God speaks today Saturday | June 7, 2025
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. (Proverbs 21:4)
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Cross Reference
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (Philippians 2:1)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (Ephesians 4:1)
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Philippians 1:27)
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Comments:
Ernst Diehl
: In a world that worships the hustle, Proverbs 21:4 lands like a bucket of ice water. We are taught that ambition is a virtue, that a strong self-image is essential, and that hard work is the path to righteousness. Then this ancient verse cuts through the noise: "An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin."
That last phrase, whether translated as "the plowing" or "the lamp" of the wicked, is where the verse delivers its most profound and uncomfortable truth.
If we read it as "plowing," the verse is a direct indictment of our modern work ethic when it's detached from humility. The proverb says that for a person whose life is defined by arrogance (the "high look" and "proud heart"), even their most basic, productive work—their "plowing," their business plan, their groundbreaking project—is fundamentally sin. Why? Because the entire enterprise is a monument to self. The goal isn't service or creation; it's glorification of the ego. It tells us that you cannot sanctify a rotten motive with hard work.
If we read it as "lamp," the critique becomes even more intimate. The lamp symbolizes one's life force, guiding light, or consciousness. The proverb then declares that the very thing the proud person sees as their brilliance, their guiding star, their inner light, is actually a beacon of sin. Their "enlightenment" is darkness. Their conscience is calibrated not to God or others, but to the constant, hungry demands of their own pride.
What makes this verse so potent is that it doesn't just condemn an action; it diagnoses a condition. It describes a person whose entire operating system is corrupt. For the proud, sin isn't just a bug in the system; it is the system.
This is a sobering thought in our age of personal branding and curated success. The verse forces us to ask a difficult question: What is fueling our ambition? Are we "plowing" to build something for the good of others and the glory of God, or are we simply building a taller pedestal for ourselves? Is our "lamp" a light that serves and illuminates, or is it a spotlight perpetually fixed on our own face?
Proverbs 21:4 is a reminder that the posture of the heart is what gives all our actions their moral weight. You can't outwork a proud heart; you can only humble it.
: In a world that worships the hustle, Proverbs 21:4 lands like a bucket of ice water. We are taught that ambition is a virtue, that a strong self-image is essential, and that hard work is the path to righteousness. Then this ancient verse cuts through the noise: "An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin."
That last phrase, whether translated as "the plowing" or "the lamp" of the wicked, is where the verse delivers its most profound and uncomfortable truth.
If we read it as "plowing," the verse is a direct indictment of our modern work ethic when it's detached from humility. The proverb says that for a person whose life is defined by arrogance (the "high look" and "proud heart"), even their most basic, productive work—their "plowing," their business plan, their groundbreaking project—is fundamentally sin. Why? Because the entire enterprise is a monument to self. The goal isn't service or creation; it's glorification of the ego. It tells us that you cannot sanctify a rotten motive with hard work.
If we read it as "lamp," the critique becomes even more intimate. The lamp symbolizes one's life force, guiding light, or consciousness. The proverb then declares that the very thing the proud person sees as their brilliance, their guiding star, their inner light, is actually a beacon of sin. Their "enlightenment" is darkness. Their conscience is calibrated not to God or others, but to the constant, hungry demands of their own pride.
What makes this verse so potent is that it doesn't just condemn an action; it diagnoses a condition. It describes a person whose entire operating system is corrupt. For the proud, sin isn't just a bug in the system; it is the system.
This is a sobering thought in our age of personal branding and curated success. The verse forces us to ask a difficult question: What is fueling our ambition? Are we "plowing" to build something for the good of others and the glory of God, or are we simply building a taller pedestal for ourselves? Is our "lamp" a light that serves and illuminates, or is it a spotlight perpetually fixed on our own face?
Proverbs 21:4 is a reminder that the posture of the heart is what gives all our actions their moral weight. You can't outwork a proud heart; you can only humble it.It is indeed powerful to reflect on the verse from Proverbs 21:4 in the context of our modern world, where ambition and self-image are often exalted. The commentator Ernst Diehl beautifully highlights the importance of humility in our endeavors, reminding us that even our most productive work can be tainted if fueled by pride and self-glorification. As Diehl eloquently puts it, "You can't sanctify a rotten motive with hard work."
