by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 28th of August, 2026

In this session, we will continue examining Proverbs Chapter 13. This chapter presents a recurring contrast between the upright and the wicked. 

Proverbs 13:10-12 – “Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel. 11 Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labour increases it. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Verse 10 suggests that those with an exaggerated sense of self-importance do not take counsel, whereas those who seek counsel gain wisdom and peace. Arrogant people speak only from their own minds and do not listen. Attempts to rebuke them only lead to fruitless arguments. 

By contrast, those who take counsel are those with the modesty to acknowledge the limits of their knowledge and the humility to allow themselves to be corrected, criticised, and led to a better plan of action. 

Verse 11 - The accumulation of wealth through virtue (patience, diligence, prudence, generosity, and faith), not through get-rich schemes, will produce growth and gain. What is often called “easy money”, meaning money gained through injustice, extortion, lies, and windfalls, frequently at the expense of others, will not be blessed in any way. 

Solomon frequently uses the word “vanity” in Ecclesiastes to describe life apart from God. It is an empty life that offers nothing of lasting value or satisfaction. This is true of money received “by a windfall, or sudden stroke of fortune, rather than by honest labour”. And yes, this includes money won on Lotto, which is why Christians should not buy Lotto tickets. The money normally does not last long because it has little meaning or value to the person who receives it. It is often squandered or wasted foolishly. People truly value what they have personally laboured and sacrificed for.

Integrity, honesty, and hard work will carry us far in life. These proverbs teach us that people with a strong work ethic will do well. Whatever they gain, they will value because they have invested their lives in earning it. The Bible is also blunt about dealing with those who will not work - it tells us to let them go hungry (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Obviously, this does not include those who cannot work. We are called to have compassion on those truly in need and to offer whatever support we can. 

Verse 12 – The intention of this proverb is to contrast the effects of the godless’s unfulfilled expectations with the godly’s fulfilled desires. The word “deferred” is not about timing (often we do have to wait for what we hope for); it is about something that never comes. It causes a sense of hopelessness to weigh on a person’s heart and typically leads to a loss of morale.  

In contrast, the fulfilled desires of the righteous are like eating the fruit of the tree of life, mentioned in Verse 25 of this chapter. The tree of life revitalises energy, renews courage to live and plan for the future, and extends life forever. 

As already said, the righteous may find their hopes deferred for a while, but their hearts never grow weary, for they know the LORD will always keep His promises. 

The key question is whether our lives are moving forward with fear, disillusionment, and confusion, or towards the fulfilment of every desire in the everlasting presence of the LORD. The latter is only found if we are being led by the Spirit of God. 

God bless you.