Proverbs Day 270 (KJV): Proverbs 25:14 (KJV): Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. Proverbs 25:14 (AMP): Whoever falsely boasts of gifts (he does not give) is like clouds and wind without rain. |
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Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs makes a comparison between a man who boasts and lies about what he has done, with clouds and wind that come up and yet produce no rain. When clouds and wind blow in and nothing happens to generate rain, it is like a big show of what is going to follow; yet, there are no results. A picture of empty clouds and brisk winds are used here to describe a person who either boasts about something he has not done, or lies about a gift he has not given, in order to bring attention to himself. It is the same as using flattering words and making promises about what they will do, but they never come through. We call this type of person one who is "all talk and no show." People who do this sort of thing are usually manipulators who either want the praise of men, or they are scheming to get others to do something for them by making empty promises. The Bible warns us of these kinds of people and calls them hypocrites. In Christ's time, there were some Jewish religious leaders who were teachers of the law, who were called Pharisees. They had become prideful and legalistic. They were very concerned about their outward appearance, and wanted men to see how good they were. However, Jesus looked into their hearts and saw that they were impure and wicked. He called these Pharisees hypocrites, which means a person who pretends to be something that they are not. Luke 11:39-44: These Pharisees looked very good on the outside, as they were careful to give alms (prayers) and to tithe of their income, even including the harvest of their herb crops of mint and rue. However, the Lord told them, yes, they should give and pray, but the greater laws of love and merciful judgment they had not done. He also admonished them for their pride of wanting favored position and desiring men to notice them. Throughout the Bible, Jesus always had stern warnings for those who were hypocrites, because they were dishonest people making a show to be good. Although He dealt strongly with this sort of person, He always dealt kindly with those who recognized they were fallen sinners, no matter how great their sin was. God listens to a person with an honest heart and will not turn the most wicked and vile person away from salvation, if they come to Him repentant and with an honest heart. Luke 18:9-14: |
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Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your great mercy to me personally and to all men who call upon You. Father, I desire to have a good and honest heart, so please convict me of all deception and pride so that I may repent of it and be free from these two evils. Help me to always be honest and never try to pretend about anything I have done. Forgive me for yielding to pride, and deliver me from trying to please men, instead of pleasing You. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. |
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