May 23rd - A Balanced Budget

A Balanced Budget

(Proverbs 3:9-10, 27-28;

6:1-8;

10:4-5, 15, 26;

11:4, 15, 24-26, 28;

12:11, 24, 27;

13:4, 8, 22-23;

14:4, 20-21, 23, 31;

15:15-16, 19;

16:8, 26;

17:16, 18;

18:9, 11, 16, 23;

19:4, 6-7, 15, 17, 24;

20:4, 13, 16;

21:13, 17, 20, 25-26;

22:2, 7, 9, 16, 22-23, 26-27, 29;

23:4-5;

24:27, 30-34;

25:14;

26:14-15;

27:7, 13, 17, 23-27;

28:6, 8, 11, 19-22, 27;

29:7, 13)

Upon completion of today’s Bible readings, we are fast approaching the end of our studies of the book of Proverbs. Let’s keep reading together, and may God bless the study of His Word.

Today’s selections from Proverbs focus on finances. Topics include ambition, banking, benevolence, debt, efficiency, employment, generosity, greed, industry, justice, labor, poverty, stewardship, tithing, usury, wealth, workaholism and many more money matters.

Such topics seem particularly relevant in today’s troubled economic times.

Many of the Scriptures in today’s daily devotional readings warrant extra attention and even Bible memorization. Try this crossword puzzle, and see how many Scripture verses become planted in your heart. May God write His Word upon our lives, as we ponder the Proverbs.

For clues, look up these Proverbs (in the New International Version).

A Balanced Budget

Across

1. Proverbs 14:20 – “All hard work brings a _________, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

5. Proverbs 15:16 – “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with great _________.”

7. Proverbs 23:4 – “Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Have the wisdom to show _________.”

8. Proverbs 25:14 – “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who _________ of gifts he does not give.”

10. Proverbs 22:2 – “Rich and poor have this in _________: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”

11. Proverbs 19:17 – “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will _________ him for what he has done.”

Down

2. Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaves an _________ for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”

3. Proverbs 28:6 – “Better a poor man whose walk is _________ than a rich man whose ways are perverse.”

4. Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your _________, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

6. Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not _________ good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

9. Proverbs 16:8 – “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with _________.”

Will you pray with me?

Almighty One,

Ancient of Days

And Father of all wisdom,

Teach us to be wise stewards

Of all You have given to us.

Help us to glorify You

In the work You place before us

And with the fruits of our labors.

Amen.