Daily Devotion

Learning from Proverbs 19:23 ESV > The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. > 敬畏耶和华使人得享生命，安然满足，免遭祸患。 The fear of the Lord does not only give wisdom. It leads to life. It brings rest and satisfaction. It even says that such a person will not be visited by harm. Why? First, the fear of the Lord leads us to *obey His commands.*  When we live according to His ways, we avoid many self-inflicted troubles. Obedience protects us from destructive decisions and unnecessary consequences. Second, the fear of the Lord *shapes our heart.*  It produces humility, self-control, patience, and discernment. These qualities guard our relationships, our choices, and our future. Third, this does not mean believers will never face difficulties. Rather, it means we are protected from ultimate harm. Yet many people do not fear the Lord. Why? Sometimes because life seems comfortable and smooth. When things are going well, we may feel s...

Learning from Proverbs 19:21 ESV > Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. > 人心中有许多计划，唯耶和华的旨意成就。 Once again, we are reminded that no matter how detailed or confident our plans are, if they are not aligned with the Lord, they may not ultimately prevail. Planning itself is not wrong. In fact, planning is part of wisdom and responsibility. God expects us to think, prepare, and act diligently. However, planning must go hand in hand with surrender. We are called to commit our plans prayerfully and submit humbly to God’s greater purpose. In life, there are many areas that require careful planning - our education  - our career - our family - our finances - our ministry Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guide my plans and align them with Your will. Teach me to plan wisely and surrender humbly to Your purpose. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 19:18 ESV > Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. > 当在你的儿子还有指望时管教他；不可存心害死他。 This verse reminds us that discipline is rooted in hope. When we discipline, we are saying I believe you can grow. I believe you can change. I believe there is still hope. Discipline must never flow from anger or frustration. It must come from care, patience, and a sincere desire to guide. So never give up while there is still hope. And as long as there is breath, there is hope. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to correct with love and patience. Help me never to give up on those You have entrusted to me. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 19:16 ESV > Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. > 遵守诫命的保全性命，藐视正道的自寻死路。 保全性命还是自寻死路？ Would you rather preserve your life, or walk toward destruction? This proverb is not merely about physical death. It speaks about the direction and outcome of our lives. How does keeping the commandments keep one alive? It does not mean that we will never die physically. Rather, it means that obedience protects us from unnecessary harm and self-inflicted consequences. Just like when we follow a nation’s laws, we are protected from punishment. Traffic laws prevent accidents. Financial regulations prevent fraud. Rules are not meant to restrict life, but to safeguard it. In the same way, God’s commandments are not burdens, but protection. They guard our relationships, our conscience, and our future. To despise God’s ways is to ignore the boundaries meant to preserve life. That path often leads to regret, brokenness, and loss. Let’s pr...

Learning from Proverbs 19:14 NLT > Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. > 房屋钱财是祖先的遗产，贤慧之妻乃耶和华所赐。 This verse reminds us that some blessings can be passed down by human effort, but some can only come from God. As parents, we may be able to leave an inheritance for our children. We can provide education, support, and resources. But we cannot ultimately choose the right spouse for them. A godly and understanding partner is not something money can buy. It is a gift from the Lord. What we can do is pray faithfully. We can guide our children in wisdom, teach them godly values, and trust God to lead them to the right person in His time. Reflection 1. Do I trust God with the areas of life that are beyond my control? 2. As a parent, are you praying for your children’s future with faith and patience? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, thank You for being the giver of good gifts. I entrust my children and their future relationshi...

