A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. – Proverbs 18:2
In the summer of 1787, the Constitutional Convention was on the verge of total failure. The issue was whether small states should have the same representation as large states. As America’s Founders struggled to work out the details, egos and tempers flared. The atmosphere was thick with division and conflict. Then 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin slowly rose to address George Washington, the president of the convention, and his fellow delegates. Franklin understood how crucial moral and biblical virtues would be to this new republic. He referred to Psalm 127:1 when he said, “I have lived a long time and am convinced that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it.’”
Then Franklin suggested that they begin each session with prayer led by a clergy member.
God answered their prayers and on September 17, 1787, the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, the greatest political document ever written, was completed. And to this day, all legislative sessions are opened with prayer. Franklin’s words remain true as America’s leaders continue to face today’s political, moral and spiritual issues.
The Lord is the only source of true wisdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and heart as you seek His guidance through prayer and Scripture. And pray that your local and national leaders put away their egos and seek the Creator of the universe for every private and public decision.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 7:13-20, 24-27
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
