Thought for the Day

Verse 25 - God protects the humble widow who looks to Him, and secures her borders. The prideful man will reap what he has sown, as God will allow his house to be destroyed. God treats all men fairly. Though He is not partial toward individuals, He is partial to His Word. Faith and obedience to God's Word brings us His favor, no matter who we are or where we come from. "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34-35). His promises are to "whosoever will" (Revelation 22:17). This means that anyone who desires to come to God through Jesus will be accepted. It does not matter if we are rich or poor, male or female, black or white. God will accept us because He made us and loves us. The only condition is that we come to Him with a humble heart, acknowledging our need for Him to save us.

Verse 26 - God knows our thoughts and words. The thoughts of the wicked are extremely offensive to God. He is holy and pure, and He desires His children to walk in holiness and purity as well. When He hears us speaking good words, it is pleasing to Him. Just as we, as parents, are pleased to hear our children speak good things, so our heavenly Father is pleased when our words and actions are right.

Verse 27 - The greedy bring trouble to their households. Everyone in a family suffers when one member does not walk in God's ways. If that person is the father, he brings problems down upon the whole household. A greedy man can be so preoccupied with making money that he neglects his wife and children, or selfishly keeps his money for himself and gives little to his family.

A greedy man is susceptible to compromise. Those wanting favors from others learn to manipulate them with gifts or money. A greedy man falls into this trap easily. This is why one of the qualifications for the office of a deacon in the New Testament is that he not be greedy for money gained unjustly (1 Timothy 3:8-9). To please God, we must allow Him to deal with any greediness within us and resist anything that even looks like a bribe. Otherwise, we can be manipulated by evil men and violate our conscience.