Day 2: The Ears of the Wise
The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him (Proverbs 18:17 - NKJV).
Our Father, You have said that You require Your people to act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [our] God (Micah 6:8). Be our guide and our help.
You teach us from Your wisdom that the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15). Give us open minds that seek knowledge, and wisdom, and truth.
Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Give us the ears and the tongue of the wise (Proverbs 12:18, 18:15). Help us to listen intently, to ask powerfully, and to analyze thoroughly, so we are not misled by the first to plead his cause.
We remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who instructed the disciples to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). We see His example of justice and truth, wrapped in love and compassion. Teach us to follow this example.
By the power of Your Spirit within us, give us love and grace, along with the power and ability to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Help us not to be swayed by cleverly devised stories (2 Peter 1:16).
O Lord God, in these evil days, help us to make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 4:5). Teach us to engage in wise conversation, full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6). Fill us with Your love and power, and fit our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15).
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my [eyes ears, mind, heart] illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Open my mind, that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed;
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead.
Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
~ Clara H. Scott ~ Published 1895
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