Read Proverbs 15:1–7

A proverb is a golden nugget of wisdom. While Proverbs are concise, “their brevity is dense with meaning and motivation,” said David Finkbeiner in The Moody Bible Commentary. Proverbs repeatedly uses the Hebrew poetical device of parallelism where the second line repeats, contrasts, or enhances the first. In Proverbs 15, we find a series of contrasts, describing the opposite effects of our differing communication decisions.

On the one hand, the tongue of the wise speaks with gentleness (kindness and responsiveness), which can neutralize hostility (v. 1). The wise tongue promotes truth and moral understanding (vv. 2 and 7). It brings healing and life (v. 4). A wise communicator listens well to constructive correction and makes appropriate life changes (v. 5). In contrast, the words of the fool are harsh. The fool uses speech that is unduly blunt, critical, or even cruel, causing mental distress for the receiver (v. 1). The mouth of the fool spews reckless and ill-informed ideas, revealing the state of the heart and inevitably leading to evil behavior (vv. 2 and 7).

Overall, Proverbs highlights that our words are never neutral; they carry the power to harm or to heal, to ignite conflict or foster peace, to destroy relationship or to deepen it. Chapter 15 also highlights the omnipresent nature of the Lord (v. 3). Our daily communication matters to Him, and He is attentive to all of it—the good and the evil. He sees the words we speak in public and whisper in private. He hears the life-giving messages we share with those we love and the harsh language we resort to when someone frustrates us. God’s presence should provide our primary motivation to speak with patience, wisdom, and love.

Go Deeper

When have you spoken with harsh or foolish words? When have you spoken with gentleness and truth? How can God’s presence motivate you to godly speech?

Pray with Us

Forgive us, Lord, for those moments we have spoken harshly out of frustration instead of patiently out of Your love. You are never harsh with us. Help us likewise to always speak kindly to others.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.Proverbs 15:2

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Read Psalm 51:1–19

Two of the most healing words we can say are: “I’m sorry.” The Psalms contain many forms of communication with God—praise, supplication, lament. But in Psalm 51, we find a raw and vulnerable confession.

David begins his plea with an appeal to God’s character—namely, His lovingkindness and ability to forgive (v. 1). David used two images to describe the desired redemption—the blotting of ink from a papyrus scroll and the ritual purification before temple worship (vv. 1–2). Only the Lord had the power to make him clean.

In verse 4, David acknowledged the Lord as the ultimate judge. He prayed: “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” Of course, David had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah by committing adultery and murder. But his primary offense was against the holy God. Following his confession, David asked the Lord to cleanse him with hyssop (v. 7). Hyssop was a fragrant herb used for purification rituals. In preparation for Passover, the Jewish people would dip hyssop in blood and mark the doorposts of their houses (Exod. 12:22). Hyssop was also used in ceremonial cleansing rites for leprosy. In Psalm 51, David longed to be “whiter than snow” (v. 7); cleansing would bring renewed joy (v. 8).

David also asked that God renew a “steadfast spirit” within him (v. 10). He asked for the intimacy and joy he had previously experienced to be restored. David also promised to use this experience to teach others (v. 13). He promised to sing the Lord’s righteousness and declare His praise (vv. 14–15). Finally, he returned to his humble posture of contrition (v. 17). God welcomes true confession from a contrite heart. He meets that confession with mercy and repentance and renewed communion. When our relationship with God is repaired, we are freed to speak truth to others.

Go Deeper

What do you need to bring before the Lord in confession? Spend time before the Lord and seek His cleansing today.

Pray with Us

God, please show us where we have sinned against You. Guide our hearts into true repentance. We long for Your forgiveness and communion with You.

Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.Psalm 51:15

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Read Psalm 19:1–14

As I am writing, it is December in Illinois. All week long, the sunsets have been a particularly vibrant pink and orange, and people in our neighborhood chat have been posting photos of the flaming sky. While they might not give glory to God, I think of today’s psalm every time.

Psalm 19 describes the communicative nature of our God. Verses 1–6 celebrate His revelation through creation while verses 7–11 proclaim His revelation through His Word. As a whole, the psalm testifies to a God who makes Himself known in a myriad of ways.

