Daily Bible Plan

Bible. Pray. One Another

At City Lights, we believe that renewal starts from within and expands into every area of our lives. The three daily habits of BIBLE, PRAYER and ONE ANOTHER are vital to establishing a close, connected and organic relationship with God. Our daily devotion is designed to help, by including a short passage from the Bible, a framework for prayer and an invitation to “one another” someone. We also add short videos to help you learn how to understand, interpret and apply the Bible. Don't forget to grab a free prayer journal on Sunday too!

Day 288 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 28 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

1 The wicked flee though no one pursues,

    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,

    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

3 A ruler who oppresses the poor

    is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,

    but those who heed it resist them.

5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,

    but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless

    than the rich whose ways are perverse.

7 A discerning son heeds instruction,

    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor

    amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,

    even their prayers are detestable.

10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,

    but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;

    one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;

    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,

    but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,

    but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,

    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
    will seek refuge in the grave;

    let no one hold them back.

18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,

    but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.

19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,

    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,

    but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good—

    yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 The stingy are eager to get rich

    and are unaware that poverty awaits them.

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favour

    rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

24 Whoever robs their father or mother
    and says, “It’s not wrong,”

    is partner to one who destroys.

25 The greedy stir up conflict,

    but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,

    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,

    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;

    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Give preference to one another in honour (Ro 12:10).
Who is someone you can honour with your words this week? Write their name down and send them a message or give them a call.

Previous days

Day 287 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 27 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

1 Do not boast about tomorrow,

    for you do not know what a day may bring.

2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;

    an outsider, and not your own lips.

3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden,

    but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,

    but who can stand before jealousy?

5 Better is open rebuke

    than hidden love.

6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

    but an enemy multiplies kisses.

7 One who is full loathes honey from the comb,

    but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

8 Like a bird that flees its nest

    is anyone who flees from home.

9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend

    springs from their heartfelt advice.

10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
    and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—

    better a neighbour nearby than a relative far away.

11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;

    then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,

    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;

    hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbour early in the morning,

    it will be taken as a curse.

15 A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping
    of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind

    or grasping oil with the hand.

17 As iron sharpens iron,

    so one person sharpens another.

18 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,

    and whoever protects their master will be honoured.

19 As water reflects the face,

    so one’s life reflects the heart.

20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied,

    and neither are human eyes.

21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,

    but people are tested by their praise.

22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
    grinding them like grain with a pestle,

    you will not remove their folly from them.

23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
    give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
    and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
    and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
    and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family

    and to nourish your female servants.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Be at peace with one another (Mk 9:50).
Think about how you can bring peace to your environments - work, family, marriage. Do this intentionally this week.

Day 286 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 26 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
    honour is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
    an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
    and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
    or you yourself will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
    or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Sending a message by the hands of a fool
    is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame
    is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling
    is the giving of honour to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand
    is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random
    is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
    so fools repeat their folly.
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?

    There is more hope for a fool than for them.

13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
    a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
    so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
    he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes

    than seven people who answer discreetly.

17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears

    is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

18 Like a maniac shooting
    flaming arrows of death
19 is one who deceives their neighbour

    and says, “I was only joking!”

20 Without wood a fire goes out;
    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

    they go down to the inmost parts.

23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
    are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
    but in their hearts they harbour deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
    for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
    but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
    if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,

    and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Be hospitable to one another (1 Pe 4:9).
Who is one person or family who you can invite over to your house for a meal (or out for a meal)? Organise to have them over.

Day 285 2025

BIBLE 

Today can be used to reflect on or memorise this key passage from this week’s readings. The day can also be used to catch-up if you missed a day in the readings. 

Jude 1:17-21 (NIV) Read or listen.

A Call to Persevere

17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Pray for one another (Jas 5:16).
Who can you pray for today? Write their name down, pray for them and send them a message saying that you are praying for them. 

Day 284 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 25 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

More Proverbs of Solomon

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,

    so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

4 Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,

    and his throne will be established through righteousness.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
    and do not claim a place among his great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”

    than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

What you have seen with your eyes
8  do not bring hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end

    if your neighbour puts you to shame?

9 If you take your neighbour to court,
    do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you

    and the charge against you will stand.

11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver
    is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold

    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
    is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
    he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain

    is one who boasts of gifts never given.

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,

    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
    too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbour’s house—

    too much of you, and they will hate you.

18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
    is one who gives false testimony against a neighbour.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
    is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
    or like vinegar poured on a wound,

    is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
    if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,

    and the Lord will reward you.

23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain

    is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

24 Better to live on a corner of the roof

    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

25 Like cold water to a weary soul
    is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well

    are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

27 It is not good to eat too much honey,

    nor is it honourable to search out matters that are too deep.

28 Like a city whose walls are broken through

    is a person who lacks self-control.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Motivate one another to love and do good deeds (He 10:24).
Sometimes we need a friend to encourage us to outwork the love of Christ towards others. Get together with a friend to mutually encourage each other.

Day 283 2025

BIBLE 

Jude 1 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,

To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People

3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.

11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.

12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

A Call to Persevere

17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Doxology

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Encourage and build up one another (1 Th 5:11).
Who do you know that needs encouragement? Send them an encouraging message today.

Day 282 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 24 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

Saying 20

1 Do not envy the wicked,
    do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,

    and their lips talk about making trouble.

