OCTOBER 18 - Walk the Line
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 26:4–5; Psalm 119:137–176; John 18
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3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon
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Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. — Proverbs 26:4–5
Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules… I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. — Psalm 119:137, 141
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.” — John 18:37
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Have you ever been caught in a situation where you didn’t know whether to speak up or stay quiet? Proverbs 26:4–5 seems confusing at first glance—should you answer a fool or not? The reality is, sometimes wisdom means knowing how and when to respond. In John 18, Jesus stands before Pilate. He doesn’t argue or panic. He doesn’t dodge the truth. He simply speaks with calm authority, knowing who He is and why He came.
Meanwhile, Psalm 119 reminds us that God’s word can guide us through situations that seem impossible to navigate. Even when we feel small or misunderstood, we’re called to stay anchored in God’s truth.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Wisdom in Timing: Proverbs shows us that responding to foolishness is complicated. How can you tell when it’s wise to speak up and when it’s better to stay silent?
2. Rooted in Truth: Jesus didn’t need to prove Himself to Pilate—He already knew His identity. What does it look like for you to live confidently in the truth of who God says you are?
3. Standing Strong: Psalm 119 speaks of feeling small and despised, yet holding tightly to God’s Word. How can you stay faithful to God even when it feels like no one else gets it?
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BOTTOM LINE
Being wise isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing when to speak, when to listen, and always staying grounded in the truth of God’s Word, like Jesus did.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that gives me direction when things feel confusing. Help me know when to speak up and when to stay quiet. Teach me to live with the confidence of Jesus, even when others question me. Help me stay rooted in Your truth no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