Learning from Proverbs 19:13 NLT > A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping. > 愚昧之子是父亲的灾殃，争闹之妻如雨滴漏不止。 We must be careful not to read this verse in an extreme or literal way. The Bible is not attacking children or wives. Rather, it is warning against foolishness and uncontrolled conflict within the home. The deeper lesson is this:  Foolishness harms relationships. Constant quarrelling slowly drains peace. Each of us need to examine our own behaviour. 1. Am I bringing wisdom or foolishness into my family? 2. Am I contributing to peace, or adding to tension? A peaceful home is built through humility, patience, and understanding *TOGETHER* . Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to bring wisdom and peace into my home. Guard my words and attitudes so that I may strengthen, not drain, the relationships You have given me. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 19:3 ESV > When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord. > 人因愚昧而自毁前程，他的心却抱怨耶和华。 I believe many of us have experienced this before. We made a decision on our own. Things did not turn out well. Instead of examining ourselves, we blamed others. Sometimes we even questioned God. Many people carry this mindset It is always someone else’s fault, never mine. This proverb exposes a painful truth. Our own foolish choices can bring consequences, yet our hearts resist responsibility. It is easier to complain than to repent. It is easier to accuse than to reflect. It is easier to blame than to accept. However, we need to pause and ask ourselves 1. Did I seek wisdom before deciding 2. Did I listen to counsel 3. Did I act out of pride or haste Growth begins when we take responsibility instead of shifting blame. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to examine my own heart honestly. Teach me to take responsibility for my choices and to seek Your wisdo...

Learning from Proverbs 19:2 NLT > Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. > 热诚却无知不足取，行动急躁难免有错。 This verse is very practical. Passion alone is not enough. Speed alone is not wisdom. I have experienced both mistakes before. There were times when I was full of enthusiasm but lacked understanding, and the outcome was not good. There were also moments when I acted too quickly, only to realise later that I should have paused and thought more carefully (especially when buying things online) Good intentions do not guarantee good results. Wisdom requires both knowledge and patience. This proverb reminds us to slow down, learn first, and then act. Zeal guided by wisdom becomes fruitful. Haste without thought often leads to regret. Reflection 1. Am I rushing ahead without seeking understanding? 2. Do I pause to think and pray before acting? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me wisdom to match my enthusiasm. Teach me to slow down, seek understanding, and act with discernment. A...

Learning from Proverbs 19:1 NLT > Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. > 行为完全的穷人，胜过说话欺诈的愚昧人。 Many storybooks and dramas portray characters who are poor but full of integrity. They work hard, endure hardship, and refuse to compromise their values. Their lives may be difficult, but they press on with dignity. On the other hand, there are characters who show how dishonesty and foolishness go together. For example, in the fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the shepherd boy repeatedly lies for attention. At first, nothing seems to happen. But when real danger comes, no one believes him. His dishonesty exposes his foolishness, and he suffers the consequences. That is exactly what Proverbs warns us about. Dishonesty is not cleverness. It is foolishness that eventually destroys trust and credibility. Reflection 1. Am I tempted to bend the truth for short term gain? 2. Do I understand that dishonesty always carries a cost? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me choose honesty eve...

Learning from Proverbs 18:22 NIV > He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. > 得到妻子就是得到珍宝，也是蒙了耶和华的恩惠。 If a person found a box of gold, he would surely treasure it. He would guard it carefully and value it deeply. In the same way, this verse reminds us that a spouse is not something ordinary, but a gift from the Lord. God values companionship and covenant relationships. They are not burdens to carry, but blessings to cherish. However, when we have found something good, do we truly treasure it? Over time, familiarity can make us take blessings for granted. Reflection 1. Do I treat my close relationships as gifts from God? 2. Do I show appreciation, patience, and love to those He has placed beside me? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, thank You for the relationships You have given me. Teach me to treasure and nurture them with gratitude and love. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 18:21 NIV > The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. > 生与死都在舌头的权下；爱把弄这权柄的，必自食其果。 Life and death do not only depend on weapons like knives, guns, or poison. Very often, they are carried by words. In a courtroom, a judge’s sentence can determine a person’s future. In the workplace, a careless remark can damage someone’s reputation or career. At home, harsh words can wound a child’s heart for years. On the internet, trolls, cyberbullying, and false accusations can push someone into deep despair. Words can  - destroy confidence. - break relationships. - even lead someone to hopelessness. - also give life. Encouragement can restore courage. Forgiveness can rebuild relationships. Truth spoken in love can guide someone back to hope. If we are the ones who cause harm through what we say, we must also be prepared to face the consequences. The verse reminds us that we will “eat its fruit.” Reflection 1. Are my words gi...

