JUNE 3 - No Laughing Matter
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:5; Exodus 5-7
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“Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” — Proverbs 17:5
“Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.”’ But Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.’” — Exodus 5:1–2
“But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you.” — Exodus 7:3–4
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It’s easy to laugh at someone else's struggle when we’re not the ones going through it. But Proverbs 17:5 reminds us that mocking the poor or taking joy in someone’s misfortune is actually insulting to God—the very One who made them. In Exodus 5–7, we see this attitude in Pharaoh. He not only mocked Moses and Aaron, but also ignored God completely. His pride caused him to harden his heart even when God showed him powerful signs. It can be tempting to act like Pharaoh—dismissing God's voice, thinking we're too important to be corrected, or joking at someone else’s expense. But God sees the heart, and He calls us to humility, compassion, and obedience instead.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. How do you treat others who are struggling? Do you speak with kindness, or do you ever laugh at others to look cool or feel better about yourself?
2. God sees the heart: Just like Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, we can also resist God’s voice. Are you open to what He might be teaching you through others or through His Word?
3. Compassion reflects God’s character: When we treat people with dignity—especially the vulnerable—we reflect God’s love. How can you show kindness to someone who’s hurting today?
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BOTTOM LINE
God takes how we treat others seriously—especially those who are hurting. Choose compassion over mockery and humility over pride.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that every person matters to You. Help me not to laugh at others or ignore people who are struggling. Instead, give me a heart that shows kindness, stands up for what’s right, and listens to Your voice—even when it’s hard. Soften my heart and lead me to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
