Day 41 - "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 21:16-31
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead. 17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. 18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. 20 The wise store up choice food and oil, but fools gulp theirs down. 21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. 22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. 23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. 24 The proud and arrogant person—"Mocker" is his name—behaves with insolent fury. 25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. 26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent! 28 A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. 29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. 30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What does this passage teach about the balance between human preparation and trusting God for the outcome?
- How do the contrasts between the wise and foolish, righteous and wicked, challenge your daily choices?
- Which proverbs about self-control and managing desires speak to areas where you struggle?
- What does verse 30 mean for how you approach planning and decision-making in your life?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer
Lord, help me to prepare and work diligently while remembering that ultimate victory comes from you. Give me wisdom to control my desires and to be generous rather than selfish. Help me guard my words and think carefully about my actions. When I face challenges that seem impossible, remind me that no plan can succeed against you, and that you are fighting for me. Amen.