“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
The preacher in Ecclesiastes gives us the sum of his words in the final verses of his writing. Wisdom calls upon us to honor our Maker and Redeemer because every work, every thought, every desire — including our every secret — will be exposed and judged by God, whether it be good or bad! There will be no secret or hidden sins on that day! The only remedy, the only escape from God’s just condemnation is to take refuge in the blood of Jesus, shed upon the cross to atone for our sinful ways! “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).
Have mercy upon me, O God. I have sinned in my thoughts, desires, words, and deeds, and I deserve nothing but Your eternal wrath and punishment. Cleanse me in the shed blood of Christ Jesus, my Savior, and spare me in the day of Your righteous judgment. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” Proverbs 1:10
Because of our fallen and selfish nature, unbelievers’ get-rich schemes and plans are enticing. They urge us to join in their endeavors and share in their profits, often ill-gotten from others. God’s Word tells us, “Do not consent,” and have no part in it.
Keep me from the alluring schemes of this world, O LORD, and grant that I be honest in all my dealings and trust in You to provide all my needs. In the name of Christ Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.
“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9
God has placed our parents over us for our good, to teach us to know the LORD God and His Word and to correct us when we stray from His ways. It is indeed wise to hear the instruction of our fathers and to heed what our mothers teach us when they teach and guide us in the ways of the LORD, for it brings us rich blessings.
Grant that I honor and heed the instruction of my parents, O LORD, that I might learn Your ways and walk according to Your Word. Amen.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
Genuine knowledge requires the correct foundation and worldview upon which to base one’s understanding. Reverence and honor for the LORD God, who created the heavens and earth and sent His Son into the world to redeem us, are the beginning of genuine knowledge, but many despise and neglect the wisdom and instruction God gives us in the Bible.
LORD God, move me to read and study Your Word and honor You as my Creator and Redeemer. Amen.
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11
Those who humble themselves, repent of their evil ways, and look in faith to Christ Jesus and His cross for pardon and forgiveness have every reason to rejoice and be glad, for in Christ, they are forgiven, counted righteous in God’s eyes, and have eternal life in communion with God.
Grant me the joy of Your salvation, O LORD, and preserve me in the true and saving faith unto life everlasting. Amen.
