Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Titus 3:9-15.

 

“⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.  ¹⁰ Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, ¹¹ knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

 

¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.  ¹³ Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.  ¹⁴ Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

 

¹⁵ All who are with me greet you.  Greet those who love us in the faith.

 

Grace be with you all.”  Titus 3:9-15.

                              

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There is a sharp contrast between the foolish and factious (verses 9-11) and the faithful and fruitful (verses 12-15).

The foolish and factious create strife.  The faithful and fruitful create good deeds.

The foolish and factious are concerned about their own perverted speculations.  The faithful and fruitful are concerned about others’ pressing needs.

The foolish and factious are condemned.  The faithful and fruitful are commended.

The foolish and factious are rejected.  The faithful and fruitful are greeted.

“The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
But the perverted tongue will be cut out.
The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.”  Proverbs 10:31-32.

“He who troubles his own house will inherit wind,
And the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise wins souls.”  Proverbs 11:29-30.

“The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”  Proverbs 14:1.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly.”  Proverbs 15:1-2.

“Folly is joy to him who lacks sense,
But a man of understanding walks straight.”  Proverbs 15:21.

“He who has a crooked mind finds no good,
And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.”  Proverbs 17:20.

“A fool does not delight in understanding,
But only in revealing his own mind.”  Proverbs 18:2.

“A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.”  Proverbs 18:6-7.

“He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.
Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,
Even strife and dishonor will cease.”  Proverbs 22:9-10.

“An arrogant man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.”  Proverbs 28:25-28.

“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.
Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger.”  Proverbs 29:7-8.