Daily Devotion

Learning from Proverbs 27:20 NIV > Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. > 阴间和死亡填不满，人的眼目永不满足。 This verse reminds us that human desire is never fully satisfied. No matter how much we have, we often want more. If we keep chasing after our desires and keep giving in to them, it can slowly lead us down a dangerous path toward harm and even destruction. Desire itself is not always wrong, but when it is uncontrolled, it begins to control us. Instead of finding satisfaction, we become trapped in a cycle of always wanting more. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to guard my desires. Teach me to be content and to find satisfaction in You, not in the things of this world. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 27:19 ESV > As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. > 水能映照人的面貌，心能反映人的本相。 People may see our actions and words, but these are often a reflection of what is within us. Our attitudes, thoughts, and intentions reveal the true condition of our heart. We may be able to hide things on the outside for a while, but over time, the heart will be revealed. What is inside will eventually be seen outside. 所以说要做到表里如一 God is not only concerned with our outward behaviour, but with the condition of our heart. Reflection What is my heart revealing through my words and actions? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, search my heart and make it right before You. Help my inner life to be pure, so that my outward life will reflect You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 27:17 ESV > Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. > 朋友互相切磋， 如铁磨铁越磨越利。 This is a very familiar proverb, and it is true. People grow by learning from one another. When we interact with others, we are challenged, stretched, and refined. Growth often happens when we are willing to be sharpened through feedback, correction, and encouragement. Sometimes sharpening may not feel comfortable. It can involve friction, disagreement, or being challenged. But this process helps us become better mentally, physically, and spiritually. Reflection Am I allowing others to sharpen me, and am I helping others grow? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, place the right people in my life to sharpen me, and help me to be a source of growth and encouragement to others. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 27:12 ESV > The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. > 通达人见祸藏躲，愚蒙人前往受害。 This verse is not telling us to avoid challenges or to stop trying difficult things. It is also not encouraging recklessness. 这不是所谓的 明知山有虎，偏向虎山行 也不是不入虎穴，焉得虎子 更像是 常在河边走，哪能不湿鞋 There is a difference between courage and recklessness/foolishness. A wise person recognises danger and takes the right precautions. He does not ignore warning signs. A foolish person, however, continues blindly and ends up suffering the consequences. Wisdom is not constantly asking you to be fearful and not daring to try, but awareness and careful action. Reflection Am I acting with wisdom, or ignoring warning signs? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me discernment to recognise danger and wisdom to respond rightly. Help me to walk carefully and not act foolishly. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 27:10 ESV > Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. > 不可离弃你的朋友和你父亲的朋友，你遭难的日子不要上兄弟的家去；相近的邻舍强如远方的兄弟。 This verse reminds us of the value of relationships. Whether they are our own friends or even our parents’ friends, we should remember them and treasure these relationships. Relationships are built over time. They require care, effort, and sincerity. In times of trouble, it is often those who are near who come to help us first. 所谓远亲不如近邻 Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to value and care for the relationships in my life. Teach me to be a good friend and to support others, just as I would hope for support in times of need. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 27:1 ESV > Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. > 不要为明日自夸，因为一日要生何事，你尚且不能知道。 This verse does not mean we should not have dreams or plans for the future. Having dreams and making plans are good and necessary. But it reminds us not to be proud or overly confident about tomorrow. We do not fully know what will happen. Life is uncertain, but God is in control. So while we plan, we also submit our plans to God and trust Him with the outcome. We do not boast in our plans, but we place our confidence in Him. 所谓世事难料，所以信靠耶和华 Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to plan wisely but trust You completely. Teach me not to boast in my plans, but to place my confidence in You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 26:20 NLT > Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. > 没有木柴，火就熄灭；没有传谣者，纷争就平息。 This verse shows us a simple truth; quarrels need fuel to continue and very often, that fuel is words. Why then do people quarrel? It can be due to the following reasons: 1. Because of gossip 2. Because of pride 3. Because of assumptions 4. Because of careless words 5. Because of others 6. And whatever reasons you can think of 你是要火上添油还是息事宁人。 Reflection Am I adding fuel to the fire, or helping to bring peace? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guard my words and my heart. Help me not to stir up conflict, but to be someone who brings peace and understanding. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 26:13–16 NLT > The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!” As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. These verses paint a clear picture of laziness. Lazy people often make excuses instead of taking responsibility. They avoid effort and justify their inaction. What is more concerning is this they may even think they are right and refuse to listen to advice. Whether in work or school, no one enjoys partnering with someone who is lazy and only wants a free ride. When we encounter such people, it can feel frustrating and unfair. So let us not become the kind of person who frustrates others. 不要做个好吃懒惰，自欺欺人的人。 Reflection Am I taking responsibility, or making excuses? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to be diligent and responsible. Teach me ...

Learning from Proverbs 26:1–12 NLT A fool is not just someone who lacks knowledge, but someone who rejects wisdom and refuses correction. Trying to reason with such a person often leads to frustration, and sometimes even brings trouble upon ourselves. These verses remind us that wisdom includes knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Not every situation requires a response. Arguing at a fool’s level will only pull us down. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Help me not to be drawn into foolish arguments, but to walk in wisdom.

Learning from Proverbs 25:21-22 NIV > [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. [22] In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. > 若你的仇敌饿了，就给他饭吃；若他渴了，就给他水喝。这样，你就是把炭火堆在他的头上，耶和华也必赏赐你。 This verse teaches us something very different from the world. The natural response is to avoid, repay, or even take revenge. But God calls us to respond with kindness, not easy. 所谓 以德报怨, 雪中送炭 Showing kindness to an enemy does not mean we agree with what they have done. It means we choose to respond in a way that honours God. Such kindness may soften hearts and even lead others to reflect on their actions. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to respond with kindness even when it is difficult. Teach me to reflect Your heart and trust You for justice and reward. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 25:20 NIV > Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. > 对着悲伤的心灵唱歌，就像冷天脱衣服，又像碱上倒醋。 This verse reminds us to be sensitive to others. When someone is feeling down or emotionally drained, what they need may not be advice, solutions, or even cheerful words. Sometimes, what they need most is someone to listen someone to understand; someone who simply cares. Even the “right” words, spoken at the wrong time, can still hurt. 所谓 "感同身受" We need to learn to empathize, to feel with others, not just speak to them Reflection Am I quick to speak, or willing to listen and understand? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to be sensitive to others. Teach me to listen with care and to respond with empathy, so that I may bring comfort instead of hurt. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 25:17 NIV > Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house — too much of you, and they will hate you. > 不要频频去邻舍家， 免得惹人烦、遭人厌。 This verse reminds us about boundaries in relationships. Even good relationships can become strained when we do not respect each other’s space. Being close to someone does not mean we should always be present in their lives or constantly demand their time and attention. At times, this can lead to frustration or even distance. We need to be sensitive to know when to draw near and when to give space. Remember this: Good relationships are not built on closeness alone, but also on respect. Reflection Am I respecting the boundaries of others, or expecting too much of their time and attention? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to be sensitive in my relationships. Help me to love others with wisdom, knowing when to draw near and when to give space. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 25:16, 27–28 NIV > If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. > It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. > 你得了蜜吗？只可吃够而已，过多反而令人呕吐。 > 吃蜜过多不好，探究过深的事也不荣耀。人若不制伏自己的心，就像城墙被拆毁的城。 These verses remind us about self-control and moderation. Even good things, like honey, can become harmful when taken in excess. This applies not only to food, but also to many areas of life - entertainment - social media - money - work - hobbies or desires When we lack self-control, we become like a city without walls unprotected and easily attacked. On the other hand, a disciplined life brings stability and protection. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me to know my limits and to live a disciplined life that honours You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 25:11–15 NIV > 一句话说得合宜，就像金苹果放在银器里。 > 对受教者而言，智者的责备犹如金耳环和金饰物。 > 忠信的使者叫主人心里舒畅，就像夏收之时有冰雪的凉气。 > 夸口送礼物却食言的人，就像没有雨水的风和云。 > 坚忍的耐心说服君王，柔和的舌头折断骨头。 If we put it simply using Chinese idioms V11 恰到好处 Right words at the right time A well-spoken word is precious and beautiful. It brings encouragement and clarity. V12 良药苦口 Wise rebuke is a gift Correction may not feel good, but it helps us grow when we are willing to receive it. V13 言而有信 Trustworthiness refreshes others A faithful person brings comfort and assurance. People feel at ease when they can trust you. V14 言而无信 Empty promises are useless Making promises but not keeping them is like clouds without rain, full of expectation but no result. V15 以柔制刚 Patience and gentleness are powerful Gentle words and patient attitudes can influence even the hardest hearts. True strength is not harshness, but gentleness. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guide my words and actions. Help me to speak wisely, live truthfully, and respond wit...

Learning from Proverbs 25:8–10 NIV > Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand. These verses remind us to be careful in handling conflicts and making decisions. First, do not act hastily. When we react too quickly, we may make wrong decisions and regret them later. Many of us have experienced this before. Second, handle matters wisely. Not every issue needs to be escalated. Think of other ways to resolve the situation first. Third, keep trust and confidentiality. Do not reveal what was shared in confidence just to win an argument. What we say may make things worse and damage relationships. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me wisdom in handling conflicts or making tough decisions. Help me to slow down, think carefully, and act in a way that honours You and preserves relationships. Amen!

Continuation  Learning from Proverbs 25:6–7 NIV > Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. Yesterday, I mentioned these verses remind us not to push ourselves forward or seek recognition. Instead, we are to serve faithfully and let others recognise us in the right time. However, this does not mean that we should hide our abilities or never step forward. If you have the skill or ability to handle a task, and it is needed, you can and should volunteer. The key point is this not boasting, not being proud, and not seeking attention for ourselves. At the same time, it also does not mean we suffer in silence or try to do everything alone. (SISPEC) That is not wisdom. True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves rightly. We serve faithfully we step forward when needed and we trust God with the outcome 所谓 谦而...

Learning from Proverbs 25:6–7 > 不可在王面前妄自尊大，不要占据大人物的位子。与其在权贵面前被贬低，不如等人邀请你坐上座。 These verses remind us not to be proud or think too highly of ourselves without understanding our true position. We should not push ourselves forward or seek recognition. Instead, we do not need to boast or compete for attention. What we need to do is to serve faithfully in the place God has given us. When the time is right, it is God who lifts us up, not ourselves. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to walk in humility. Help me to serve faithfully without seeking recognition, and to trust You to lift me up at the right time. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 24:30–34 (NIV) > I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw… > A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” What if the “field” and “vineyard” are referring to our own lives? Are they filled with “thorns” and “weeds”? - Neglect in spending time with God - Constant distraction by the things of the world - Unconfessed sin - Bitterness, unforgiveness, or resentment - Negative thoughts - Pride or jealousy - Procrastination …and many more. How then should we deal with them? Just as Solomon observed the field and learned from it, God also sees the condition of our hearts. We can come before Him and ask Him to reveal to us. And when God reveals, let us ...

Learning from Proverbs 24:21–22 NIV > Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials, for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? > 孩子啊，要敬畏耶和华和君王，不要跟叛逆之徒为伍。因为灾祸必骤然临到他们，谁知道耶和华和君王如何毁灭他们？ The fear of the Lord is one of the most repeated themes in Proverbs. It is a reminder that we are to live our lives rightly before God. The world offers many distractions and influences that can cause us to drift away from what is right. If we follow along or join in, we may unknowingly place ourselves on a path that leads to harm. King Solomon reminded us to stay grounded; to fear the Lord; and to choose our influences carefully. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to fear You and walk in Your ways. Help me to stay firm and not be led astray by wrong influences. Guard my path and keep me close to You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 24:17–18 NIV > Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. > 仇敌跌倒，不要幸灾乐祸；仇敌败落，不要心里欢喜。否则，耶和华看见会不悦，不再向仇敌发烈怒。 This verse reminds us to guard our hearts, even toward those we consider our enemies. When we see justice being done, it is not wrong to give thanks to God. God is righteous, and He judges rightly. However, we must be careful not to delight in another person’s suffering. Not to say, “serve you right,” or feel happy because they have fallen. Why? Because such a response reveals pride and a lack of compassion in our hearts. God is not pleased when we rejoice over someone’s downfall. He desires humility, mercy, and a right attitude within us. We can acknowledge God’s justice, but still maintain a heart that is gracious and humble. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guard my heart from pride and wrong attitudes. Help me to honour Your justice while remaining h...

Learning from Proverbs 24:15–16 NIV > Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. > 不要像恶人一样暗算义人家，不要破坏他的居所。因为义人跌倒七次仍会起来，恶人却被灾祸击垮。 This passage gives us a powerful contrast. The righteous may fall. They may face difficulties, failures, or setbacks. But they do not stay down. They rise again. The wicked, on the other hand, may seem strong for a time. But when trouble comes, they are unable to stand. The difference is not that the righteous never fall. The difference is that they get back up. Why? Because their strength comes from God, not from themselves. This verse encourages us not to give up when we fall. Falling is not the end. Staying down is. Reflection When I fall, do I remain there, or do I rise again with God’s help? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me strength to rise again when I fall. Help me not to give up, but to depend on...

Learning from Proverbs 24:13-14 NIV > Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. > 孩子啊，你要吃蜜，因蜜美好， 蜂房滴下的蜜甘甜可口。智慧同样使你的心灵甘甜； 你若找到智慧，前途必光明， 盼望也不会幻灭。 When I read these two verses, I am reminded of this hymn - He is my everything Why don't you spend some time and worship with this hymn, declaring that Jesus is your everything, your hope and future. "He is my Everything He is my ALL He is my Everything Both great and small He gave his life for me Made everything new He is my everything Now how about you Like honey in the Rock Sweet honey in the Rock For he tastes like honey in the rock Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good For he tastes like honey in the rock He is my Everything He is my ALL He is my Everything Both great and small He gave his life for me Made everything new He is my everything Now how about you...

Learning from Proverbs 24:10 NIV > If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! > 逆境中丧胆的必力量衰微。 In times of adversity, how do you respond? Why do we falter? Is it because we depend too much on our own strength instead of relying on God? This verse challenges us to examine our strength. If we falter easily, it may reveal that our strength is limited. Often, we rely on our own ability, confidence, and resources. But when these fail, we feel weak, discouraged, and overwhelmed. God never intended for us to depend only on ourselves. True strength comes from depending on Him. When we lean on God, we receive strength that is beyond our own. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, teach me to rely on You and not on my own strength. Strengthen me in times of trouble, so that I may stand firm in You. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 24:5–6 NIV > The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. > 有智慧的人，就有力量；有知识的人，力上加力。因为你作战，要靠指引；谋士众多，就可得胜。 These verses remind us that true strength does not come from physical power alone.  *It comes from wisdom and knowledge.*  A wise person knows how to use strength well. And knowledge helps us grow stronger in the right way. Another important lesson from these verses are this: We should not rely only on ourselves. We need guidance and advice from others. In life, we all face challenges and decisions. Trying to handle everything alone can lead to mistakes. But when we seek counsel, we gain better direction and clearer understanding. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, give me wisdom and teach me to seek guidance. Help me not to depend only on my own understanding, but to learn from others and walk in Your ways. Amen!

