Together in Christ: 'Refreshing People' — Proverbs 10:11

Thursday, May 25, 2023

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

— Proverbs 10:11 NLT

Key Thought

Nothing is more refreshing than cool, clean spring water on a hot day. For those who have decided to follow Jesus as Lord, the cool refreshing water welling up within them is the Holy Spirit. [1] The Holy Spirit gives us a new birth and cleanses us from our past sins. [2] The Spirit also begins to transform our hearts from the inside out based on the righteousness that comes from the above. [3] The Spirit produces God's holy fruit in our character, [4] and transforms us to become like Jesus. [5] Out of the Spirit's righteousness at work within us, we speak spiritual words [6] intended to bless others according to their needs. [7] This righteousness from the Spirit manifests itself through our actions and our words. [8] The proverb, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life," is true! Spirit-led people are refreshing because they have been refreshed!

Unfortunately, without the Spirit's work in a person's life to cleanse them and transform them to become like Christ, they invest their energies in other pursuits. Some begin to hide their hearts' twisted and dark motives through deception. They must hide their violent motives and intentions to gain acceptance. But, hidden things always come to light [9] and violent fascination and intentions.

The point of this proverb? Jesus said it perfectly:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [10]

There's no need for deception or violence in the Kingdom of God where righteousness reigns!

[1] John 7:37-39.
[2] John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7.
[3] Romans 8:4, 10, 14:17; Galatians 5:5; Titus 3:5.
[4] Galatians 5:22-23.
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28-29.
[6] Ephesians 5:18-21.
[7] Ephesians 4:29-30.
[8] Romans 8:12-16.
[9] 1 Corinthians 4:5.
[10] Matthew 6:33.

Today's Prayer

Father, I commit to seeking Your Kingdom and righteousness first and trust that You will work in me Your goodwill. I want to refresh and bless others in the name of Jesus, so please guard my heart because I know that what flows from it * reveals either Your goodness and grace in me or the twisted intentions of a heart that does not know Your ways. Please refresh me, cleanse me through the work of the Holy Spirit, and use me to bless others who need Your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

* Proverbs 4:23.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 4:25-32
  • Ephesians 2:1-10, 5:15-21

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, May 25, 2023

A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you..."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Tabitha, or Dorcas in Greek, had died.] But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe...."

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 10:11 NLT — The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.