ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna – Watch Your Desires
KEY VERSE
“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil” (Proverbs 13:19).
Bible Reading:
Proverbs 13:18-25 (KJV)
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
MESSAGE
“Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion,” said the English writer, moralist and sermonist, Samuel Johnson, “and he whose real wants are supplied, must admit those of fancy.” The problem often arises from the nature of the desire people harbour. Most people desire what they do not need, but what serves their fancies. Some are never able to distinguish between the needs they should desire and the wants that serve little purpose.
King Solomon, the writer of these couplets in the Proverbs, could justifiably claim expertise on the sometimes messy topic of desires. He lived for a time to satisfy his personal desires, to feed his body with whatever it wanted. But in the end, he saw them as vanity, inferring by his conduct that he, who was the wisest of men in his time had succumbed to the cravings of the most foolish of people. He therefore, warned of the consequences of rejecting instructions, probably alluding to his action, emphasising that even if the desires of such people were accomplished and seemed “sweet to the soul”, at least for a time, it offers no incentive to the foolish person to shun evil conducts. He draws a parallel between those that keep company with wise men, and companions of unwise people. He concludes that sinners are invariably unwise in what truly matters in life, and are therefore unable to bequeath a legacy of inheritance to generations after them. Stressing the destructive nature of poor judgment, the wise preacher also counselled against withholding discipline from children, and affirms that it is an expression of love to ensure that children are brought up well. In the end, this is part of what brings satisfaction to the righteous, as the fruit of his labour.
It is no doubt, desirable to achieve our goals in life, but we must be careful as not every desire is worth pursuing. Some are so deadly that when you set your heart on them, you may lose the ability to determine what is truly good, and what is dangerous. Often, our desires influence how we justly assess our actions. At such a time, it becomes important whose words we obey, whose advice we accept, and whose friendship we keep. The word of God must under-guard our every action. Any desire that panders more to our ego or serves only our flesh runs counter to God’s command. We must focus on what God says, and shun any desire that tends towards pride and vainglory.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Unchecked desires are the fuel that power unhinged conducts
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Philemon
COMMENTARY
1. The Danger of Fancy Over Need – Many people chase what they do not truly need, pursuing fancies that offer temporary pleasure but no lasting value. Samuel Johnson noted that when real needs are met, people often turn to unnecessary desires. Believers must learn to distinguish between genuine needs and selfish cravings.
2. Solomon’s Lesson on Vanity – Solomon, the wisest man, learned the hard way that satisfying every desire leads to emptiness. He pursued pleasure, wealth, and power, only to conclude that all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:14). His warning reminds us that unchecked desires can lead even the wisest into folly.
3. The Company We Keep – The passage warns that companions of fools will be destroyed, while those who walk with the wise become wise. Our desires are shaped by the people we surround ourselves with. We must choose friends who encourage godly desires and hold us accountable.
4. Discipline as Love – The devotional highlights the importance of discipline, especially in raising children. Withholding correction is not love; it is neglect. Proper discipline helps guide children away from destructive desires. This principle applies to our own lives: we must discipline our desires and not indulge every impulse.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Self-Control – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes self-control and the importance of submitting desires to God’s Word. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must not let their desires rule them but must bring every thought into captivity to Christ. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to examine their hearts and pursue wDCLM Daily Manna – Saturday August 29 2026hat pleases God.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and self-control over desires.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to guard their hearts and pursue godly desires.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to discern between godly desires and selfish fancies. Forgive me for the times I have pursued what serves my ego rather than what pleases You. Give me wisdom in choosing my companions and discipline to say no to harmful desires. May my life be guided by Your Word and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