The first half of the psalm focuses on the heavens as a primary mouthpiece. All of humanity merely has to look up to observe the “glory of God” and to appreciate “the work of his hands” (v. 1). This revelation is continuous and uninterrupted (v. 2), and it transcends the limitations of language. Without speech or sound, the intricate innerworkings of the world give nonverbal testimony throughout all the earth (vv. 3–4).

Then, verses 4–6 focus on the sun. Many ancient cultures worshiped the sun itself. But here the psalmist describes the Hebrew God as providing a home for the sun, which is depicted as a “bridegroom” or a “champion.” With joy, vitality, and strength, the sun crosses the sky, making known its Creator.

The second half of the psalm focuses on God’s revelation through His law—and the desired human response to it. His law is “perfect,” “refreshing,” and “trustworthy” (v. 7). It is a source of wisdom, righteousness, and joy (vv. 7–8). It enlightens our minds (v. 8) and demands our reverence and respect (v. 9). God’s law is to be cherished and savored (v. 10), heeded and obeyed (vv. 11–13).

Go Deeper

What does this psalm tell us about the ways in which God communicates? Where do you enjoy God’s revelation through creation? Why not share a photo of the beauty of God’s creation in our Facebook group?

Pray with Us

Heavenly Father, all creation sings Your praise! Give us eyes to see the beauty in everything You have made, and lips that are eager to join with creation in worship. There is none like You.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.Psalm 19:1–2

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Read 1 Kings 19:1–18

In my speech course, students employ a variety of methods to begin their speeches. They’ve used stories, statistics, pictures, videos, even music. One student slammed his fist on the podium, causing us to jump. In another memorable speech, the speaker took the stage and just stood in silence. This was even more effective at arresting our attention.

In 1 Kings, God communicated with His prophet Elijah in a similarly subdued way. Elijah had just experienced dramatic victory on Mount Carmel (18:20–46). The prophets of Baal had cried out to their god, begging for a flaming response and received none (18:26). Then Elijah prayed to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel—who answered with fire (18:38). The people fell on their faces in praise: “The LORD—he is God!” (18:39). When Elijah returned to Jezreel (18:46), he may have expected a spiritual revival. However, when Queen Jezebel heard about the Mount Carmel showdown, she immediately sent a messenger with a death threat (19:2). Elijah fled for his life. Alone in the wilderness, he collapsed under a tree and prayed, “I have had enough, LORD…Take my life” (v. 4b). The Lord sent an angelic companion with bread, water, and rest (vv. 5–6). God had heard Elijah’s cries, but He communicated—first of all— through His care.

The angel stayed with Elijah for forty days, until the Lord asked: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (v. 9b). He didn’t silence Elijah’s sorrow. Instead, He drew it out with questions, allowing him to answer (v. 10). God came to Elijah in an unexpected form. He was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Instead, He spoke in the “gentle whisper” (v. 12). His most compelling communication is not always dramatic. To hear Him sometimes requires attentiveness and calm.

Go Deeper

How do you listen for God’s voice? What has He used to get your attention?

Pray with Us

Our gentle Lord, You give us unconditional love and care. When we are discouraged, You are our source of strength. Please remind us to seek You with humility in the stillness.

Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.1 Kings 19:11

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Read Exodus 20:1–22

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City hosted an exhibit titled Divine Egypt, featuring almost 250 works of art that depict the ancient Egyptian gods. Over Egypt’s long history, their list of gods grew to more than 1,500. But, at the time of the Exodus, some of the most revered were Hapi and Isis, the Nile gods; Heqet, the frog-headed goddess of fertility; Hathor, the cow goddess; and Ra, the god of the sun.

When Israel’s God inflicted the ten plagues on Egypt, He targeted some of their deities, emphasizing His authority over them (Exod. 12:12). The Nile River turned to blood (Hapi and Isis). An infestation of frogs covered the land (Heqet). A disease killed their livestock (Hathor). Darkness fell on the nation (Ra). Israel’s God was communicating that He was superior to all.

After the Lord brought the Israelites from Egypt, guiding them by a cloud and fire (Exod. 13) …after He had parted the sea and saved them from the pursuing Egyptians (Exod. 14) …after He had provided water and manna, which they did not find satisfactory (Exod. 15–16) …God proved to Israel that He was the most powerful God in yet another way.

