Pay Attention!

 

Scripture: Proverbs 27:23-27 (NIV)

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears, and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goat’s milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants.

Devotion:

Proverbs 27:23-27 offers timeless wisdom on stewardship, responsibility, and the importance of attentiveness in our daily lives. The passage starts with a clear command: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In ancient farming societies, flocks and herds symbolized a family’s livelihood and security. Today, although most of us may not tend sheep or goats, the core principle remains relevant. God urges us to be diligent in caring for the resources, relationships, and responsibilities He has entrusted to us. This includes managing our finances, nurturing our families, maintaining our physical and spiritual health, and fulfilling our work commitments. Attention and care are crucial because, as the proverb warns, “riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” We cannot afford complacency or neglect, for seasons of abundance do not last forever.

The passage further demonstrates how diligent stewardship results in provision and sustainability. It states, “When the hay is removed and new growth appears... the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goat’s milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants.” This agricultural imagery emphasizes a cycle of work, harvest, and reward. Hard work and attentiveness produce tangible results: food, clothing, and economic stability. It serves as a reminder that God blesses our faithful efforts and provides for our needs through the resources He places in our care. The blessing is not solely for the individual but also extends to the family and community. Our diligent stewardship becomes a source of nourishment and support for those around us.

Spiritually, this passage encourages us to reflect on what "flocks" and "herds" we have been entrusted with. Are we wisely investing our time and energy into what matters most? Are we attentive to the needs of those God has placed in our lives? Proverbs 27:23-27 challenges us to avoid distraction and apathy. It urges us to be present, vigilant, and proactive. When we honor God with careful stewardship, we acknowledge His sovereignty over all we possess. We trust that He is faithful to supply our needs in every season, bringing us comfort and peace. Let us ask the Lord to give us wisdom to manage everything He has entrusted to us, and to do so with gratitude, diligence, and faithfulness.

Prayer:

            Help us, O Lord, to be diligent in our work, no matter what it is. Please help us remember that you are always watching over us. Because you tend to us, we can focus on what we are doing and on our families and loved ones. Grant us the diligence to watch over and care for our families and others. Day by day, and night after night, until you call us home, may our lives be guided by you. Bless us with your presence until we at last stand in yours. Amen