Week Fourteen, 2026

“Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33).

Probably the first voice we hear is from our parents. Scripture tells us to listen and learn from them (Proverbs 1:8). But as we grow up, we hear other voices, and they are not always good. Sinful people tempt us for their own benefit, but we should not fall for it. They want to trap us even when we have done nothing wrong. Proverbs 1:15 tells us not to go along with them. Do not even tempt yourself by setting foot on their path, as they are quick to cause harm.

Don’t be tempted to chase money the wrong way. It always sounds so profitable and easy. Have you ever been tempted by a multi-level marketing scheme or an investment that sounds too good to be true? It usually is. Saying yes to sin can take away everything you have. Don’t be foolish and give in to childish ways.

The world makes fun of us when we fall for these childish traps. It laughs when danger hits us because of a bad decision. But whoever listens to God will live in safety. They will be at ease without fear of harm.

There are two voices crying out to us: the voice of God’s wisdom, and the voice of the world. Too often, we fall for the voice of the world. Just as I was writing this, I got a call about a business decision I needed to make. I quickly started processing it the way the world does. Then, God reminded me to turn to His wisdom, and I began to pray about it.

Evil will give you a little fun, but ultimately, it will destroy you. Don’t use people to get what you want, and do not let yourself be used. Don’t join the wrong group. Sin is a great recruiter because we all have a natural desire to belong.

What is the bait? People go where they feel they belong. But it is better to be alone with Jesus than in a crowd of sinners. Sin will always hook and destroy you. If you don’t fear God, you will fear everything else. If you have been listening to the world, remember that Jesus died for you.

In a world full of competing voices, listen to the life-giving voice of God’s wisdom. That voice is constantly contested—beware of the enticing voices that lead to death.

Satan’s first tactic for drawing a soul into sin is to present the bait and hide the hook. He presents the golden cup while hiding the poison. He highlights the sweetness, pleasure, and gain that seem to come from giving in to sin—all while keeping the coming misery out of sight!

Listen to the Word through the wisdom of God, and you will not be disappointed.

Sometimes True Stories

The thief on the cross beside Jesus said to Him, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43).

The man on the cross may have been a thief. But in his final minutes of life, he was gracious in speech and pure in heart. Imagine the thief’s arrival in heaven. His resume was horrible, and yet, there he stood in paradise. He didn’t deserve to be there. But the grace of Jesus allowed him in because “the man in the middle said he could come.” The thief’s works did not get him in; God’s grace did. Our King is our friend if we accept His grace.

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Quotes You Can Use

Life without Jesus is like an unsharpened pencil. It has no point. —Billy Graham

The Lord is my shepherd. If He is a Shepherd to no one else, He is a Shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever the believer’s position may be, he is even now under the pastoral care of the Lord.

God sent His Son, Jesus, for you and for me. He is always there with us in the good times, as well as the hard times. He is there in joyous times, and in times when we feel persecuted, in danger, or do not know where to turn. He is with us when we are embarrassed, under attack, desperate, or despairing with no hope in sight. We have all been there—at points of desperation, depression, and hopelessness. God sent His Son for you and for me, for all those moments.

Seek knowledge before you try to persuade others. Listen to all sides of an argument. Have an open mind, be quick to think, and be slow to speak. —Tony Ferguson

There is no such thing as secret sin.

Praying is the most powerful way we make our needs known to God. —Rich Jensen

Backsliding happens when you allow any other desire, ambition, or preference to take first place in your heart and in your life.

If you do not know which port you are sailing to, no wind is favorable.

God uses trials to show us our hearts, so we can be cleansed and brought into the land of blessing—physically and spiritually.

Your feedback is welcome and if you want to contribute your ideas and thoughts, address all items and comments to [email protected].

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