Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

Daily Devotional Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible. The Wisdom of God Verses for the Day: Proverbs 25:12 (KJV): 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. Proverbs 25:12 (NIV): 12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. Thoughts for the Day: This verse from Proverbs uses an illustration as to how a gold earring becomes an ornament on an ear, so are the wise man's words of reproof, when someone has a listening ear and will obey. Obedience is a necessary ingredient in the Christian walk. We must obey when God speaks to us and not try to get God to accept our way of doing things. His ways are higher than our ways. Our precious Lord would never ask us to do anything that would not bring a blessing to our lives. Sometimes that blessing is not immediately seen; yet if we hold fast and continue to follow in His ways, we will discover He has a most beautiful plan for our lives. We must let the Lord work His patient nature into our lives and not always expect instant answers. This is difficult for us as we are living in an age in which everything is instant: instant coffee, instant tea, instant mashed potatoes, etc. One of the things that must accompany our faith is obedience, which Abel was an example of in Genesis 4. Cain and Abel were brothers and both of them brought an offering to God. However, Cain's sacrifice was rejected of God, while Abel's was accepted. The reason for this was Abel obeyed God's rule and brought a blood sacrifice, while Cain brought the fruit of the ground as his offering. Abel obeyed and did it God's way, coming in faith and obedience, while Cain disobeyed by bringing an offering he determined would be accepted. Hebrews 11:4: By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. James 2:17-8: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. The works mentioned refer to the works of the Spirit, not works of the flesh. We can do many so-called good works and still not be pleasing to God for He looks upon the heart and not upon the outward appearance. We must obey from the heart and do those things that are pleasing to God. Faith and works go together; the one is not complete without the other. We know that faith without works is dead. Cain approached God with a sacrifice that was not acceptable because rebellion was in his heart; he didn't do the things God required as Abel did. Many times we pray for God to do certain things, but we are not willing to be the vessels that He uses to bring them about. For example, we pray and ask God to save our relatives, yet we want the Lord to send someone else to them with the salvation message. We must be willing to be the one God uses to tell them of His love. In fact, for every prayer we pray, we must be willing to be the vessel that God uses to answer that prayer. The Lord may not always require it of us, but we must be willing. If we are praying that God meets someone's financial needs, then we must be willing to be the one who does it. If we are praying for God to provide a place for someone to stay, then we must be ready to open our house to that person. Whatever we pray, if it is possible for us to be the answer, then we must be willing for the Lord to use us. We must obey God, even if our flesh is resisting what the Lord would have us do. We must determine to follow and obey God regardless of the cost. We can pray long hours, fast, and sacrifice in many ways, yet if we do not obey it will all be in vain. That is why many do not see the answers to their prayers. They refuse to obey the things the Lord speaks to them. Obedience and faith go "hand in hand." They will not work separately. Works of the Spirit are those that are commissioned by God. All works of the flesh are futile. When the Bible speaks of faith without works being dead, it is speaking of those spiritual works inspired by God. They are the outcome of our faith and walk with God. When we walk with God, we will do those works that are pleasing to Him. I Samuel 15:22: ...Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Prayer for the Day: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for all of the things You are doing in my life. Lord, I do want to have a listening and obedient ear to all You are speaking to me. Lord, help me to obey quickly when You speak to me to do something. Lord. I do want to overcome my flesh and walk in the spirit and always have faith and trust in You. I choose to do it Your way and not mine no matter what the cost, as I want to go all the way with You. Remove anything from my heart that would hinder my walk in You. I ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.