Learning from Proverbs 18:14 NIV > The human spirit can endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? > 人的心灵能忍受疾病，谁能忍受破碎的心灵？ This verse reminds me of the story about Louis “Louie” Zamperini. He was an Olympian who survived a plane crash during World War II and drifted for 47 days on a small life raft in the Pacific Ocean. After that, he was captured and endured severe torture as a prisoner of war. Louie survived the ocean. He survived the torture. But after the war, his inner life was shattered. He struggled deeply with trauma and anger. Years later, after attending a Billy Graham crusade in 1949, he gave his life to Christ and found the strength to forgive his captors. His outward wounds had healed earlier, but it was only through God that his crushed spirit was restored. Physical weakness can often be endured. But a broken spirit is heavy and difficult to carry. This verse also reminds us to be gentle with others, because we do not always see the battles within. It also r...

Learning from Proverbs 18:13 NIV > To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. > 未听先答的人，自显愚昧和羞辱。 Example A manager calls his staff into the office and says, “I noticed the report you submitted yesterday…” Before the manager can finish, the staff quickly interrupts, “I know, I know, I’ll redo it.” But the manager was actually about to say, “It was well done. Good job.” Because he assumed criticism, he reacted defensively without listening fully. Many misunderstandings happen because we rush to respond. We assume. We interrupt. We defend. Listening carefully is not weakness. It is respect. It allows us to understand fully before forming conclusions. Reflection Do I listen completely before I respond? Or do I assume and react too quickly? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to listen well. Help me slow down, understand fully, and respond with wisdom. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 18:10–11 ESV > The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. > 耶和华的名是坚固保障，义人投奔其中就得安稳。 > 钱财是富人的坚城，在他幻想中是高墙。 Some people place their trust in money, status, or their own abilities. They believe that the more wealth they have, the higher their position, and the more capable they are, the more secure they will be. Yet all it takes is one major crisis to shake everything. When difficulty strikes, that imagined high wall can quickly collapse. In contrast, the righteous run to the Lord. He alone offers true and lasting security. His protection is not based on imagination, but on His unchanging character. Reflection 1. Where do I run when I feel threatened or anxious? 2. Do I depend on my resources, or do I seek refuge in the Lord? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, You are my strong tower. Help me run to You first and trust in Your protection above all else. ...

Learning from Proverbs 18:9 > One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. > 懒惰人与毁坏者意气相投。 It is interesting that the Bible compares a lazy person to a destroyer. At first glance, laziness may seem harmless. But when we think about it more carefully, we can see the similarity. A destroyer actively damages something. A lazy person may not act, but through neglect, things slowly fall apart. Neglect can be just as damaging as wrongdoing. Failing to do what we should often leads to loss, whether in our work, relationships, or spiritual life. Sometimes destruction does not happen through evil actions, but through inaction and carelessness.  *Ponder and reflect*  1. Am I being faithful in the responsibilities God has given me? 2. Where might neglect be quietly causing harm? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to be diligent and faithful. Guard me from laziness that leads to loss, and teach me to honour You in my work. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 18:6–7 > The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. > 愚人说话引起纷争， 他的口招来鞭打。愚人的口自招灭亡，他的嘴坑害他自己。 所谓 祸从口出，言多必失。 Words spoken without restraint often bring conflict and regret. A careless sentence can damage relationships, reputations, and even our future. Many troubles do not begin with actions, but with speech. An angry reply, a sarcastic remark, a careless joke, or gossip can quickly escalate into strife. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to guard my lips and teach me restraint. Help my words bring peace and not trouble. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 18:4 > The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. > 人口中的话如同深水，智慧之泉像涓涓溪流。 There is a clear contrast here. Some speech can be described as 废话连篇，狗屁不通。 Endless words, yet empty and confusing. But wise words are like 听君一席话，胜读十年书。 One meaningful conversation can bring clarity and insight beyond many years of reading. Words can either overwhelm or refresh. Deep waters may be dark and unclear, but wisdom flows like a clear stream that gives life. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, let my words be like a clear stream清泉。 Teach me to speak with wisdom that brings life and understanding. 让我的话语充满生命与理解。

