Wisdomantics: Daily Devotionals

By Darrell Hutchinson

The scriptures reveal that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked, "What shall I give you?" Solomon responded, having asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge righteously (1 Kings 3:5-15, 2 Chron. 1). However, God blessed King Solomon to become the wisest, most honorable, and wealthiest man who ever lived. In 1 Kings 4:29-34, the scriptures declare: "Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs and sang one thousand and five songs." Although the Holy Bible is a compilation of numerous books and authors, the book of Proverbs, with its collection of wise sayings, is in a class by themselves. For approximately three thousand years, the proverbs or wise sayings of Solomon have stood the test of time, continuing to provide guidance in our foolish and sinful world. Solomon's thought-provoking proverbs miraculously transcend racial, cultural, religious, language, and political barriers. The Wisdomantics Daily Devotionals is a repository where readers can obtain a plethora of wisdom relating to topics such as spiritual growth, finances, relationships, pride, anger, gossip, and more! Each devotional is numbered for a day of the year followed by the number of a question derived from the Wisdomantics game app. Please view the website wisdomantics.com for information related to the Wisdomantics game. The questions/proverbs were obtained from the NIV and NKJV Bible translations. They are followed by a summary of the proverb and an application, which illuminates the proverb, making it applicable to routine experiences readers may encounter as we live our lives each day. Godly wisdom is acquired by means of a humble heart, attentive ears, and an obedient spirit. If we reject it and rebel against his word, we might also find ourselves in the same state as Solomon in his later years. His promise of a virtuous and fulfilling life was reduced to a life filled with vanity, devastation, and regrets. The Wisdomantics Daily Devotionals is a great resource from which readers can gain wisdom to make prudent decisions and demonstrate discernment. God cannot use people who believe they are perfect. However, he can use those who are wise enough to seek his wisdom each day! We invest in our children, financial portfolios, homes, education, etc. Let's take a few minutes each day to invest in our need for spiritual growth and peace of mind. The Wisdomantics--Daily Devotionals is a great way to receive direction and encouragement from the book of Proverbs. Our lives can be transformed while gaining valuable wisdom that will benefit the reader, our families, and friends for generations to come!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644718490

Book preview

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Wisdomantics

Daily Devotionals

Darrell Hutchinson

ISBN 978-1-64471-848-3 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64471-849-0 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 Darrell Hutchinson

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

Introduction

Introduction

The Wisdomantics Daily Devotionals (devotionals) include a proverb from the book of Proverbs, a brief summary, and a modern-day application. The devotionals include 366 of 400 questions/proverbs which are contained in the Wisdomantics Android and iOS game apps.

Wisdomantics is a game for players who desire to gain the vast wisdom of King Solomon. Wisdomantics utilizes the proverbs of Solomon to impart wisdom for personal development, spiritual growth, finances, relationships, and more! Players receive gold, cypress, and cedar tiles as they correctly answer their questions and navigate the app’s game board. There are variable twists to keep players entertained throughout the game. The first player to complete their temple scorecard wins! For more information, please see wisdomantics.com or email [e-mail].

The questions/proverbs for the game and devotionals were obtained from the NIV and NKJV Bible translations. As such, you will discover the devotionals alternate between the two translations. The number for the calendar day of the year is followed by the number of a question/proverb which can be found in the Wisdomantics game. Both the Wisdomantics game and devotionals combine to enhance our level of spiritual wisdom. Download the Wisdomantics game for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Question #241 Proverbs 19:9 (NIV): A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.

Summary: A false witness or a liar will be judged. Howbeit justice delayed is never justice denied. Ultimately, this person will perish or be destroyed.

Application: We often see false witnesses spreading lies, gossip, and half-truths. We curiously wonder when it will end, especially, when it is directed toward us. It can be very easy for us to sit down on our lunch breaks and ingest the latest gossip, especially when it doesn’t pertain to us or our personal interests. Keep in mind spreading a secret that’s true can also harm someone and destroy relationships and credibility.

However, we can be sure there will come a day when false witnesses will be judged and no longer a factor in our lives. Let’s do our part to ensure we never find ourselves on the receiving end of such judgment. Controlling our lips will keep us out of trouble.

Question #17 Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV): Trust in the L

ord

with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

Summary: Trust in the Lord with all that is within you or to the full extent of your abilities. Do not rely on your own understanding and abilities.

Application: Family, friends, neighbors, and the like have the propensity to fail us. However, we can always trust that the Lord has our best interests at heart and will always do what is right for us. Our inability to fully understand the matter does not mean that God is not in our midst. Remember, he knows exactly how to work things out for our good. We have a desire to know the detailed reasons for everything. We would do ourselves a huge favor in putting our trust in God, who is omniscient. Our God who created the universe, delivered us from sin, and gave us eternal life should have our full and complete trust.