He was also distinct in communication. While the Egyptians strained to hear from their gods through dreams and magic, Israel’s God clearly communicated. Exodus 20 is—among other things—a beautiful example of His purposeful revelation. The chapter opens with this striking declaration: “God spoke all these words” (v. 1). Before the Lord issued any commands, He reminded Israel of their communion. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt” (v. 2). He is relational and redemptive, and the revelation that follows (the Ten Commandments) flowed out of His covenantal commitment.

Go Deeper

How did God clearly demonstrate His superiority to their idols? How is God’s communication different from those false gods?

Pray with Us

Father God, thank You for speaking to us with clarity. You are the one true God! We worship You for Your power, Your intentionality, and Your redemptive plan.

You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven.Exodus 20:22

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Read Exodus 4:10–17

Public speaking is an important—even essential—skill for leaders. A confident leader uses speech to articulate vision, impart training, motivate team members, persuade thinking, and inspire trust. Yet, public speaking is also a significant fear for many people. According to several studies, about 75 percent of us suffer from glossophobia (the fear of public speaking).

Clearly, public speaking was a key part of the role to which God called Moses (Ex. 3, 4). First, Moses would need to persuade the elders of Israel that God had appeared to him, articulating His exit plan (3:16). Then, God instructed Moses to go—with the elders—to the king of Egypt and ask him to release the Israelites for a three-day worship retreat (3:18). God warned Moses upfront that the king would refuse (3:19), at which point God would display His power through the plagues (3:20).

But even when presented with God’s comprehensive plan, Moses doubted his own credibility (4:1). So, God also provided Moses with multiple, miraculous proofs that would demonstrate his supernatural authority (4:2–9). However, even then, Moses voiced an objection: “I am slow of speech and tongue” (4:10). Did he have a speech impediment? Was he just inexperienced and fearful? ? Regardless, God responded with a series of rhetorical questions, emphasizing His own ability to work through the limited gifts of His faithful servants.

Powerful public speaking requires insightful thinking, coherent organization, and compelling language. It incorporates the poise and presence of the speaker, as well as their eye contact, gestures, and voice. But the most effective public speaking ultimately depends on God-given truth and Spirit-filled delivery.

Go Deeper

Are you a confident speaker? Have you experienced God’s calling to speak to or even in front of others? How did He work through your weakness?

Pray with Us

Jesus, we do not want to get in the way of the messages You want us to communicate. Grant us the courage to speak Your truth with bold confidence.

I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.Exodus 4:12

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Read Genesis 11:1–9

The international terminal at an airport is an interesting place to people watch. It’s a unique space where people from around the globe converge for a brief time. You can hear multiple languages. You see the whole range of human emotion—sorrow, fear, confusion, anticipation, ambition, stress, excitement, joy. In some ways, it gives us a glimpse of Babel.

In Genesis 11, we see the results of sin and pride as the population grew and the people migrated east. Their collective sin had previously provoked a worldwide flood (Gen. 6–9). And now—just decades later— their perverted use of language and power drew a disciplined response from the Lord.

Language is a gift from God that facilitates communication and fosters communion. One primary purpose for language—as God intended—is to give Him praise (Ps. 34:1). However, in the land of Shinar, the people were using their common language to glorify themselves. They collaborated to build a city and a tower that would garner status and praise. The Moody Bible Commentary calls Babel “the first expression of secular humanism.” Human prominence was pursued while divine purpose was ignored.

The LORD “came down” to see their city (v. 5). He was grieved by the human-centered trajectory that the people had established, an act that predicted even greater idolatry in their future. As tall as the tower may have been, it could not reach His heights.

So, for their own good, God confused their language, forcing them to scatter (vv. 7–9). Nevertheless, His heart still yearns for the unified worship of all nations and tongues as prophesied in Zephaniah 3:9: “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.”

Go Deeper

Why did God confuse the language at Babel? How have you experienced the consequences of a “language barrier”?

Pray with Us

Lord, nothing that we can ever accomplish could reach the heights of Your glory. We praise You for this! We long for the day when people from all nations and tongues will worship You in unity.