Learning from Proverbs 18:2 ESV > A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. > 愚人不喜欢悟性，只喜欢发表意见。 This verse reminds us that talking is not the same as understanding. We can speak a lot, yet say very little of value. Let us reflect Do I listen to understand, or do I speak only to be heard? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to listen with humility. Help me seek understanding before expressing my opinion. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 18:1 ESV > Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. > 孤傲者独求己愿，他恼恨一切真知。 God created community for a purpose. He did not design us to live life alone. When we run out of ideas or solutions, community is meant to support, guide, and strengthen us. Pulling away from others often leads us to listen only to ourselves, and that can distort our judgment. God places us in relationships so that we can be corrected when we are wrong, encouraged when we are weak, and supported when we are struggling. Wisdom grows best in community, not in isolation. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me value the community You have placed me in. Teach me to seek counsel, receive correction, and walk humbly with others. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 17:27–28 NIV > The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. > 谨言慎行的有知识， > 温和冷静的有悟性。 > 愚人缄默可算为智慧， > 闭口不言可算为明智。 Those with knowledge and understanding know what to say and when to exercise self-control. Their wisdom is seen not in how much they speak, but in how carefully they speak. However, not all of us always have clarity or understanding in every situation. In such moments, this proverb offers a simple and practical guide. When we are unsure, speak less. When emotions run high, remain silent. Silence can prevent regret, conflict, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, holding our tongue is the wisest response. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to speak with restraint and to value silence when I lack understanding. Guard my words so that they may reflect wisdom and peace. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 17:22 NLT > A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. > 喜乐的心乃是良药， > 忧伤的灵使骨枯干。 How do we have a cheerful heart? How do we recover from a broken spirit? In both cases, we need God. A cheerful heart does not come from ignoring problems, but from learning to see things through God’s perspective. A broken spirit is restored when we bring our pain honestly before Him. When our perspective changes, our feelings also change. Like a glass filled halfway with water, some see it as half empty and feel discouraged, while others see it as half full and feel thankful. Ask God to help us see beyond what is lacking to what He has already provided. In His presence, joy is renewed and strength is restored. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me a cheerful heart and heal my broken spirit. Help me see life through Your eyes and find my strength in You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 17:19–20 NLT > Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster. The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble. > 喜爱争斗的喜爱犯罪，骄傲自大的自招灭亡。心术不正，难觅幸福；口出谎言，陷入祸患。 As usual, I appreciate how clearly the Chinese translation lays out the warnings 喜爱争斗 骄傲自大 心术不正 口出谎言 These verses serve as a strong reminder for us not to fall into these patterns. Quarrelling and constant fighting often lead us into sin and broken relationships. Arrogance makes us think we are secure, but it often becomes the very cause of our downfall. A crooked heart cannot find true peace, and dishonest words eventually bring trouble. Rather than arguing, boasting, manipulating, or lying, God calls us to be peace-maker, remain humble, be truthful and have integrity. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guard my heart and my words. Keep me from quarrelling, pride, deceit, and dishonesty, and lead me to walk in humility and truth. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 17:17 NIV > A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. > 朋友时时彼此关爱，手足生来患难与共。 This proverb reminds us that genuine relationships are proven in trials, not comfort. This song 《朋友》 by Alan Tam came to my mind. Especially the chorus: 遙遙晚空點點星光息息相關 你我那怕荊棘鋪滿路 替我解開心中的孤單 是誰明白我 情同兩手一起開心一起悲傷 彼此分擔總不分我或你 你為了我 我為了你 共赴患難絕望里緊握你手 朋友 These words beautifully echo the heart of Proverbs 17:17. True friendship is not just about sharing joy, but about standing together in hardship. A real friend remains present when times are difficult. A true brother walks with you through adversity, not turning away when things get tough. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, thank You for the gift of true friends. Help me to love faithfully and stand with others in times of need. Amen!  https://share.google/C2fJwUnbMpybwDFoz

