The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. – Proverbs 17:24
Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. Deeply distressed, Hannah prayed fervently to God for the gift of a son, promising that she would give him to the Lord for His service. God granted her prayer, and from that time forward, Hannah’s goal was to raise him and give him to God for His use. Her son, Samuel, became a prophet who was used by God.
Hannah focused on preparing Samuel to take his place in the temple. Today’s verse emphasizes that the wise person “sets his face toward wisdom.” He or she is focused. Commentator William Clarkson wrote that a wise person “makes the most and the best he can make of that which is within his reach… He puts out his talents, however mean they may be. He works his capital, however small it may be. He reads well his books, however limited his library may be. He tries to serve others, however narrow his sphere may be. So doing, he is in the way of constant growth and of a large reward (Matthew 25:20-24).”
On the other hand, the foolish may pursue a hundred different things, frittering away their time, accomplishing nothing. Wisdom is a gift from God through which He gives you opportunities and natural abilities of perception, of observation, of intuition so you are aware of what is before you… things that interest you, call you to duty, or open up possibilities.
Ask that the Lord opens your eyes to the opportunities He has set before you today. Then pray for the public officials of this nation to make wise use of the opportunities they have now to create better circumstances for the future.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 17:24
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
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: Psalm 90:12-17
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
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.