If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.Genesis 11:6

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Read Genesis 3:1–24

What happens when you are accused of wrongdoing? Do you own up to your error or blame someone else? In the opening chapters of Genesis, God established true, authentic, and meaningful communication. But in chapter 3, communication breaks down. The pure communion between God and man, as well as husband and wife are corrupted.

In his book, The Trauma of Transparency: A Biblical Approach to Interpersonal Communication, J. Grant Howard examines Genesis 3 and the devastating impact of the Fall. He highlights how Adam and Eve responded to the presence of sin and shame by hiding themselves, hurling accusations, and telling half-truths. As soon as Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (v. 6), “the eyes of both of them were opened” (v. 7). They understood good from evil and felt their own sense of guilt. Their nakedness became a source of shame, so they used the most available resource to create a covering to camouflage their vulnerability.

When the Lord God came walking through the garden, their embarrassment and insecurity drove them to another level of concealment. They tried to hide from Him (v. 8) —a pitiful and pointless endeavor. The Lord called: “Where are you?” (v. 9)—knowing full well what had happened. Adam responded, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid” (v. 10). The open communion they had previously enjoyed was now irreversibly damaged. God mercifully responded—not with condemnation—but with questions, gently paving the road to confession (v. 11). Both Adam and Eve finally admitted to eating the fruit, but only after pointing the finger at another. They both deflected the blame to alleviate their shame.

Go Deeper

In what ways have you responded to guilt? What do we learn from today’s passage about communicating when we are at fault?

Pray with Us

Merciful Father, thank You for being gentle to us in our shame and guilt. When we are tempted to condemn others, remind us of Your perfect example. Guide us in paths of righteousness!

But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”Genesis 3:9–10

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Read Genesis 2:15–25

The Latin word communis means “common” or “shared by all.” It is the root for communication, community, communion, and commune. Community can form around our shared interests, values, purpose, resources, or responsibility. Communis implies a reciprocal relationship; community members give and receive within this shared culture.

The concept of communis is central to the story of creation. In Genesis 2:15, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” According to The Moody Bible Commentary, the emphasis here was not on the gardening assignment—as is often communicated. Instead, God is the subject, and His main action is the “taking” and “putting” of Adam. In the Hebrew, the verb for “put” means “to set him at rest.” This rest God intended for Adam in the Garden of Eden was not primarily a physical rest. After all, Adam was given work to do! Rather, this rest was “an all- encompassing rest of faith.”

The Moody Bible Commentary continues: “God immediately placed him in that state for which man was originally intended, the state of being in full relationship with God, the state of being at spiritual rest in and with Him.” Thus, man was created to commune—primarily with God.

However, God also created humans to live in community. The only aspect of creation that God declared “not good” was Adam’s lack of human partnership (v. 18). When the animals were brought before Adam, he used language to give them names—just as God had done (v. 19). But the suitable “helper” for Adam was not found, so God fashioned for Adam a perfect partner, Eve. Adam’s first recorded words are a poetic declaration of their complementary (v. 23), enduring (v. 24), and unabashed union (v. 25).

Go Deeper

Where have you experienced reciprocal community in your life? Where is God calling you to grow in communion?

Pray with Us

How easily we grow distracted and forget that we were created to commune with You, God! There is nothing better than spiritual rest in and with You. Help us fix our eyes on You.

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”Genesis 2:23

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Read Genesis 1:1–31

In The Sound of Music, governess Maria teaches a music lesson to the seven Von Trapp children by singing: “Let’s start at the very beginning; a very good place to start.” For our study on what the Bible says about communication, we will also begin at the very beginning. It’s an essential place to start.

Of course, many Bible studies find their origin in Genesis chapter 1— as they should. Much of our theology and our understanding of the world must start with this account. From this foundational passage, we learn that God is beautiful and creative, powerful and ordered. He is perfect, compassionate, and the origin of life itself. The world He created was also perfectly ordered and able to sustain life.

But for the purpose of this study, we are going to focus on another attribute of God that is equally evident in today’s passage—but perhaps less extolled. Genesis 1 not only proclaims God as Creator; it also presents Him as Communicator.

