Welcome to today's encouragement from the Our Daily Bread Devotional.

I'm Elisa Morgan, and I titled Today's Reading, The Wisdom We Need.

Ellen opened her mailbox and discovered a bulky envelope with her dear friend's return address. Just a few days

prior, she'd shared a relational struggle with that friend. Curious, she unwrapped the package

and found a colorful beaded necklace on a simple jute string. Attached was a card with a company's

slogan, say it in Morse Code,

and words translating the necklace's hidden and wise message, seek God's ways.

Ellen smiled as she fastened it around her neck.

The book of Proverbs is a compilation of wise sayings, many penned by Solomon, who was acclaimed

as the wisest man of his era. Its 31 chapters call the reader to listen to wisdom and avoid

folly, starting with the core message of Proverbs chapter 1, verse 7. The fear of the Lord is the

beginning of knowledge. Wisdom, knowing what to do when,

comes from honoring God by seeking His ways. In the introductory verses we read, listen when your father

corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction. What you learn from them will crown you

with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. Ellen's friend had directed her to the source

of the wisdom she needed. Seek God's ways. Her gift focused Ellen's attention on where to discover the help she needed.

When we honor God and seek his ways, we'll receive the wisdom we need for all the matters we face in life, each and everyone.

Thank you. Each and everyone. Today's our daily bread devotional scripture reading is from Proverbs chapter 1,

verses 1 through 9.

The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, for gaining wisdom and instruction,

for understanding words of insight, for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what

is right and just and fair, for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.

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