Daily Devotion

Learning from Proverbs 23:13-14 GW [13] Do not hesitate to discipline a child. If you spank him, he will not die. [14] Spank him yourself, and you will save his soul from hell. Proverbs 23:13-14 NASB2020 [13] Do not withhold discipline from a child; Though you strike him with the rod, he will not die. [14] You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol. Proverbs 23:13-14 NIV [13] Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. [14] Punish them with the rod and save them from death. 箴言 23:13-14 CSBS [13] 管教孩子，不要有所保留； 就算你用杖责打他，他也不至于死。 [14] 你用杖责打他， 就会救他的灵魂免下阴间。 Why am I sharing so many versions of these 2 verses? Because each translation helps us see the seriousness of the message. The focus is not on the method of discipline, but on the importance of guiding and correcting a child properly. If we look at the last part of verse 14 - save them from death - rescue his soul from Sheol - save his soul from hell ...

Learning from Proverbs 23:12 NIV > Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. > 你要专心接受教诲，侧耳倾听博学之言。 This verse reminds us to be intentional in learning and growing. It is not just about hearing, but about applying our heart. We must be willing to receive, reflect, and respond. A simple way to live this out - Come to God’s Word and to godly mentors with a humble and open heart. - Ask, “Lord, what do You want to show me or change in me today?” - Be ready not only to hear the truth, but also to obey it, even in small and daily choices. Growth happens when we listen with the intention to change. Reflection Am I only hearing God’s Word, or am I applying it in my life? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me a teachable heart. Help me to listen carefully and obey faithfully in the small things each day. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 23:10–11 NIV > Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you. > 不可挪移古时的界石，不可侵占孤儿的田地。因他们的救赎主强大，祂必对付你，替他们申冤。 This proverb warns strongly against taking advantage of the weak and powerless, especially in ways that seem small or easy to hide. Hence, we need to remind ourselves to be careful in how we treat those who are weaker than us, in our daily life. Reflection Am I treating others fairly, especially those who cannot defend themselves? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to be just and compassionate. Guard my heart from taking advantage of others, and teach me to care for those who are weak and in need. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 23:9 NIV > Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words. > 不要和愚人说话，他必藐视你的智言。 “Do not speak to fools” does not mean we should never talk to people who are immature or struggling. In Proverbs, a “fool” is someone who rejects wisdom, refuses correction, and mocks what is right. Such a person is not just unaware, but unwilling to learn. What we can learn from this verse: 1. Choose your battles - Not every argument or correction is worth engaging in 2. Do not waste your energy - Some people are not ready to listen, no matter how wisely you speak 3. Wait for the right opportunity - There may be a better time when the person is more open to receive truth Wisdom is not only about speaking the right words, but also knowing when to speak and when to be silent. Reflection Am I speaking wisely, or speaking unnecessarily? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me discernment in my conversations. Help me know when to speak and when to be silent, and guide my words wit...

Learning from Proverbs 23:6–8 NIV > Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments. As the saying goes, 知人知面不知心 We may know a person’s appearance, but not their heart. Some people may appear generous on the outside, but inside they are unwilling and calculating. Their words and their hearts do not match. This proverb is not only about food. It reminds us not to be drawn by outward appearances or temporary benefits. We need to look deeper and discern the intentions behind what is offered. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me discernment. Help me not to be misled by appearances, but to see clearly and walk wisely. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 23:4-5 NIV > [4] Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. [5] Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. > 别为钱财耗尽心力， 要明智，适可而止。钱财眨眼之间消逝无踪， 它必长出翅膀如鹰飞去。 Verse 4 tells us - Work hard, but do not become a workaholic and sacrificed just to get richer. - Don’t rely on your own smartness, shortcuts, or constant planning as if you can guarantee your future through money; that is pride and false security. Verse 5 tells us - Money can vanish suddenly, e.g. bad markets, job loss, sickness, theft, accidents, or simple changes in life can remove what you trusted What we can learn: - Work diligently, but also rest. - Use money as a servant (to provide, to give, to bless) rather than letting it be your master that drives every choice. In short, the passage is not against wise work or reasonable savings; it is against an anxious, exhausted, money‑driven life that for...