In Genesis 1, we watch as God speaks the world into being. With divine commands, He produced the light (v. 3), the sky (v. 6), the seas, earth, and vegetation (vv. 9–11), the sun, moon, and stars (v. 14), the fish and birds (v. 20), and the animals (v. 24). Then, in a second communicative act, He gave names to many of His created works: “day and night” (v. 5), “sky” (v. 8), “land and seas” (v. 10). One of the most fundamental functions of language is to label the world around us.

God ascribed value to His creation, pronouncing it “good.” He then used language to bless His creatures and instruct them toward flourishing (vv. 22, 28). Most importantly, God revealed Himself as One we are able to know.

Go Deeper

What part of communication are you curious to learn more about? Pray that God will open your heart to hear Him speak to you this month—through His Word, His Spirit, and His world.

Pray with Us

Lord, we are eager to dig into what the Bible says about communication this month. Please show us how we can use our communication to honor You and know You better.

For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.Psalm 33:9

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Read Matthew 7:28–29

A Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant (Matt. 8:5–13). Shall I come to your home? Jesus asked. The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

In this encounter the centurion’s faith was expressed in his straightforward description of Jesus’ authority. The crowds listening to the Sermon on the Mount were similarly amazed at Jesus (v. 28). His disciples were amazed at His statement about how hard it was for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:24). In addition, the crowds were astonished at His answer to the Sadducees regarding the resurrection of the dead (Matt. 22:32–33).

In each of these cases, Jesus spoke with authority in contradicting popular opinion, common interpretations of the Law, or the religious leaders of the day. The Sermon on the Mount specifically conveyed authority that was “not as their teachers of the law” (v. 29). Jesus had asserted His divine authority throughout His ministry, for example, His authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6). The Great Commission that we obey today is founded on this: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18).

What were the religious leaders of Jesus’ day missing? They had layered over God’s Word with traditions and legalism. They had no heart to obey. They were not seeking to draw near to the Lord. Jesus, on the other hand, is the Author of all Scripture!

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Pray with Us

Thank You for the truths You’ve taught us from Your Word this month, Father. Help us follow the commands You have given us. You are worthy of our obedience and our praise!

He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.Matthew 7:29

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Read Matthew 7:24–27

Have you ever played Jenga? In this game, players take turns removing wooden blocks from below, then re-placing them higher up. Everything must balance, but as the game goes on, the structure becomes increasingly unstable. When the tower collapses, the game ends.

As we near the end of Matthew 7, Jesus once again uses true and false contrasts to challenge everyone hearing or reading the Sermon on the Mount. He first describes a wise man who built his house on a foundation of rock (vv. 24–25). As a result, when the storm came, the house stood firm. This describes “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice,” that is, obeys them.

By contrast, a foolish man built his house on a foundation of sand (vv. 26–27). As a result, when the storm came, the house collapsed. In fact, “it fell with a great crash.” This describes “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice” that is, disobeys them (also see Ezek. 33:31).

Wisdom, obedience, life, and endurance or perseverance all go together. In the same way, foolishness, disobedience, death, and destruction all go together. These are the two ways the two gates lead to in Matthew 7:13–14. Jesus Himself said He is the one and only way to God (John 14:6). And Scripture also testifies that God is the Rock (Ps. 18:2; 62:2). Lives built on the Rock won’t be spared the storms of life, but they will be able to endure them. Lives built on sand, on the other hand, will ultimately collapse: Jesus never knew them.

Jesus’ challenge or exhortation is clear: Obey My words. As He also said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

Go Deeper

On what is your house built? Are you like the foolish man, building your life on things that will ultimately collapse? In what ways can we put Christ’s words into practice?

Pray with Us

We build our lives on You, our Rock. We are grateful for Your constant presence with us. We know that You will never leave us, even when things feel hard. Praise be to God!

It did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.Matthew 7:25

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Read Matthew 7:21–23

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory,” Jesus said, “and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” This judgment parable is marked by surprise and simplicity. Both sides express surprise to which Jesus responds simply, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (see Matt. 25:31–46).

Similar dynamics are found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7, the people condemned to hell are surprised. They say to the Lord, “Did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” (v. 22). And Jesus responds simply, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (v. 23).

