GOOD MEDICINE

Today's Reading: Proverbs 16-17

Key Verse: Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart does good, like medicine,
 But a broken spirit dries the bones.

When reading this book of the Bible, it's difficult to choose which proverb to highlight. These words are dripping with wisdom! Examples in today's reading would be, "Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established" (16:3) and "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (16:18). Also, consider this one: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (16:25).

Then there are prescriptions for maintaining good health, such as "a merry heart," as well as this proverb… "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (16:24). Particularly grandfathers should appreciate this one: "Children's children are the crown of old men" (17:6a). Then there's this one about friendship… "A friend loves at all times" (17:17a). We need to ask ourselves, "Am I a true friend?"

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, we're not capable of carrying out the wisdom of the Proverbs on our own. We ask for Your daily grace and the power of Your Holy Spirit in living out what we're reading daily in your Holy Word. We pray in the Name of the One we long to imitate…the One who personifies Wisdom…Jesus Christ. Amen!

For more on today's reading, please visit 100words.ca