of gossip, you won’t give in to the second or the third. Request Father, you said, “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool” (Prov 19:1). Help me remember that a life of integrity is far more valuable than the riches I could gain through dishonesty and deceit. Thanksgiving Thank you for the security that comes from knowing and loving you. Your name is like “a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Prov 18:10). Come what may, I wait on the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “One There is, Above All Others” — John Newton. Meditation Verse: Proverbs 18:24.