Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion

Proverbs 17:5
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
Every society has poor people, but that certainly doesn’t mean that we should be unconcerned for the poor. The opposite is true. The whole Bible encourages us to take the needs of the poor seriously and do everything we can to support them. Leviticus gave some very practical advice to ensure that the poor were helped. “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:9-10).
The verse in Proverbs is particularly concerned about those who look down on the poor and who even mock them. This isn’t merely rude but an insult to God, who will ensure that those who rejoice at the misfortune of others are punished. We need to show respect to the poor for the powerful reason that they, like us, have been made in the image of God. They have infinite worth and are loved by God just as much as we are.
God has given us all a responsibility to care for the poor and so we all need to discover ways to do that. We may be able to give specific financial or other practical help to poor people that we know. There are also many organisations that we can support – from food banks and debt advice services to charities that work in developing countries, many of which face horrifying levels of poverty. There is action that all of us can take. Because of our love for a God who cares passionately for all, we need to find our own way of responding.
Question
How can you support poor people in your own community?
Prayer
Lord God, forgive me for those times when I have overlooked the needs of poor people. Please show me what I can do to help. Amen

Proverbs 17:4
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
The book of Proverbs was written thousands of years ago, but the issues that it tackles are so up to date that you could easily imagine that it was written yesterday! Today’s verse reminds us that there have always been gossips. There are many references to gossips in Proverbs and it is clear that the writer is deeply disturbed about their power to destroy relationships and make life miserable. Of course, everyone understands the magnetic power of juicy gossip. In Proverbs 18:8 (NIVUK) we read: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” The whole process of gossiping is enticing. The gossip may draw you in by telling you that they haven’t told anyone else; it’s because of your special relationship that they are giving you this privileged information. The gossip then shares their news in as dramatic a way as possible and you are hooked. It’s a dangerous process, and the reality is that gossip is as destructive today as it has always been.
Every community is fertile ground for gossip, and churches are no exception. The love and care that binds a church together means that there is a constant flow of information. We need to check ourselves when we pass on information about other people. The mnemonic T-H-I-N-K is helpful. Ask yourself: is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind? If the information doesn’t pass those tests, then it’s important that you keep quiet.
Concern about gossip is found in both the Old and the New Testaments. The apostle Paul often spoke about its dangers and urged his readers only to share what was “good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29). We all need to listen carefully to his words and to respond to any gossip that we hear with decisiveness and love.
Question
What is your response when someone shares gossip with you?
Prayer
Lord God, help me to do everything possible not to pass on any gossip. Give me Your strength and wisdom so that I will always speak in a way that will bring encouragement and help to others. Amen

They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

Those who believed what Peter said were baptised and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.