Learning from Proverbs 17:9 NLT > Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. > 饶恕过犯的促进友爱；重提旧怨的破坏友情。  *Forgiveness*  After being a Christian for many years, one of the main struggles many people, including Christians, face is forgiveness. Forgiving others, and forgiving ourselves. Often, we are quick to notice the speck in another person’s eye, yet slow to recognise the log in our own. We dwell on the mistakes of others, replaying them in our minds, and in doing so, we allow distance to grow where love once was. This verse reminds us that forgiveness is not ignoring wrongs or pretending nothing happened. It is choosing not to keep bringing up past faults. When we forgive, whether others or ourselves, we take the first step toward healing and restoration. Let us remember that love grows where forgiveness is practised, and relationships break where old wounds are constantly reopened. If you have difficulty in forgiving, let’s pray t...

Learning from Proverbs 17:6 ESV > Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. > 子孙是老人的华冠，父母是儿女的荣耀。 It is truly a blessing for parents to see their grandchildren. It brings joy, fulfilment, and a sense of legacy. At the same time, it is also a deep joy to know that our children are proud to be our children. This verse reminds us that family relationships are a gift from God, meant to be treasured and nurtured. May we value our roles as children, parents, and grandparents, and seek to live in a way that brings honour, love, and joy across generations. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, thank You for the gift of family. Help me to cherish and care for the relationships You have entrusted to me. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 17:4–5 NIV > A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; > a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. > Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; > whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. > 作恶者留心听恶言， > 说谎者侧耳听坏话。 > 嘲笑穷人等于侮辱造物主， > 幸灾乐祸的人必难逃惩罚。 These verses mention four groups of people whom God will surely deal with A wicked person A liar A mocker A gloater However, this passage is not only about identifying others. It is a call for us to examine ourselves. Are we, in any way, behaving like one of the above? We need to reflect:  What voices do we listen to; What attitudes do we allow to grow in our hearts; How do we respond to the suffering or misfortune of others; God cares deeply about what we listen to, what we entertain, and how we treat those who are vulnerable. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guard my heart and my ears. Help me reject evil, speak truth, show compassion, and reflect Your character in how I treat oth...

Learning from Proverbs 17:3 KJV > The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold:but the Lord trieth the hearts. 鼎炼银，炉炼金， 耶和华试炼人心。 正所谓“真金不怕洪炉火”。 As I read this verse, it brought me to James 1:2 NLT > Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Just as silver and gold must go through intense heat to be refined, our hearts are also tested through trials and difficulties. The fire is not meant to destroy, but to purify. Trials and troubles, though painful, are great opportunities for Christians to grow in faith, endurance, and character. Through these moments, the Lord tests and shapes our hearts, removing what does not honour Him. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me trust You in times of trial. Refine my heart through difficulties, and shape me to become more like You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 17:1 NIV > Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. > 粗茶淡饭但相安无事，胜过佳肴满桌却勾心斗角。 粗茶淡饭 佳肴满桌 (Another good phrases for essay writing) When I read this verse, it reminded me of 鸿门宴. What looked like a grand feast on the surface was filled with tension, suspicion, and hidden danger. Abundance without peace is never truly satisfying. Simplicity is a blessing. We do not need extravagant meals or possessions to be happy or content. This proverb gently challenges our hearts. Are we always wanting more? Always feeling that what we have is not enough? True contentment is not found in how much we have, but in the peace God gives. Let us learn to treasure peace over abundance, and simplicity over excess. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to be content with what I have. Help me to value peace and simplicity more than abundance. Amen!