the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Proverbs 22:1-16
The LORD made the rich and the poor from the same dust. They are equal in their birth and in their death and do not lack opportunity to meet each other (Proverbs 29:13; Job 31:5). Prosperity and the power derived from it (vv. 7, 16) are passing things and cannot be measured alongside the things which have eternal importance: "a good name", and "loving favour" (v. 1). The only riches to be desired are those that, together with glory and life, God will give to the meek and to all who fear Him (v. 4; Matthew 5:5). Differences in riches on earth should only provide the opportunity for the most favoured to open their eyes, hearts and hands (v. 9). We should start by seeing the needs around us, be moved by them and then respond to them according to our ability; this is to act like our dear Saviour. Jesus . . . saw . . . was moved with compassion . . . brake the loaves and gave them" (Mark 6:34; Mark 6:41).
Certain unbelieving philosophers have maintained that a child is born innocent and that it is his environment which corrupts him. V. 15 declares the opposite to be true (cf Genesis 8:21; Psalms 51:5). But the child who is brought up under the rule of the Word (v. 6) will bear the fruits of this education after his conversion all through his life.