How is this possible? How could people do amazing things in the name of Christ and yet He never knew them? Because there really are false teachers, false prophets, and false disciples out there! Despite appearances, their fruit is rotten at the core. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 21).

How can we tell the difference between true and false? In the context of following Christ—not one’s initial salvation—the difference is simple. “The one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” is the true disciple (v. 21; Mark 3:35). The fact is that miracles can come from supernatural sources other than God. But only true disciples obey God. That’s why “evildoers” (v. 23) can also be translated “lawbreakers.” While we can sometimes be mistaken about “fruit,” God’s judgment is perfectly accurate and just.

Go Deeper

Today is a good day for self-examination. Are you an obedient follower of Christ? Can others see it in your “fruit,” that is, your words and actions?

Pray with Us

Father, we are grateful for the assurance of our salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for saving us. Help us obey You wholeheartedly.

Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”Matthew 7:23

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Read Matthew 7:17–20

On the island of Crete there stands an olive tree estimated to be 3,000 years old. Called “the Olive Tree of Vouves” (the village in which it’s located); it welcomes 20,000 visitors per year. If you’re unable to go in person, a three-dimensional model of the tree can be found online.

Astonishingly, this ancient tree still bears fruit. Which fruit? Olives, of course! (Yes, olives are a fruit.) What else would it bear? Olive trees bear olives. Apple trees bear apples. Peach trees bear peaches. Fig trees bear figs. The same consistency we find in nature is also found in the spiritual realm. The same litmus test we apply to false prophets can also be applied to all self-identified followers of Christ. Some are true, but some are false. The latter will be “thrown into the fire,” that is, sent to hell (v. 19; Matt. 25:46). They never did possess genuine saving faith.

The principle is straightforward: A good tree will bear good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. This is stated in one verse and repeated for emphasis in the next (vv. 17–18). It is simply impossible for this not to be true! It cannot not be true.

The application is similarly direct: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (v. 20). In context, “them” means false prophets, but it can also refer to self-professed followers of Christ, given the verses that follow (in tomorrow’s devotion). As mentioned yesterday, “fruit” means the results of a person’s words and actions. We should be careful, though, to see “fruit” as God does. Too often we see it in terms of our culture. For example, if a church is growing in numbers or resources, we assume this is godly success. But the Lord doesn’t evaluate in such ways. To Him, it’s all about faithfulness and obedience.

Go Deeper

What did Jesus mean when He said we will recognize false prophets by their fruit? What kind of fruit are you bearing?

Pray with Us

Remind us to look inward at our own hearts, Jesus. Are we walking in faithful obedience to You, and bearing the fruit this brings? Let it be so!

By their fruit you will recognize them.Matthew 7:20

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Read Matthew 7:15–16

Fans of the Peanuts comic strip know that Linus often talks about the Great Pumpkin around Halloween. He tries to convince others to sit with him in the pumpkin patch on Halloween night, waiting and hoping for the Great Pumpkin to appear. Some kids call him a “false prophet.” “No one in my class has ever seen a false prophet,” says Sally. “How about joining me for ‘Show and Tell’?”

There are two kinds of prophets implied in today’s reading: true and false. Followers of Christ are to watch out for and be on guard against false prophets (v. 15). The picture of a wolf in sheep’s clothing tells us that false prophets are deceptive and harmful. They might claim to be telling God’s truth but they’re lying. They’re “ferocious,” actively prowling to do damage. This word has also been translated “ravenous” or “vicious.”

We will recognize false prophets by their fruit, that is, the results of their words and actions (v. 16). After all, people do not pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles! But they might tickle our ears and fill us with false hopes: “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD” (Jer. 23:16). All this suggests that false prophets won’t be difficult to recognize… if we’re careful and on our guard.

Watchfulness is an underrated virtue, but one that is often recommended by Jesus. He spoke of it in connection with His return (Matt. 24:42–43). The end times will be characterized by false prophets who might deceive even true followers of Christ (Matt. 24:24). In fact, “Many will follow [false prophets’] depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:1–3). But don’t worry—their doom is assured!

Go Deeper

Are there false prophets today? How would we recognize one? Are we bold enough to call them out in the name of Christ? Why or why not?

