Today's Verse: Proverbs 3:31-32

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
— Proverbs 3:31-32
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While many are seeking a cure for the rampaging violence in our cultures that is destroying lives, threatening schools, destroying nations, and making our streets unsafe, why has no one bothered to remind us what God's wise servant taught us centuries ago? Let's not let any person, real or fictional, be our hero if their fame is built on violence. "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways..." I can hear some of you saying, "Wow, Phil, that's not a popular position based on what we see on TV and in the movies!" Please realize this is not me saying it, but one of God's inspired writers. "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways..." The son of Israel's most famous warrior understood the dangers of violence in any form. Indeed, the Son of the Most Powerful on High said it best: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

My Prayer...

Almighty God, save us from the violence of our culture. Save us from the violence of the wicked. Save us from the worship of violent power that permeates our world. Please, dear Father, give us heroes who are strong, noble, and are true peacemakers. In addition, dear Father, please give us eyes to see them and the courage to honor them. In Jesus' name, I pray for your peace in our world. Amen.

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Detestable to the Lord
Devo: Together in Christ
"Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly."
Proverbs 3:31-32
Devo: Today's Verse
"Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence."
Nothing to Admire
Illustration of Proverbs 3:31-32
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 3:31-32 -- Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
Noah, Violence, and Grace
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
The story of Noah fascinates children, but the message of Noah also reminds us of the Creator's heart being broken by humanity's penchant for violence. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that violence is not God's plan, but humanity's corrupt and wicked propensity to injure and mar those created in the image of God.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 3:31-32 — Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Praying with Paul
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'Earnest Caregiving' (2 Co. 8:16-23)
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Quotemeal
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Quote by Richard DeHaan:
"Only those whose souls have struck the deepest notes of penitence can reach the highest notes of praise."
What Jesus Did!
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'Rescue and Righteousness' (Jn. 8:7-9)
"[The Jewish leaders] kept demanding an answer [to their question about the woman caught in adultery, so Jesus] stood up again and said, "All right,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues Us and Carries Us' (Ps. 68:19-21)
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death....."

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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