Saying 21

3 By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled

    with rare and beautiful treasures.

Saying 22

5 The wise prevail through great power,
    and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,

    and victory is won through many advisers.

Saying 23

7 Wisdom is too high for fools;

    in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

Saying 24

8 Whoever plots evil
    will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin,

    and people detest a mocker.

Saying 25

10 If you falter in a time of trouble,
    how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?

    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

Saying 26

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
    honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
    If you find it, there is a future hope for you,

    and your hope will not be cut off.

Saying 27

15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,
    do not plunder their dwelling place;
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,

    but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Saying 28

17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
    when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the Lord will see and disapprove

    and turn his wrath away from them.

Saying 29

19 Do not fret because of evildoers
    or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evildoer has no future hope,

    and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Saying 30

21 Fear the Lord and the king, my son,
    and do not join with rebellious officials,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction on them,
    and who knows what calamities they can bring?
 

Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise:

To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

    and rich blessing will come on them.

26 An honest answer

    is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Put your outdoor work in order
    and get your fields ready;

    after that, build your house.

28 Do not testify against your neighbour without cause—
    would you use your lips to mislead?
29 Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;

    I’ll pay them back for what they did.”

30 I went past the field of a sluggard,
    past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31 thorns had come up everywhere,
    the ground was covered with weeds,
    and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
    and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 and poverty will come on you like a thief

    and scarcity like an armed man.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Comfort one another concerning the resurrection (1 Th 4:18).
Remember we are to spend eternity with Jesus. Is there someone in your life who needs that encouragement today? Send them a message or give them a call.

Day 281 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 23 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

Saying 7

1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
    note well what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,

    for that food is deceptive.

Saying 8

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
    do not trust your own cleverness.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
    for they will surely sprout wings

    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Saying 9

6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,
    do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of person
    who is always thinking about the cost.
“Eat and drink,” he says to you,
    but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten

    and will have wasted your compliments.

Saying 10

9 Do not speak to fools,

    for they will scorn your prudent words.

Saying 11

10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
    or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong;

    he will take up their case against you.

Saying 12

12 Apply your heart to instruction

    and your ears to words of knowledge.

Saying 13

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
    if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
14 Punish them with the rod

    and save them from death.

Saying 14

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice

    when your lips speak what is right.

Saying 15

17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
    but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,

    and your hope will not be cut off.

Saying 16

19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
    or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,

    and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
    wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
    a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
25 May your father and mother rejoice;

    may she who gave you birth be joyful!

Saying 18

26 My son, give me your heart
    and let your eyes delight in my ways,
27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,
    and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28 Like a bandit she lies in wait

    and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

Saying 19

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
    Who has strife? Who has complaints?
    Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
    who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
    when it sparkles in the cup,
    when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
    and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
    and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
    lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
    They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up

    so I can find another drink?”

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Don’t lie to one another (Co 3:9).
Think about your words and thoughts, do you need to be more honest with others and yourself?

Day 280 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 22 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;

    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common:

    The Lord is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,

    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;

    its wages are riches and honour and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,

    but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

6 Start children off on the way they should go,

    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,

    and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,

    and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

9 The generous will themselves be blessed,

    for they share their food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

    quarrels and insults are ended.

11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace

    will have the king for a friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

    but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!

    I’ll be killed in the public square!”

14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;

    a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

    but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

    and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
    apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
    and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
    sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
    so that you bring back truthful reports

    to those you serve?

Saying 2

22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
    and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the Lord will take up their case

    and will exact life for life.

Saying 3

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
    do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways

    and get yourself ensnared.

Saying 4

26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
    or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,

    your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Saying 5

28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone

    set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6

29 Do you see someone skilled in their work?
    They will serve before kings;

    they will not serve before officials of low rank.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Speak truth to one another (Ep 4:25).
Do you need to be more honest in your relationships? Think about how you can do this with one person and organise to talk to them.

Day 279 2025

BIBLE 

Proverbs 21 (NIV) Read or listen.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

1 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water

    that he channels toward all who please him.

2 A person may think their own ways are right,

    but the Lord weighs the heart.

3 To do what is right and just

    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—

    the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit

    as surely as haste leads to poverty.

6 A fortune made by a lying tongue

    is a fleeting vapour and a deadly snare.

7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,

    for they refuse to do what is right.

8 The way of the guilty is devious,

    but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 Better to live on a corner of the roof

    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

10 The wicked crave evil;

    their neighbours get no mercy from them.

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;

    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.

12 The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked

    and brings the wicked to ruin.

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor

    will also cry out and not be answered.

14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,

    and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous

    but terror to evildoers.

16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence

    comes to rest in the company of the dead.

17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;

    whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,

    and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert

    than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.

20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,

    but fools gulp theirs down.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love

    finds life, prosperity and honour.

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty

    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues

    keep themselves from calamity.

24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—

    behaves with insolent fury.

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
    because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,

    but the righteous give without sparing.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—

    how much more so when brought with evil intent!

28 A false witness will perish,

    but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front,

    but the upright give thought to their ways.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan

    that can succeed against the Lord.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,

    but victory rests with the Lord.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Today's Prayer: God, be my strength in every area today.

ONE ANOTHER 

Bear one another’s burdens (Ga 6:2).
Who in your life would benefit from more support today? Send them a message.