Week 23: June 1-7, 2025 - A Word to the Wise

This week’s daily readings:

This week’s devotional:

A Word to the Wise

by Rev. Justin Elerath

Scripture:

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.

— Psalm 127 (NIV) 

Reflection:

In this psalm (Psalm 127) is advice for a wise man. We learn in Proverbs 12:15 that “the wise listen to advice.” This psalm was written by Solomon, known to be a wise man. Therefore, the advice contained within it should be held in high regard. If the wisest man ever to have lived needed to hear this, then without a doubt every one of us needs to, as well. 

This likely challenged Solomon because he was wise. The grind of everyday life should be easy for a wise man to figure out on his own, but the advice here is the opposite. Instead, Solomon is being advised to build his house in the Lord. He is advised to trust in the Lord for his security and for the blessings of children.

It is tempting to try to do things on my own, to trust in my will and my own capabilities. I want to know that my future is in my hands. But the truth is that I don’t have it under control. I learned a while back that trying my way to ensure safety for me and my family can be easily overcome by God’s will. What I soon discovered was that, by trusting in my own abilities to keep me and my family safe, I was not participating in the purpose that God had planned for me or my family. When this happens, we don’t receive the blessings that come from being in God’s will. In this psalm, we read that we must commit to God our efforts every day and put our trust in God’s providence. We shall seek him when we commence our efforts and remain in him during the process. This comes with blessing. 

In what ways are you trying to maintain control, trusting in yourself instead of God?

What blessings are you missing out on because of this tendency? 

Prayer:

Lord, I am so grateful for my home and family, for our safety, and our future – blessings straight from you! Forgive me when I try to take credit or take control, when I know it’s your wisdom and generosity that brought me where I am! You have promised to give wisdom for the asking. I just need to remember to run with that gift and take advice from the wisdom of Solomon. Lord, keep me humble, submitted, and committed to you from start to finish. Remind me to seek you and your purpose for my life, as well as the reward of your blessing, every day. Amen.