Question #114 Proverbs 12:22 (NIV): The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Summary: The Lord has a strong dislike for those who spread lies. This may be true because they are doing the work of the father of lies. However, he rejoices in those who love the truth and are trustworthy. Indeed, they bring delight to God’s heart.

Application: Satan was a liar from the beginning, and he continues to infect the world with lies. The Lord loves the people of the world but hates the lying lips, which continue to poison our relationships with God and others. On the contrary, the Lord takes great pleasure in people who are honest and trustworthy. You will not have this distinction when you look and talk like everyone else. It takes courage to be different. However, the reward is to be esteemed highly before the Lord!

Question #360 Proverbs 28:22 (NKJV): A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

Summary: A person with a lustful eye is covetous, only seeking more and more riches. However, this haste for riches will ultimately end with poverty and shame.

Application: In today’s society, it can be very easy to pursue lavish things in an attempt to keep up with the Joneses. In this age of reality TV, we have become inundated with images of what the world determines success to be. Be careful, my friend! Any search for riches outside of God’s plan for your life will place you on the fast track to disaster.

You can have riches, but do not allow the riches to have you. A wise friend once told me we should live like a king within our means. In other words, we should not attempt to live beyond God’s favor and blessings for our lives.

Question #90Proverbs 11:6 (NIV): The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

Summary: Those who place their faith in God will find him to be their salvation, shield, and strength. However, the unfaithful will not find such love and protection. In contrast, they are trapped by their own wicked desires.

Application: In this life, everyone will face various trials, tribulations, and temptations.

However, those who trust in God can be assured that he will never leave or forsake us. What a privilege it is to know that we can have peace in the midst of the storms of life. This peace is only reserved for the faithful and upright who have learned to put their trust in God. The unfaithful live their lives outside of God’s will and are consumed by their own selfish thoughts and deeds. Furthermore, they are trapped by their wicked and lustful desires. What a shame to be lost and not even know it!

Question #152Proverbs 14:25 (NKJV): A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.

Summary: At its core, truthful words can deliver illumination, forgiveness, and peace. On the contrary, false words can deliver deception, dishonor, and condemnation. Those with a truthful message can deliver souls while deceitful messengers can only speak lies and bring shame upon themselves.

Application: When testifying in any court of law, it is important to be found a credible witness. The credibility of a witness can sway a judge and/or jury and determine the verdict in a case. Whether testifying on the stand or simply taking a stand for a just cause, a true or truthful witness can deliver souls. However, once a person has been discovered to be untruthful or has perjured themselves in court, it becomes much easier to label them as deceitful witnesses. Therefore, strive to be a truthful witness.

Question #281 Proverbs 21:15 (NIV): When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to the evildoers.

Summary: The righteous delight in doing what is just while unbelievers delight in doing what is unjust. It is a privilege and honor for the righteous to do justice. Others might find that to be distasteful, unappealing, and terrifying.

Application: Are you joyful when you see justice done in society? If not, you should determine why. Although justice may take years to manifest, it is always worth the wait. There are those who applaud justice when it serves their core and no more! Remember, true justice serves everyone. Examine yourself and determine whether the weight of your scales of justice leans toward the righteous or the evildoers. It’s never too late to make a change for the better!

Question #325 Proverbs 25:17 (NKJV): Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.

Summary: Please understand there are boundaries for which neighbors are to respect and maintain. It is possible to be friendly and to disallow your home to become a neighborhood rest stop. The alternative could eventually bring division and dissolution into a once-budding relationship.

Application: Most people want to appear friendly and easygoing when getting to know their neighbors. You may even get out of your comfort zone and visit them on a regular basis. However, you never want to visit them too often or overstay your visits. If you begin to do either of the two, tension will begin to build as your fondness and patience for each other subsides. Consider the need for your family’s privacy as you determine when and what neighbors you allow within the confines of your home.

Question #59 Proverbs 9:7 (NIV): Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

Summary: Correcting someone who mocks the message of salvation and peace may open you to insults. Your desire to lead someone to salvation may initiate verbal and/or physical attacks. You must know when to walk away and place matters in God’s hands.

Application: Have you ever attempted to spread the gospel and things didn’t quite go as planned? Your good intentions and desires for peace may trigger everything from the silent treatment to hurtful backlash. The world hated Jesus, so you should not expect the world to love you! Please do not take any rejection personal as if you crafted the message. You are simply the messenger, delivering an unpopular message into a world that is increasingly hostile toward believers and our values. If you must, shake the dust off your feet and move on. After all, it’s not about us; it’s about Christ! Pray that God would send others who may be able to get through to them.

Question #400 Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV): Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Summary: A woman’s charm may not always be a pure characteristic or personality trait. In fact, charm can oftentimes be masked by lustful, insincere, or crooked intent.

Beauty, however lovely, may be here today and gone tomorrow. A woman whose godly virtue and reverence extends deeper than external superficial beauty is a woman who should be respected and honored.

