PROVERBS 30:7-9 – Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
THEME OF THE DAY. ONE OF LIFE’S BEST PRAYERS. Today’s scripture is a simple and great prayer to offer the Lord often. Maybe even daily. Within its contents is a refreshing simplicity all of us could use in our lives. It is the simplicity of living in two ways; being a person of impeccable character and sincerity while being contented in all things, at all times. Let’s break them down a little.
In another of King Solomon’s “nuggets of wisdom”, he writes, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). To have a good name is to be known as a man or woman of integrity, trustworthiness, truthfulness, and it is of the greatest value. I remember when I “sprouted wings” leaving my family and joining the Navy. I would go home to visit my parents and so many times I would meet the “country folks” in my hometown and they would say, “I know your dad. He’s a good man” or “Your mother was a fine lady.” It was true. Where I was raised, a handshake was an unbreakable contract, a commitment by word would be fulfilled at all cost, and character really mattered. And that was not something drilled into a young boy growing up in the hills of West Virginia. It is a Biblical truth of the greatest importance. Make this our daily goal – to be people and especially people of God who back up our profession of faith in Christ with lives of integrity and sincerity.
The second simple direction in life is strive to live contented. As we do, remember we learn contentment. We are not “zapped” with this God-honoring character trait. The Apostle Paul writes, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:11-12). Be content where God has you, with what circumstances He places you, with the things He has given you and you will grow in the knowledge of Him to your delight and joy. Be discontent where you are, with your circumstances, with what you lack, and you will stunt all spiritual growth and lack delight and joy in the Lord.
Yes, snuggled into the wisdom book of Proverbs is a wonderful prayer to adopt. To pray it keeps us focused on a simple life that pleases God; a simplicity marked by integrity and contentment.
PRAYER: “Lord, teach me to live a simple life of integrity and contentment.”
QUOTE: “Be content where God has you, with what circumstances He grants you, and you will know Him more intimately.”