Learning from Proverbs 23:1–3 NIV > When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. > 你若与官长同席，要注意面对的是谁。如果你是贪吃的人，就要节制食欲；不可贪恋他的美食，这美食是圈套。 This proverb is not only about food. It is about self control. Do not let your desires control you. This includes not just food, but also money, status, and opportunities. Not every offer is good (especially with all the scammers lurking around). Some may look attractive, but may lead you away from what is right. Learn to be content and have self control in small things. When bigger challenges come, you will be ready. Like Daniel, he chose to honour God instead of following his desires. Reflection Am I in control of my desires, or are my desires controlling me? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to have self control. Teach me to make wise choices and not be led by my desires. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 22:29 NIV > Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. > 你看那精明能干的人，他必侍立在君王面前，不会效力于泛泛之辈。  *What it means in today’s context*  When we develop real excellence in what God has given us to do, whether in our work, studies, or ministry, opportunities will open. We may be entrusted with greater responsibilities and serve people of greater influence, such as leaders, decision makers, or key people. Our work becomes a testimony. Instead of only speaking about our faith, the quality, honesty, and consistency of our work speak for us. Through this, God can place us in positions and environments we never expected.  *How to live this out*  - Take your current work seriously, even if it feels small. - Do it carefully, complete it on time, and carry a good attitude. - Keep learning and improving your skills. - See this as part of your worship to God. - Be trustworthy. - Do n...

Learning from Proverbs 22:28 NIV > Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors. > 不可移动祖先定下的界石。 Similar verses Deuteronomy 19:14 > Do not move your neighbour’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive. - God gave this command directly to Israel. Respecting boundaries was part of obeying God and living justly. Deuteronomy 27:17 > Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbour’s boundary stone. - This shows how serious this issue is. It is not a small matter but something God strongly condemns. Today, we may not move physical boundary stones, but the principle still applies. We should respect what belongs to others - Not taking what is not ours - Not manipulating situations for personal gain At work - Not taking credit for someone else’s effort - Not cutting corners dishonestly In relationships - Respecting personal boundaries - Not overstepping or taking advantage of others This verse reminds us to live with honesty, fairness, a...

Learning from Proverbs 22:26–27 NIV > Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. > 不要为人击掌作保， > 不要为欠债的抵押。 > 如果你还不起， > 连你的床也会被抬走。 This is very true. When a person falls into debt and cannot repay, what they have can slowly be taken away from them. Just like what you saw in drama or movie. This verse reminds us to be prudent in our finances. We should not spend beyond our means. We should not buy things that are unnecessary. We should also be careful about becoming a guarantor for others. Helping others is good, but we must also act with wisdom and responsibility. Good financial habits protect us from unnecessary stress and loss. Reflection Am I managing my finances wisely and responsibly? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me wisdom in managing my finances. Help me to be disciplined, content, and careful in my decisions. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 22:24–25 NIV > Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. > 不可结交脾气暴躁者，不要跟易怒之人来往，免得你沾染他们的恶习，不能自拔。 This is a good reminder. Just like putting a packet of coffee sachet into a cup of hot water, it slowly changes the water into coffee. In the same way, our behaviour is influenced by the people we spend time with. Who we mix with matters. Hence, spend your time with the right people. Not just right people, but also the right material. Most importantly, when we spend time with God, we will be gradually transformed to become more Christ-like. Reflection Who or what am I spending most of my time with? Are they helping me grow, or pulling me away? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me choose wisely who and what I spend my time on. Draw me closer to You, and shape my life to reflect Your character. Amen! Draw me close  https://youtu.be/h561DdhNutQ?si=EhpWsMoLCOBw7eB_

Learning from Proverbs 22:22–23 NIV > Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life. > 不可仗势剥削贫穷人，法庭上不可欺凌困苦者，因为耶和华必为他们申冤，夺去掠夺他们之人的性命。 How do we exploit the poor or crush the needy in today’s context? It may not always be obvious, but it happens in everyday situations.  *In daily life*  - Looking down on others because of their inability or incapability  - Speaking harshly to people, thinking that you are better or you have done more than them - Refusing to help when we clearly have the ability to do so  *At work*  - Making helpers or cleaners work long hours without proper rest - Taking advantage of someone who does not know their rights And many more. This proverb reminds us that God sees how we treat the weak and vulnerable. He is not silent. He defends those who cannot defend themselves. Reflection Do I treat everyone with fairness and respect, regardle...

