Today's Verse: Proverbs 16:19

Sunday, August 23, 2009

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Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
— Proverbs 16:19
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is your source of significance? This proverb challenges us to view the world upside down compared to the rest of our culture. It's similar to how Jesus taught us to live in the Sermon on the Mount - to not live for the here and now, but to live for the Kingdom of God here and now because we know our Father in heaven sees us and values what we do (Matthew 6:1-4, 6, 17-18). God values humility and our willingness to be identified with the lowly and oppressed - again, similar to how Jesus lived. Abusive power and arrogance are not pleasing to God. God didn't just give us this proverb; he sent us his Son to demonstrate it (Philippians 2:5-11). Now, if we will only choose to live this truth. And Jesus challenges us to display it when he says, "Follow me!" For...
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

My Prayer...

Father, I do recognize my weakness and vulnerability to temptation, to the lure of my culture's facades, and to the pressure to be like the "popular crowd." Thank you for Jesus: You had power but displayed humility, and you had position but identified with the abandoned, forgotten, and rejected. Please use me to be a difference-maker in my world by including those who are left out, forgotten, and disenfranchised. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Proverbs 16:19
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."
Better
Illustration of Proverbs 16:19
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 16:19 -- Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 16:19 — Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 23, 2009

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Morning & Evening
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Morning Thought: Song of Songs 4:7
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'My Mother's Situation Proves Joseph's Faith'
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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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