Application: We have all heard the cliché beauty is only skin deep. Beauty pageants and fashion shows aside, true beauty resides in the heart of a woman and cannot be measured by external factors. External beauty fades over time while true inner beauty improves with time. A woman who fears or honors the Lord is a woman who has figured this out. This woman will be praised and respected!

Question #226 Proverbs 18:5 (NIV): It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

Summary: Do not make it common practice to be partial or more forgiving toward the wicked. In so doing, you may cause the innocent to be deprived of justice. The wicked may come in the form of someone in the position of authority or someone who may be able to return a favor to you. In any case, be careful. Your partiality toward that person may cause harm, however slight, toward another individual.

Application: Let’s suppose you had a neighbor who was known for intimidating and challenging others. You only befriended this neighbor because you sought his or her influence and support in the upcoming homeowners’ association election. Understand that your partiality toward this type of individual may eventually cause harm to you and innocent neighbors in your community.

Question #197 Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV): Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Summary: You should always be concerned when you or anyone becomes too prideful. The spirit of pride may begin to whisper, You are better than others or You are unstoppable. Whatever the case, understand that destruction or a fall may be just around the corner.

Application: At times, we all may playfully puff our heads or toot our own horns. However, there are people who make it common practice to exalt themselves above others or shame folks who live beneath them. If this is you, watch out! You can be assured that life will present a scenario that will knock you back down to reality. Your pride may cause you to fall and have to partake of a slice of humble pie!

Question #2 Proverbs 1:7 (NIV): The fear of the L

ord

is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Summary: The reverence of the Lord is at the beginning of knowledge. In other words, true wisdom and knowledge do not begin without the acknowledgment of God. However, fools will despise godly wisdom and instruction.

Application: Today, there are many sources—portals, books, and repositories—from which secular knowledge may be obtained. In general, a lot of it may be productive, needful, and even true. However, you should never allow secular wisdom alone to be the chief guiding light in your daily affairs. The Lord, in conjunction with his wisdom and knowledge, supersedes all forms of secular knowledge. Remember this fact as you live this day in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile toward the Lord, the Holy Bible, and the wisdom and knowledge we acquire from it.

Question #343 Proverbs 26:26 (NKJV): Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

Summary: Consider the smooth words of the ever-so-kind, backstabbing hypocrite. There will come an end to their underhanded deceit. Rest assured, their deception will be exposed. Their exposure will not only be in front of you but also in front of everyone!

Application: What do you do when you know that people are smiling in your face and stabbing you behind your back? Do you get advice, get angry, get uncomfortable, or get even? Whether it happens on our jobs, at our churches, or even around our families, the pain and irritation are the same. We might address the situation differently if these acts were committed by known enemies. Unfortunately, a smile and a few kind words can throw us off balance and confuse the situation. They may simply be wolves in sheep’s clothing. However, we would do ourselves a favor to remember their hypocrisy will be revealed in front of everyone. Just hang on. This too shall pass!

Question #144 Proverbs 14:14 (NIV): The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.

Summary: The faithless, in this case, might be considered the sinner, backslider, or casual believer. In contrast, the good might be classified as those who are doing the will of God. Although everyone will be judged, only the good or faithful will be rewarded.

Application: With regard to your actions on a daily basis, do you display much faith, little faith, or no faith? If the answer is no faith, you are among the faithless and will be judged accordingly. That is not a good position to find yourself, especially when your eternal soul lies in the balance. However, the faithful should expect to be rewarded for their steadfastness.

Question #303 Proverbs 23:9 (NKJV): Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Summary: First of all, we should always pray for wisdom and guidance before we speak to someone who may not share our views or beliefs. Secondly, everyone will not be receptive to your life-changing message. In fact, your words may be despised because of the wisdom you seek to impart.

Application: Have you ever thought it was your duty to save someone? Did your feelings somehow change if you felt rejected, mocked, or despised? It is honorable to share your testimony and/or words of wisdom. However, be aware that your words of wisdom may be despised by those to whom you speak and make contact. Ultimately, they’re not rejecting you; they’re rejecting your Father in heaven.

Question #31 Proverbs 3:31 (NIV): Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

Summary: What is there to envy about one who is violent or oppresses others? The violent may take the form of a flashy drug dealer, smooth-talking ladies’ man, Wall Street money hustler, etc. Whatever the case, do not allow good looks, fancy clothes, or a smooth tongue to blur your spiritual conscience.

Application: Whether by TV, social media, or daily interactions, we are inundated with images and profiles of the violent and their ways. It is imperative we take a stand and choose to be different even when it’s at our expense. Remember, we are a peculiar people. We are supposed to look and act different than the world at large. What decision will you make today when the violent whispers in your ear?

Question #257 Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV): Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Summary: The excess consumption of wine or alcoholic beverages can lead to deception and destruction. With little to no prior warning, you can become tipsy, uncoordinated, or worse. Alcoholic consumption beyond your control is