Pray with Us

Lord, we want to be on our guard against false prophets. As we are bombarded by messages, fill us with discernment to know Your truths. We are grateful that we can always trust You.

They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.Matthew 7:15

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Read Matthew 7:13–14

The narrow gate and the narrow way are vividly visualized in John Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress. The main character, Christian, meets others who climb over the fence instead of passing through the narrow gate, and some who choose an easier path. At times he’s tempted off the right path himself but nothing good ever happens in these cases. Christian learns his lesson, but other would-be pilgrims fail spectacularly.

The Sermon on the Mount some-what resembles wisdom literature, in that topics can change quickly. There’s not always a direct connection from one topic to the next. That’s the case throughout much of Matthew 7.

The idea of two spiritual paths is a common metaphor in Scripture, often seen, for example, in Psalms and Proverbs. The wrong path is wide and broad, which leads to destruction, that is, hell (v. 13). The right path is the small gate and narrow road. These lead to life, that is, heaven (v. 14). This is not the same as seeing the world in black-and-white. Wisdom, after all, is contextual. Rather, the metaphor of two paths contrasts two ways of life or two trajectories of choices over time. Most translations also contain the idea that the broad road is easy, and the narrow one is difficult. Our tendency is to choose the easier way, but God’s intention is in the other direction.

Jesus’ teaching is simple: Take one way and not the other. It will be simple to tell the difference. One will be easy and the other hard. One will be taken by many, the other by few. The New English Translation even makes verse 14 an exclamation: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it!”

Go Deeper

How can we effectively and winsomely share the gospel with someone this week? And if you aren’t on the narrow path, we invite you to follow Jesus today! Go to moodybible.org/knowing-christ.

Pray with Us

Walking the narrow path on this earth is not always easy, God. Thank You for being with us as we seek to follow You. Give us the strength to choose the hard way.

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.Matthew 7:14

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Read Matthew 7:9–12

As I was writing this devotional, my daughter celebrated a birthday. I selected the perfect gift and wrapped it—a rock from our backyard. No. Of course not. What kind of father would do that? Instead, I gave her something called a Squishmallow, a gift I knew she would love.

As Jesus pointed out, if human fathers know how to love their children, how much more does our heavenly Father love us! Our confidence to ask, seek, and knock (as we learned yesterday) is ultimately rooted in the goodness and love of our Father God (vv. 9–11). If our child asked us for bread, we would not give them a stone. Why not? Because we love them and want the best for them. Once again, Jesus was arguing from the smaller to the greater: If we, sinners though we are, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God do the same! So why are we afraid to trust Him?

This is a humbling analogy for us. We know how to give good gifts to our children even though we’re evil (v. 11). Ouch. And that’s a best-case scenario. We all know that some parents do treat their children in truly evil ways. God never does so.

Jesus concluded: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (v. 12). This is sometimes called the Golden Rule. If applied, it would definitely slow down our tendency to judge (v. 1)! It’s not just an ethical idea that sounds fair. As we see here, in context, it’s based on the goodness of God: Since God does good things for us, we should do good things for others.

Go Deeper

Why does Jesus tell us that we can fully depend on God? In what ways can we better trust the Lord to be the good and loving Father He is?

Pray with Us

Righteous Father, we look to You in humble gratitude for all that You have given us. Lead us to love others as You love us.

Do to others what you would have them do to you.Matthew 7:12

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Read Matthew 7:7–8

In the sitcom The King of Queens, Carrie gets a raise at work after praying about it in church. She starts to pray regularly, asking God for all sorts of material things. This irritates her husband, Doug, who accuses her of using God as her personal genie. “You obviously have no idea what you’re doing,” Doug says.

So what did it mean when Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you” (v. 7)? Taken in context, Jesus is giving us a principle and a promise. The context is the kingdom of heaven. All our asking and receiving are done within and in obedience to God’s will. When we ask something of God there can be no hint of evil or selfishness. Within this context, the principle and the promise is that God answers our prayers. He wants us to come to Him and ask!

