7 day plan

Wisdom’s Seven Pillars

Day 2 of 7

NIV

Proverbs 19:17

17Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,

and he will reward them for what they have done.

Reflection: Wisdom’s second pillar: Understanding

Proverbs 19:17 speaks to the heart of God’s compassion for the poor and marginalised. The verse reminds us that showing kindness to the poor is more than an act of charity; it is an act of worship and service to God. When we extend love, resources, or support to those in need, we are worshiping the Lord. This truth is especially relevant in the context of the 10/40 Window, a region stretching across Africa and Asia that contains billions living in both material poverty and spiritual darkness.

In my work with megavoice Australia I have become more aware of those who live in the 10/40 Window. Many live in areas where there is little or no access to Scripture and where the physical needs of daily survival can often overshadow spiritual hunger. Yet, in God’s eyes, every act of kindness we show them, including bringing the message of salvation, has eternal value. It is my privilege to be part of meeting their needs through my work. Megavoice Australia, in partnership with local ministries, through physical and digital audio platforms, is overcoming barriers such as language, literacy, and technological limitations to ensure people can hear the word of God. This understanding, rooted in compassion and cultural awareness, allows the gospel to be communicated in ways that resonate deeply with the listeners.

As you reflect on Proverbs 19:17, consider the ways in which you can show kindness to the poor, not just in material ways but by helping deliver the life-changing truth of God’s word. Your actions, prayers, and support are part of fulfilling the Great Commission and bringing light into the darkest corners of the world. God sees and values every effort we make to extend his love to those who need it most.

Prayer:

Lord, open our hearts and minds to the needs of those in the 10/40 Window. Help us to show kindness, both in action and through the spreading of your word. May our understanding reflect your deep compassion and bring hope to those who are unreached. Guide us to be your hands and feet in delivering your truth to the poorest and most spiritually lost. Amen.

Days

Proverbs 19:1-29

1Better the poor whose walk is blameless

than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2Desire without knowledge is not good—

how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

3A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,

yet their heart rages against the Lord.

4Wealth attracts many friends,

but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,

and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

6Many curry favor with a ruler,

and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

7The poor are shunned by all their relatives—

how much more do their friends avoid them!

Though the poor pursue them with pleading,

they are nowhere to be found.

8The one who gets wisdom loves life;

the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,

and whoever pours out lies will perish.

10It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—

how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11A person’s wisdom yields patience;

it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

12A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish child is a father’s ruin,

and a quarrelsome wife is like

the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

14Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15Laziness brings on deep sleep,

and the shiftless go hungry.

16Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,

but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.

17Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,

and he will reward them for what they have done.

18Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;

do not be a willing party to their death.

19A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;

rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

20Listen to advice and accept discipline,

and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

21Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

22What a person desires is unfailing love;

better to be poor than a liar.

23The fear of the Lord leads to life;

then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

24A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;

he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;

rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

26Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother

is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27Stop listening to instruction, my son,

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A corrupt witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29Penalties are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools.