Day 349 Bible Readings - Proverbs 26:6 (ESV)

Malachi 1-2, Revelations 6, Proverbs 26:1-12

Proverbs 26:6 (ESV)

“Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.”

In Proverbs 26:6, Solomon warns believers about the danger of trusting a fool to deliver an important message. In the book of Proverbs, a “fool” is not merely someone who lacks intelligence, but someone who rejects wisdom and the ways of God the Father. Solomon explains that entrusting a fool with responsibility brings harm upon oneself—not as punishment from God, but as the natural consequence of poor judgment. He uses the vivid image of cutting off one’s own feet—an act that would stop progress entirely and leave a person helpless. Solomon then adds another striking metaphor: “drinking violence.” When a believer trusts a fool, they willingly accept harm, chaos, and destructive consequences.

Reading this verse immediately reminded me of the messenger in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. In the story, Friar Laurence sends a letter to Romeo through Friar John, explaining that Juliet is not truly dead but only asleep because of a potion. When Friar John fails to deliver the message, Romeo believes Juliet is dead and takes his own life in her tomb. When Juliet later awakens and finds Romeo dead, she also kills herself. I don’t believe Friar John was a fool, but he was certainly an unreliable messenger. Scripture’s definition of a fool points to a pattern of disregard for wisdom, not a single mistake. Still, Shakespeare’s tragedy vividly illustrates the disastrous consequences Solomon describes in Proverbs.

I remember a college professor in my theater literature class scolding us for not knowing the Bible well enough. She explained that much of Western literature is filled with biblical references because educated readers were once expected to know Scripture. Without that knowledge, we would miss important meanings and misunderstand what playwrights were trying to communicate. Today, it would be like watching the movie Scream without recognizing the slasher-film tropes it satirizes.

This is the first time I can remember clearly recognizing a direct biblical principle reflected in a play, and it made me appreciate what my professor was trying to teach us. The Bible is far more than a literary reference—it is the living word of Father-God. Still, it’s meaningful to see how deeply its wisdom shaped influential Western thinkers and writers. As believers in Christ, we are called to read Scripture regularly, because it offers enduring wisdom and the truth of God’s word—wisdom people have valued for centuries.

If this verse resonates with you—if you feel compelled to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One whose wisdom has been treasured throughout history—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him through the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.

Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 347 Bible Readings for December 14 - Proverbs 25:16-17 (ESV)

Esther 6-8, Revelation 4, Proverbs 25:11-20

Proverbs 25:16-17 (ESV)

“If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it. Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.”

In Proverbs 25:16–17, Solomon offers believers wisdom about the importance of moderation. He explains that if you find honey, you should consume only what you need and no more. In ancient Israel, honey was valuable and highly sought after, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Solomon’s counsel about honey reflects the biblical principles of contentment and stewardship. He then applies this same principle of moderation to social relationships. Believers are called to respect their friendships by avoiding excess—making sure they are a blessing to others rather than a burden or a source of irritation.

Contentment has been one of the most challenging aspects of my Christian life. I grew up with the common American mindset that “more is better.” I don’t eat until I feel sick, but I do tend to overindulge in food that tastes good. When I find clothing, shoes, or a bag I like, I’m tempted to buy it in multiple colors because it’s hard for me to find items that truly fit my style. That’s often how I justify overindulgence—both in food and in purchases. I know the Holy Spirit is gently working with me, regularly asking questions like, “Do you really need to eat that much?” or “Do you really need another cranberry-colored sweater?”

I’m better at practicing moderation in relationships because I’m very aware of when I might be a burden to others. However, I also recognize that I struggle to speak up when I feel someone is taking advantage of me. As I continue to deepen my relationship with the Holy Spirit, I can see growth in these areas. I am learning self-control and discernment in my choices, and I am trusting more fully that Father-God will meet all of my needs.

If these verses resonate with you—if you feel compelled to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who faithfully provides for every need—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him through the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.

Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 346 Bible Readings for December 13 - Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)

Esther 3-5, Revelation 3:7-22, Proverbs 25:1-10

Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

In Revelation 3:15–16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea about its spiritual condition. The believers there were lukewarm—spiritually complacent and indifferent. They lacked the fervor and zeal Christ expected of His church. They had neither fully embraced their faith with passion nor completely rejected it. This lukewarm state deeply displeased Father-God, so Christ used vivid imagery to describe His response: He would spit them out.

In this season of revival, believers need to examine their commitment to Jesus Christ. We must ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions: Am I passionate about my faith, or have I become complacent? Jesus tells John that being “lukewarm” provokes a strong response of rejection. I ask myself daily whether my actions and work truly reflect my faith in God the Father. I also examine whether I rely on my own resources and self-sufficiency, or whether I genuinely trust the Lord to provide for both my physical and spiritual needs. Am I committed to my church? Am I actively pursuing a vibrant, growing faith in Christ?

Most days, my answer to these questions is yes. But there are times when the answer is no—when life happens and my faith wavers. In those moments, I ask the Lord for repentance and renewal, and I ask Him to remove any half-hearted devotion from my life. When I am filled with spiritual fervor, I experience Father-God’s favor daily, and I am deeply aware of how blessed I am.

If these verses resonate with you—if you feel compelled to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who offers a life filled with blessing and His favor—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him through the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.

Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.

Day 345 Bible Readings - Proverbs 24:33-34 (ESV)

Esther 1-2, Revelation 2:18-29, Revelation 3:1-6, Proverbs 24:23-34

Proverbs 24:33-34 (ESV)

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

In Proverbs 24:33–34, Solomon warns believers about the consequences of rationalizing laziness and complacency. When a believer makes small compromises in behavior—what Solomon refers to as “a little sleep, a little slumber”—those choices eventually lead to negative consequences. Through neglect, a lazy believer experiences poverty, which can arrive suddenly and unexpectedly, like a robber. This poverty brings a life of need and want, not as an accident, but as the result of persistent neglect.

These verses remind believers that God the Father calls us to be good stewards of everything He entrusts to us, including our time, skills, and finances. Faithful stewardship helps prevent lack and need in a believer’s life. However, these verses also apply to our spiritual lives. Spiritual laziness and complacency lead to weakened faith and a shallow relationship with the Lord. I have experienced firsthand the consequences of making small compromises in my spiritual disciplines. When I skip my morning Bible reading and study, I notice that I think less about the Lord and His love for me. When I fail to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit—or ignore His prompting because it doesn’t make sense from a natural perspective—my decisions often make life more difficult. Remaining vigilant in my spiritual disciplines brings me satisfaction and joy, because I know I am aligned with Father-God’s will for my life. I feel blessed, and I experience the Lord’s favor daily.

If these verses resonate with you—if you feel compelled to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who fills your life with blessing and favor—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him through the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.

Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.