Learning from  Proverbs 22:17-21 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.22.17-21.NIV These verses remind us of three important steps. First, we must *listen carefully*  - Pay attention and turn your ear to wisdom. - We cannot grow if we are not willing to listen. Second, we must *keep God’s Word in our heart*  - Not just hearing it once, but remembering it, thinking about it, and allowing it to shape our lives. Third, we must *live it out*  - When God’s Word is in our heart, it will come out through our speech and actions. - We will speak truth and act with integrity. God’s Word is not just for knowledge. It is to build our trust in Him and to guide how we live and speak. Reflection 1. Am I only hearing God’s Word, or am I keeping it and living it out? 2. Am I just doing nothing at all? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to listen to Your Word, keep it in my heart, and live it out daily.  Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 22:8 NIV > Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. > 播种不义的必收灾祸，他暴怒的杖必被折断。  *How does one sow injustice?*  Injustice is not only seen in big actions. It often happens in small, everyday choices.  *In the family*  - Showing favouritism among children - Being harsh or unfair in discipline - Ignoring one child’s needs while giving more attention to another - Using hurtful words out of anger  These actions may seem small at first, but over time they can damage trust and relationships.  *At work*  - Taking credit for someone else’s effort - Being biased or unfair in decisions - Gossiping or spreading false information - Using authority to pressure or take advantage of others Such actions may bring short term gain, but they plant seeds of injustice that will eventually bring consequences. This proverb reminds us that what we sow, we will reap. Injustice may seem unnoticed at first, but...

For all parents. Learning from Proverbs 22:6 ESV > Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. > 教导孩童走正路，他到老也不偏离。  *How do we train a child in the way he should go?*  Besides teaching values, the best way is to be a good role model. Not just saying the right things, but living them out. Not just acting in front of them, but being consistent even when they are not watching. For example If you teach them to love others, but you do not show love If you teach them to be patient, but you do not show patience Children learn more from what we do than from what we say. Over time, they will reflect what they see in us. This verse reminds us that training is not just instruction, but example. Our lives become the lesson. Reflection - What kind of example am I setting for the next generation? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to be a good example. Teach me to live out what I teach, so that those who follow after me may walk in Your ways. Amen...

Learning from Proverbs 22:1 ESV > A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than silver or gold. > 美名胜过巨富，恩宠好过金银。 This verse reminds us how valuable a good name is. A good name speaks of one’s character, integrity, and the way a person lives before others. Many people believe that a name is very important. Some even seek help from mediums, astrology, or fortune tellers to choose a name for their children, hoping it will bring them luck or success. But as believers, we seek the Lord. We desire not only a good name for our children, but also that their lives will grow to reflect that name with good character and faith. More importantly, we pray that God’s favour will be upon them. Luke 2:52 > And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man. This is the kind of blessing we desire, not only a good name, but a life that grows in wisdom, character, and favour with God and people. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me live in a way t...

Learning from Proverbs 21:31 ESV > The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. > 马为争战之日预备， 胜败由耶和华决定。 This verse teaches us two important lessons. First, we should not be lazy and expect God to do everything for us. The horse still needs to be prepared for battle. In the same way, we must do our part and prepare faithfully. Second, we should not become proud and think success comes only from our own strength. Even with the best preparation, the final outcome still belongs to the Lord. This verse reminds us to live with both responsibility and humility. We prepare diligently, but we trust God for the results. 万事俱备只欠东风。 神就是我们的东风。 Reflection 1. Am I doing my part faithfully while trusting God with the outcome? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to be diligent in my preparation and humble in my success. Teach me to trust You for the results of all that I do.

Learning from Proverbs 21:23 ESV > Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. > 管住口舌，免遭祸患。 There are many verses in Proverbs that repeat this same message about controlling our tongue.  *Why* ? Because it is clear that many people struggle to control what they say. Words spoken without thinking often lead to conflict, regret, and trouble. That is why the Bible keeps reminding us about the power of speech. Even James devoted a long section to this topic. In James 3:1–12, he explains how difficult it is to tame the tongue and how such a small part of the body can cause great damage. A careless word can hurt relationships. An angry response can start a quarrel. But a controlled tongue can prevent many problems before they even begin. Reflection 1. Do I think before I speak? 2. Are my words bringing peace or creating trouble? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me guard my mouth and control my tongue. Teach me to speak with wisdom so that my words will bring peace ...

Learning from Proverbs 21:21 NIV > Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. > 追求公义与慈爱的，必寻得生命、公义和尊荣。 The world often tells us to pursue success, fame, and wealth directly. But Proverbs 21:21 shows us a different path. Let us understand what does pursue mean? To pursue means to follow, chase, or strive toward something with effort and determination. It is not something passive. It requires intention and persistence. Instead of success, fame and wealth, this verse calls us to pursue two things. 1. Righteousness 2. Love It is not enough to simply know what is right. We must actively choose it and practise it in our daily lives. When we pursue righteousness, we choose to do what is right before God. When we pursue love, we treat others with kindness, patience, and compassion. The question for today: If someone looked at my footsteps over the past week, would they see me chasing my own interests, or pursuing righteousness and love? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, gu...

