ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna For 4th – Lot of The Foolish
Saturday, July 4, 2026
KEY VERSE
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).
Bible Reading:
Proverbs 12:14-20 (KJV)
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
MESSAGE
A man who was hard-of-hearing was in the company of new acquaintances. One of the people entertained them with a funny story that sent everyone laughing. They observed that the man was not tickled by the story and suspected that he had a hearing impairment. When he realised what was happening, he belittled the story that caused the laughter, and told them he had a funnier story. They listened to him repeat the same story that had been told earlier. This confirmed the people’s suspicion, and as they laughed at his blunder, he interjected, “Didn’t I tell you I’d tell a funnier story that would cause you more laughter?”
The unwarranted pretence of the hard-of-hearing man is akin to the self-conceit of a fool. Today’s text highlights some of the traits of a foolish person and their bitter consequences. Many things are associated with foolishness, but the worst is that the fool’s way is right in his own eyes. By this, he prevents himself from ever getting wise. Foolery spares no aspect of the fool’s life. He speaks indiscreetly, walks loftily, acts sinfully, and thinks deceitfully and vainly. He brings upon himself unimaginable misery here and hereafter. Conversely, the wise treads cautiously and righteously and experiences true fulfilment, peace, and joy now and in eternity.
Someone is not a fool because of an occasional decision or choice. Sometimes, we make such mistakes. The Bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” A fool is, therefore, a person who disregards God; a practical atheist who acts as if there is no God. This disposition is at the root of all the deviant behaviours and wicked practices around us. The grim consequences of this indiscretion are too glaring to ignore – premature death, preventable diseases, unfulfilled careers, miserable living, and dishonour, to mention a few.
God invites you to savour His wisdom and the associated truth and righteousness, which result in satisfaction, peace, joy, and fulfilment. True wisdom is not gained from intellectual or academic exertion or exposure through travel and interactions. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Rudimentary knowledge of God is not enough. The more you understand God’s word, the wiser you become.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Recovery from foolishness starts when a fool realises his foolishness
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Genesis 11-13
COMMENTARY
1. The Nature of Foolishness – The devotional powerfully establishes that foolishness is not a matter of low intelligence or occasional bad choices. It is a moral and spiritual condition rooted in self-deception and the rejection of God. The hard-of-hearing man’s inability to recognise his own blunder illustrates how sin blinds a person to their own faults. When a man’s way is “right in his own eyes,” he has placed himself as the ultimate judge of truth, effectively dethroning God. This self-sufficiency is the breeding ground for every other sin.
2. The Practical Atheist – The exposition rightly equates foolishness with practical atheism—living as if God does not exist. This is a sobering truth for many who profess belief with their lips but deny God by their actions. A person may acknowledge God intellectually yet still act foolishly by ignoring His commandments, rejecting His counsel, and pursuing selfish ambitions. The devotional calls us to examine not just what we say we believe, but how we actually live.
3. The Comprehensive Devastation of Folly – The text lists the far-reaching consequences of foolishness: indiscreet speech, prideful conduct, sinful actions, and deceitful thoughts. These are not isolated failures but a systemic corruption that affects every area of life. The result is “unimaginable misery here and hereafter.” This includes tangible outcomes like premature death, preventable diseases, failed careers, and dishonour. Foolishness is not victimless; it destroys the fool and often harms those around him.
4. The Contrast of Wisdom – In stark contrast, the wise person treads cautiously and righteously. The fruit of wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge but practical living that produces “true fulfilment, peace, and joy.” This echoes the promise of Proverbs 12:14, that a man shall be “satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.” Wisdom brings satisfaction because it aligns a person with God’s design for life.
5. The Source of True Wisdom – One of the most critical points in this devotional is the assertion that wisdom does not come from intellectual or academic exertion, travel, or social exposure. These things may increase knowledge, but they cannot produce godly wisdom. The fear of the Lord—reverent awe, submission, and obedience to God—is the starting point. Furthermore, the devotional emphasises that “rudimentary knowledge of God is not enough.” We must continually grow in understanding God’s Word, for the more we know Scripture, the wiser we become. This challenges the modern tendency to value experience and education above humble Bible study.
6. The Path to Recovery – The Thought for the Day offers hope: “Recovery from foolishness starts when a fool realises his foolishness.” This is the first step of repentance—acknowledging one’s blindness and turning to God for light. No one is beyond recovery. The same God who exposes folly also offers wisdom freely to those who ask in faith (James 1:5). The invitation is open: “God invites you to savour His wisdom.”
7. Application for Today – In a world that celebrates self-confidence, self-reliance, and the rejection of absolute truth, this message is urgently relevant. Believers must resist the cultural pressure to define their own truth and instead submit to God’s Word. We must cultivate humility, seek godly counsel, and commit to daily meditation on Scripture. The fear of the Lord is not a one-time event but a lifelong posture of the heart that keeps us from the path of the fool.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, deliver me from the pride that makes my own way seem right. Give me a teachable spirit and a heart that fears You. Help me to treasure Your Word above all human wisdom, that I may walk in righteousness and experience the peace and joy that come from knowing You. Amen.