Jesus structured His teaching here as two beautiful sets of parallelisms. The first set is the imperative verbs “ask,” “seek,” and “knock,” followed by the matching positive results of “given,” “find,” and “opened” (v. 7). The second set gives the reasons (v. 8). The verbs used—“asks,” “seeks,” and “knocks”—are followed by the same matching positive results—“receives,” “finds,” and “opened.”

The verbs in verse 7 indicate repeated action, that is, persistence or perseverance in prayer, with an underlying faith in the Father’s wisdom and love. Repetition does not imply babbling (Matt. 6:7) but persistence. This is the way it works in God’s kingdom. We can pray for anything, resting trustfully in the fact that He knows what is best for us and will do what is best for us. The right attitude is always “Your will be done” (Matt. 6:10).

Go Deeper

What is on your prayer list right now? Do these items reflect the heart of God or merely a personal wish list? Are you asking according to God’s will?

Pray with Us

You are above all, Lord, and yet You hear us. Align our hearts with Your will, so our prayers are in obedience to You. We trust You to do what is best, even when we don’t understand.

Knock and the door will be opened to you.Matthew 7:7

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Read Matthew 7:1–6

One day, the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus (John 8:1–11). They said, “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” Jesus responded, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The crowd dispersed as each person realized his own sinfulness. Only Jesus was worthy to cast the first stone, and He chose not to do so.

That same spirit is behind today’s teaching. “Do not judge” does not mean to “never judge,” as it’s often misinterpreted (vv. 1–2). After all, we’re instructed to judge or evaluate fellow believers when accountability is needed (1 Cor. 5:12). Instead, “do not judge” means that we should not judge self-righteously or hypocritically. We will be judged by the same standard we use on others.

Judgmental hypocrisy means, among other things, to criticize others when we are actually guilty of the same thing ourselves (vv. 3–5). Jesus uses a humorous but tragic image to drive His point home: It’s like a man with a wooden plank in his eye criticizing a man who has only a speck of sawdust in his. Having a judgmental spirit can warp our perspective! Notice that Jesus didn’t say to ignore the problem or to pretend everything’s okay. Rather, we should fix our own problem before we help someone else.

The next verse implies that we should pick the right time to do so (v. 6; Prov. 13:10). If we choose the wrong time, the person won’t listen. It will be like throwing pearls before swine. They’ll simply trample on our advice or reproof. Something valuable is bound to be wasted in this case, and the original speaker might even be harmed as well.

Go Deeper

Are you eager to judge others, or afraid to do so? How can we hold one another accountable in biblical ways that are discerning, loving, and humble?

Pray with Us

Holy Lord, forgive us for judging others self-righteously or hypocritically. Change our judgmental spirit into one of discernment and humility. Give us the grace and mercy that You model.

Do not throw your pearls to pigs.Matthew 7:6

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Read Matthew 6:33–34

“Christian contentment,” explained seventeenth-century Puritan preacher Jeremiah Burroughs, “is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”

In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about our human tendency to worry. Rather than obsessing about our concerns, Christians are to submit to and delight in God’s wise and loving authority in all circumstances. After all, God already knows what we need. Since He cares for the created world, He will also care for us. With this in mind, we should “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (v. 33). Trusting the Lord doesn’t mean we are being lazy. Instead, we are putting our efforts into more meaningful priorities.

What should be our priority? First, we are to pursue God’s kingdom. We live for eternal purposes rather than joining the human rat race for more material goods, status, and power. Second, we obey God, which is the practical implication of seeking “his righteousness.” Then what? “All these things”—the things you need and that God knows you need—“will be given to you as well.” Worrying never works. Running after stuff also doesn’t work. Instead, we trust God to provide our needs. Jesus said that living this way yields treasure in heaven (v. 20). Frederick Bruner explains: “Disciples, too, are acquisitive, ‘seekers,’ on the hunt. But their quest is for realities more consequential than consumer goods.”

“Therefore,” Jesus summarized, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (v. 34). Jesus wasn’t being dismissive. He knew that working for basic necessities can provide challenges. He said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” In short, living for eternity means being faithful to God day by day.

Go Deeper

How does living for eternal goals rather than for temporal purposes help alleviate worry? Why is worry ultimately fruitless?

Pray with Us

Jesus, please show us when we focus on our own temporary priorities over Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Help us be faithful to You.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.Matthew 6:33

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