Learning from Proverbs 21:17 NIV > Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. > 贪图享受必穷困，奢华宴乐难富足。 Can a person enjoy pleasure? Of course. There is nothing wrong with enjoying good things in life. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, and He wants us to enjoy the blessings He provides. However, there is a big difference between enjoying a blessing and constantly chasing pleasure. In ancient times, wine and olive oil represented luxury and comfort. Today, this may look like always wanting the next new thing, constant entertainment, or spending without restraint. When pleasure moves from being something we enjoy occasionally to something we constantly pursue, discipline slowly disappears. There is a Chinese saying 富不过三代。 This does not mean every wealthy family will lose their wealth after three generations. It is simply an observation. Sometimes later generations forget the hard work and sacrifice that built what they have...

Learning from Proverbs 21:13 ESV > Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. > 掩耳不听穷人呼求的，将来求救必无人回应。 This verse reminds us that God listens to people who care for others. If we ignore those who are in need, our hearts can slowly become harden. As Good Friday and Easter are coming, we are reminded of how God answered our cry. When we were still sinners, poor and helpless in our spirit, Christ gave His life for us. Many times we say we are too busy, or we feel that the timing is not right to share about Christ. But God has even given us public holidays during this season. This gives us time and opportunity to reach out to people. The “poor” are not only those who lack money. They may also be the lonely neighbour, the friend who is hurting, or someone who has never heard the Good News. This Good Friday /Easter challenge: Think of one person who may need help, friendship, or hope. Do not only pray for them. Take a step to reach out to the...

Learning from Proverbs 21:5 NASB2020 > The plans of the diligent certainly lead to advantage, but everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty. > 勤劳者的计划必致富足，行事急躁的人必致贫困。 The Bible reminds us that whatever we plan, if we do not commit it to the Lord, the results may not turn out as expected. At the same time, if we do not plan at all, things may not turn out well either. We need both diligence and dependence on God. We plan carefully, and we commit our plans to the Lord. Faith does not mean we simply sit down, pray, and do nothing. As James reminds us, faith without works is dead. God expects us to think, prepare, and act responsibly. At the same time, we must avoid rushing into plans carelessly. Haste often leads to mistakes. It is like entering the postal code when searching for a location. If just one number is wrong, we may end up in a completely different place. In the same way, careful planning guided by wisdom helps us move in the right direction. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord...

Learning from Proverbs 21:2 NIV > A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. > 人自以为行事正确 ，但耶和华衡量人心。 There are times when people are convinced that what they are doing is right. When they disagree with something, they may take matters into their own hands, believing that their way is better, even if it is the wrong way. Yet in doing so, they may fail to see that their own ways are also flawed. Sometimes those actions can even lead to harm or self-destruction. This proverb reminds us that while we judge by what we see, the Lord examines the heart. He sees our motives, intentions, and attitudes far more clearly than we do. Before judging others by our own standards, it is wiser to bring our disagreements, frustrations, and displeasures before God. When we commit these matters to Him, He helps us see more clearly and respond with wisdom. The key question is  *Are we willing to let God examine our hearts?*  Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, search my heart a...

Learning from Proverbs 20:29 ESV > The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. > 力量是青年的荣耀，白发是老人的尊荣。 青春就是力量， 白发充满智慧。 Young people are usually full of energy and strength. They are more willing to take up challenges and explore new possibilities. Older people may no longer have the same physical strength, but they possess something just as valuable experience and wisdom gained over time. Strength helps the young to act and achieve. Wisdom helps the old to guide and discern. Both are valuable in their own season of life. When strength and wisdom work together, much can be accomplished. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me use the strength You have given me well, and grow in wisdom as I walk with You through the years. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 20:28 NIV > Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;through love his throne is made secure. > 慈爱和信实守护君王，他的宝座也靠慈爱扶持。 A leader does not remain secure in his position simply because he has power or wealth. His position becomes stable when he leads with love and faithfulness. When a leader treats people with sincerity and fairness, people will naturally trust and support him. This principle does not apply only to kings or leaders. It also applies to our daily lives. Love and faithfulness are foundations that strengthen relationships, families, and communities. When we treat others with sincerity, kindness, and reliability, we build trust and stability in the lives around us. A life built on love and faithfulness becomes strong and secure. Reflection 1. Am I showing love and faithfulness in the way I lead, serve, and relate to others? Or  2. do I expect others to show these qualities to me, while I fail to practise them myself? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to...

