Daily Devotion

Sunday, February 15, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Proverbs 27:1–6, 10–12

Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—
a stranger, and not your own lips.
A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,
but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your parent;
do not go to the house of your kindred in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is nearby
than kindred who are far away.
Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad,
so that I may answer whoever reproaches me.
The clever see danger and hide;
but the simple go on, and suffer for it. (NRSV)

Today’s passage reminds us that “better is open rebuke than hidden love,” and “faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:5–6 English Standard Version). At the same time, I must remember that “whoever covers an offense seeks love, but repeating a matter separates close friends” (17:9) and that “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). If it is wisdom I seek, let me consider that “the wise of heart is called discerning and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness” (16:21) and “the heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips” (16:23).

Some present Proverbs as promises. Others present Proverbs as principles with probabilistic outcomes. I find Proverbs presents real challenges in learning to handle the word of truth rightly (2 Timothy 2:15). We are often cautioned against taking Scripture out of context, and I find this warning especially apropos in reading from Proverbs. To do otherwise risks social and spiritual damage, not only to ourselves, but to others also.

“Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools” (Proverbs 26:9).

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your word. The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Please continue to teach us wisdom and help us grow in the knowledge of who you are. Thank you for giving us Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Written by Jeanette Chung, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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