This sentiment resonates with Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas's devotional when he emphasizes the dangers of pride and selfishness among Christians. He warns against allowing personal interpretations and denominational differences to hinder the ultimate goal of spreading the message of God's love and redemption. As Zamora Vargas poignantly states, "The dissensions among Christians who have borne witness to the love of Christ... break and tarnish the virtues of the Gospel."
Both Diehl and Zamora Vargas call us to examine the motives behind our actions, urging us to cultivate humility and a sincere desire to serve others rather than seeking self-glory. It is a profound reminder to align our hearts with the will of God and to work towards unity in faith and purpose.
John Williams
: Thank you so much for the daily devotionals.
: Thank you so much for the daily devotionals.How beautiful it is to express gratitude for the devotionals that nourish us spiritually! It is important to recognize the value of reflecting on God's Word through authors like Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas and other commentators. Like author John Williams, it is essential to be grateful for the teachings that bring us closer to God and guide us in our journey of faith. May these reflections continue to inspire your heart and strengthen your relationship with the Lord! Blessings!
Oscar Rodríguez 
: Amen, may God guide us to one religious teaching.
: Amen, may God guide us to one religious teaching.It is powerful when we recognize the importance of unity in religious teaching, as author Oscar Rodríguez mentions. Prayer for guidance toward the same truth and spiritual understanding is key to maintaining harmony and cohesion among believers. Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas also highlights the need to overcome divisions and differences among Christians to focus on proclaiming God's message with unity and love. May divine guidance lead us to harmony and mutual understanding in our faith. May the Lord bless us on this path of unity and brotherly love!
Francisco Diaz S.
: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider one another more important than yourselves. (Phil 2:3) This gospel fills me. Let us admire others for their qualities, not criticize them for their defects, let us try to guide them on the right path.
: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider one another more important than yourselves. (Phil 2:3) This gospel fills me. Let us admire others for their qualities, not criticize them for their defects, let us try to guide them on the right path.It is inspiring to see how author Francisco Díaz S. highlights the importance of humility and mutual respect in his commentary on Philippians 2:3. This verse invites us to consider others as more important than ourselves, fostering admiration for the virtues of others and avoiding deconstructive criticism. Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas also emphasizes the need to live in harmony and unity, avoiding divisions and promoting collaboration in spreading God's message.
By combining these reflections, we see a call to practice humility, respect, and consideration toward our brothers and sisters in the faith. May each of us follow this example, valuing the qualities of others and guiding them with love and compassion on the path of goodness. May the spirit of humility and love for our neighbor guide us at all times! God bless you, Brother Francisco!
Sabino Marroquin Lopez: God is my infinite true love amen.
: God is my infinite true love amen.How beautiful it is to proclaim the infinite goodness and love of God, as Sabino Marroquín López expresses. His declaration of faith in divine love reminds us of the Lord's greatness and constancy in our lives. Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas also invites us to reflect this love of God in our daily actions, seeking unity and collaboration in the extension of his Kingdom.
May the certainty of God's infinite love fill us with peace and hope, inspiring us to follow his example of unconditional love for others. May every step we take reflect this true love, and may we unite in one faith around the greatness of our Creator. May God's love continue to guide our hearts and strengthen our communion in faith! God bless you, Brother Sabino!
Rodolfo Manuel Quirós Ramirez 
: What a great lesson these devotionals have taught me; they have filled me spiritually this week. A great lesson to share in every congregation, wherever the gospel of the Lord Jesus is preached. Blessings to all the brothers and sisters.
: What a great lesson these devotionals have taught me; they have filled me spiritually this week. A great lesson to share in every congregation, wherever the gospel of the Lord Jesus is preached. Blessings to all the brothers and sisters.It is wonderful to see how these devotionals have been a source of spiritual enrichment for Rodolfo Manuel Quirós Ramírez. His willingness to share these teachings in every congregation where the gospel of the Lord Jesus is preached is a valuable gesture of dissemination and unity in the faith. Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas reminds us of the importance of proclaiming God's message with humility and love, seeking unity in the Christian community.
May these teachings continue to inspire and strengthen your faith, Rodolfo. Sharing them with other brothers and sisters may multiply the positive impact on their lives. May the Lord continue to bless your journey and that of all who share this beautiful mission of spreading his love and his Word! Blessings to you and to all your brothers and sisters in the faith!