Title: Cause and Effect/Topic: Spiritual Blindness

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 30; Proverbs 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

Scripture: Proverbs 30:17
17 "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

Observation: Yuck! What an ugly picture this verse presents! But as I thought about this verse in my devotional time I thought, “How interesting that the author said it is the eye that is pecked out by being a person who is rebellious and disrespectful of parents.” Why? Because it is saying that blindness comes to those who persist in behavior that is condescending toward and rejecting of parental wisdom and instruction. I have seen that phenomenon often in my life. It's not physical blindness that comes, but spiritual blindness. Rebellious and disrespectful children grow to be adults who are unable to discern wisdom and who live foolishly. The longer they persist in sinful attitudes, the stupider they become. Their lives are full of destruction that they bring upon themselves. And how true the Proverbs are that speak of the heartbreak that a foolish, mocking and disobedient son (or daughter) brings.

Application: I must make sure that I model by my attitudes and behavior the qualities of humility, obedience to God and teachableness that allow me to be corrected by others who are wise. It will keep me from being spiritually blind. Those who persist in a mocking, disrespectful and disobedient attitude become confused about truth and cannot easily recognize it. Living by principles is beyond them.

Prayer: So, Lord, help me to never be a mocker or one who is dismissive of instruction from people of good character. May I be an example to others of the right way to live and the blessings that come from following your ways.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.