Learning from Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV > By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. > 家靠智慧而建立，靠悟性而稳固，借知识而充满各种珍宝。 A “house” here is more than just a physical building. It can refer to a family, a household, or even our life. For a house to be strong and stable, we need 1. Wisdom to make right decisions 2. Understanding to handle situations well 3. Knowledge to grow and build wisely over time This verse also reminds us that a good life is not built by chance.  *It is built intentionally.*  If we want our “house” to be filled with beautiful treasures, *we must take time to build it.*  For example 1. Spending quality time with family instead of always being busy 2. Speaking kindly and encouraging one another 3. Creating meaningful moments together, such as meals, conversations, and shared experiences Building trust through honesty and consistency, these are the treasures t...

Learning from Proverbs 24:1–2 NIV > Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. > 不要羡慕恶人，不要渴望与他们为伍；因为他们心里图谋暴行，口中谈论恶事。  *What we can learn from these two verses?*  1. Don’t measure a life by visible success, instead look at the heart, the character, and the fruit. 2. Be careful what you admire and whom you want to “be like,” because desire shapes direction. 3. Choose companions whose hearts and words move toward peace, truth, and God, not toward harm and trouble. Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, guard my heart from wrong desires. Help me to value what is right and to walk with people who lead me closer to You. Amen!

Learning from  Proverbs 23:22-25 NIV > [22] Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. [23] Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well. [24] The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. [25] May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! This passage speaks about three areas for us to note: 1. Honour our parents  - They are the ones who gave us life and raised us. - Even as they grow older, we are reminded not to neglect or look down on them, but to continue showing respect and care. 2. Value the truth - Hold on to truth at all cost. Truth, wisdom, and understanding are more valuable than anything else.  - Do not trade them away for convenience, pressure, or personal gain. 3. The kind of joy a wise life can bring to our family - When a child walks in wisdom and righteousness, it brings deep joy to the parents. - Thei...

Learning from Proverbs 23:19–21 NIV > Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. > 孩子啊，听我的话，要有智慧，要走在正路上。不要结交酒肉朋友，因为好酒贪吃者必穷困，贪睡的人必穿破衣烂衫。 This passage reminds us to choose our direction and our companions wisely.  *First, set your heart on the right path*  Wisdom is not just knowing what is right, but choosing to walk in it.  *Second, be careful who you associate with*  The people we spend time with can influence our habits and choices. If we mix with those who lack self control, we may slowly become like them.  *Third, avoid excess and lack of discipline*  Overindulgence in food, drink, or rest may seem harmless, but over time it leads to loss and struggle. Let us guide our children to live a disciplined and wise life.  Meanwhile, let us also reflect whether we are choosing the ...

Learning from Proverbs 23:17–18 NIV > Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. > 不要心里羡慕罪人， > 要终日敬畏耶和华。 > 这样，你必前途光明，你的盼望不会幻灭。 Let’s break this down *Do not let your heart envy sinners* Sometimes we see people who ignore God yet seem freer, richer, or happier. Our hearts may quietly think, I wish I could live like that. (Be honest, have you ever thought of that) But envy makes us forget the seriousness of sin and the goodness of God. *Be zealous for the fear of the Lord* Instead of envying others, we are called to focus on God. To fear the Lord means to take Him seriously, to care about what He thinks, and to live in a way that honours Him. This is not just for certain days, but for every day. (Do you practice this) *There is surely a future hope for you* At times it may feel like those who do wrong are winning. But God reminds us that our future is secure in H...

Learning from Proverbs 23:15–16 NIV > My son,  > if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. > 孩子啊， > 你若心里有智慧，我心里也会欢喜。你的口若说正直的话，我的内心也欢畅不已。 Isn’t this what most parents long to see in their children? Not just success or achievements, but a heart that is wise and a mouth that speaks what is right. True joy for a parent does not come from outward success alone, but from seeing their children grow in character, wisdom, and integrity. When a child makes right choices and speaks what is true, it brings deep joy and peace to the parents’ heart. This verse also reminds us that our lives affect others. The way we think, speak, and live can bring joy or sorrow to those who care for us. Reflection Am I living in a way that brings joy to those who have guided and cared for me? Let’s pray 🙏 Lord, help me grow in wisdom and truth. May my life and words bring joy to those around me and honour to You. Amen!...