Learning from Proverbs 20:22 ESV > Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you. > 不要说：“我要以恶报恶”，要等候耶和华，祂必替你申冤。 “An eye for an eye.” That is often the instinctive response of many people. I remember asking my students before, “If someone hits you, what should you do?” Many quickly replied, “Hit back.” But retaliation rarely resolves the issue. More often, it only makes things worse. I once read a news report about an elderly man who deliberately provoked a young man by pushing him. The young man reacted and pushed him back. The old man fell, hit the ground, and later died. The young man was charged and sentenced for manslaughter. Is it worth it? One moment of anger, one act of retaliation, can change the course of a life. This proverb reminds us that justice ultimately belongs to the Lord. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to wait on Him and trust that He will deal with wrongdoing in His time. Reflection When I am wronged, do I react immediat...

Learning from Proverbs 20:18 NLT > Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. > 计划要有筹算才能确立；作战也要倚靠智谋。 When I read this verse, I cannot help but think about the conflicts happening around the world today, especially the recent tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. War and conflict affect far more than just the leaders who decide them. Countless lives are impacted families, communities, and entire nations. This is why the Bible emphasizes seeking wise advice before making major decisions. As we see these events unfold, we can only pray that the leaders of nations are surrounded by wise counsellors and make decisions carefully. Reflection Do I seek wise counsel before making important decisions? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, grant wisdom to the leaders of nations. Surround them with wise counsellors so that their decisions may lead to peace and not destruction. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 20:13 NLT > If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat. > 不要贪睡，免得贫穷；勤劳工作，粮食丰足。 Who doesn’t enjoy sleep? I always enjoy my sleep, but I don't like to sleep for too long. Rest is important and necessary for our health. But when a person loves sleep too much and neglects his responsibilities, it becomes a problem. Time will not wait for him. This proverb is not condemning rest, but warning against idleness. Life requires diligence and responsibility. Those who are willing to rise, stay alert, and work faithfully will see the fruit of their labour. Opportunities to work are all around us. When we are diligent, we will be able to care for ourselves and provide for our family. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to use my time wisely. Help me to be diligent in my responsibilities and not take the opportunities provided for granted. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 20:7 KJV > The just man walketh in his integrity: His children are blessed after him. > 义人行为正直，他的后代也蒙福。 It is so important to walk in integrity. It is never an easy task, but it is not impossible. There are times that we may fall, just like many of the characters in the Bible. Yet God gives grace to the humble. As long as we repent sincerely and turn back to Him, He will help us to walk upright again. Integrity is not about being perfect. It is about being honest before God, quick to repent, and willing to be corrected. When we choose to walk uprightly, the blessing does not stop with us. It extends to the next generation. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to walk in integrity. When I fall, give me the humility to repent and the strength to rise again. May my life be a blessing to those who come after me. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 20:1 NIV > Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. > 酒使人放肆，烈酒叫人吵闹。因酒误事，实为不智。 This verse serves as a warning to those who love to drink alcohol. God does not say that drinking is absolutely forbidden. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. He also drank wine during the Last Supper. The issue is not the drink itself, but being led astray by it. When a person indulges excessively and becomes drunk, self-control weakens. - Words become careless. - Actions become reckless. - Judgment becomes clouded. We have many Chinese sayings that reflect this truth 酒后乱性 酒后吐真言 借酒消愁，愁更愁 酒能载舟，亦能覆舟 Alcohol may appear to relax a person, but it can also expose weakness and create regret. The deeper lesson of this proverb is about self-control. Anything that controls us instead of us controlling it can lead us away from God. Let's pray 🙏  Lord, give me self-control and wisdom. Help me not to be led astray by anything that weakens my ...

Learning from Proverbs 19:27 ESV > Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. > 孩子啊，你若不听教诲，就会偏离知识。 This verse is not only meant for parents to remind their children. It is God reminding all of us. People tend to stray from God easily. If we read the Old Testament, we see countless examples among the Israelites. Again and again, when they stopped listening to God’s commands, they wandered into idolatry and disobedience. That is why Moses repeatedly reminded them to keep God’s Word close. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV > [6] And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. [7] You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Let's pray 🙏  Lord, constantly teach us to guard our heart and mind. Let Your Word be our daily reminders that light our path.  Amen!