Verse of the Day – Jealousy and Selfish Ambition
Daily Meditation – God is Your Benefactor
“Consider not only that God your benefactor is present but also that He acts continuously in all His creatures. And for whom is this continual action, this work of God in nature? For you. Thus, He lights you by the light of day; He nourishes you with the productions of the earth; in a word, He serves you by each one of the creatures that you use; so that it is true to say that at every moment the bounty, the wisdom and the power of God are at your service and are exercised in the world for your wants or pleasures. This conduct of God toward man should be the model of your conduct toward God. You see that the presence of God in His creatures is never idle; it acts incessantly, it preserves, it governs. Beware, then, of stopping at a sterile contemplation of God present in yourself. Add action to contemplation; to the sight of the Divine presence add the faithful accomplishment of the Divine will.”— St. Ignatius, p. 182
Daily Catholic Wisdom – To Live Well
Daily Devotion – Wisdom and Discernment
“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things.” – Proverbs 2:10-12 NKJV
Few politicians in history have been as crafty as the man we know as Talleyrand. Born in Paris on this date in 1754, his full name was Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, prince de Bénévent. As Talleyrand, he left an astonishing record of political survival fostered by habitual manipulation, often playing both sides of issues.
An ordained priest, he was instrumental in the French Revolution, but after being expelled from France, he lived for a time in Great Britain and the US. Somehow he gained favor again in France and returned to his homeland, where he became a leader in Napoleon’s government.
When Napoleon fell, Louis XVIII became king. Once again, Talleyrand rose to prominence as foreign minister of the new government until forced to resign. Then, continuing his shrewd scheming, he eventually helped bring Louis-Philippe to the throne, becoming influential. Again.
Today, many, like Talleyrand, seek to manipulate people for their own benefit. We find them in politics, business, and every segment of society.
The Bible describes how people like this have crooked ways and walk in devious paths. Yet we all can find ourselves influenced by these manipulators. We need to be on guard, armed with God’s wisdom and discernment, and sensitive to His Spirit.
The Bible promises that God can help you recognize deception and keep from being trapped and tricked by schemers. Seek Him for discernment. Make sure to base your life and decisions on His Word.
Prayer
Father, I need Your help. I cry out for wisdom and discernment. Help me to be on guard against those whose ways are devious. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Extended Reading
Proverbs 2
Douglas Speaks: God Wants Us to Make Wise Choices!
Saddleback Kids – Solomon Asks for Wisdom
Daily Catholic Wisdom
The Bible in a Year – Day 119 – David’s Wisdom
In the last chapters of 1 Samuel, Fr. Mike focuses on David’s wisdom in battle through his prayer and ability to unite the people of Israel. He also touches on Psalm 18 and how wonderful things can happen once we allow ourselves to be loved by God. Today’s readings are 1 Samuel 29-31 and Psalm 18.
Click on the link:
https://bibleinayear.fireside.fm/day-119
The Bible in a Year – Day 143 – Solomon Asks for Wisdom
The Bible in a Year – Day 151 – Wisdom and Folly
The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz – Day 151: Wisdom and Folly. Fr. Mike delves deeper into the lessons Ecclesiastes teaches us today about living wisely by keeping the end in mind, enjoying the present moment, and not worrying too much about other people’s opinions of us. Today’s readings are 1 Kings 9, Ecclesiastes 6-7, and Psalm 7. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children – parental discretion is advised.
