Tag Archives: wisdom

They sharpen their tongues

06 Wednesday May 2026

Posted by in Psalm 64, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading:  Psalm 64 (NIV)*

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
    protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
    from the plots of evildoers.
They sharpen their tongues like swords
    and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
They shoot from ambush at the innocent;
    they shoot suddenly, without fear.
They encourage each other in evil plans,
    they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it?”
They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!”
    Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.
But God will shoot them with his arrows;
    they will suddenly be struck down.
He will turn their own tongues against them
    and bring them to ruin;
    all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God
    and ponder what he has done.
The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him;
   all the upright in heart will glory in him!

Reflection

I originally wrote this post in the final days of an election campaign here in Canada. In the context of an election, the words of this psalm have a peculiar resonance. Politicians’ tongues have been sharpened like swords. Cruel words have been aimed at opponents like deadly arrows. The airwaves are saturated with lies, propaganda and half-truths coming from all sides.  

Rest easy, dear reader, I’m not about to take sides in a political debate. But Psalm 64 contains some important truths we would be wise to heed.

First, our tongues have deadly power. The poison of vipers is in the tongue. (See Psalm 140:3.) Many young people have taken their own lives because of the taunting of others. Social media has only worsened the situation, since one can now mount an attack from a distance. The venom that is often spewed in website comment boxes is beyond disgusting. The cruelty and depravity of the human heart are on full display. As the psalmist David says, “Surely the human mind and heart are cunning” (v. 6).

So then guard the thoughts of your heart and mind. Take care what you put into print. It can have a profound effect for good or evil. Cruel words can be as deadly as a missile strike. The LORD is our refuge from cruel taunts, but He also is our judge, when we launch a verbal or written attack.

Response

LORD God, help me to use wisdom and discretion in all I say, write or post. You are the judge of every idle word. Holy Spirit, guard my heart and my mind. Amen.

Your Turn

Have you been the victim of social media attacks? How did you respond? Have you attacked others?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

David’s Confession

11 Saturday Apr 2026

Posted by in Psalm 51, Psalms

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Listen to Psalm 51:1-9 read by Jonathan Dent

Reading: Psalm 51:1-9 (NIV)*

For the director of music.
To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity
(NIV)*

Manitoba sunrise — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Psalm 51 is the great repentance psalm. Nothing matches the deep contrition expressed here by David. There can be little doubt David was truly remorseful for what he had done. He says it with words, but according to the Scriptures, his actions which followed also revealed a repentant heart. There is no blame shifting here; David takes full responsibility for his actions. Do we do the same when confronted with our sin?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.


Ideal for the Season of Lent

A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion.

Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

 

* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

What brings success?

16 Monday Mar 2026

Posted by in Psalm 44, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 44:1-8

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil.
We have heard it with our ears, O God;
our ancestors have told us what you did in their days,
in days long ago.
With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors;
you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish.
It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.
You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.
 Through you we push back our enemies;
    through your name we trample our foes.
I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
but you give us victory over our enemies,
    you put our adversaries to shame.
In God we make our boast all day long,
    and we will praise your name forever.
(NIV)*

Reflection
What brings you success? As we look forward to the future, this is a very valid question. There are thousands of books, blogs, and advice columns out there that promise you success. If you will just do this, that and this other thing, success is sure to come your way. Now don’t misunderstand me. Many of those self-improvement tips and success formulas can be helpful, if applied. And educating yourself on sound habits and business practices can be rewarding. But…

But if you succeed, what is the source of your success? The author of Psalm 44 would respond by saying success does not come from a formula, a habit, or a tip. Success and victory come from the LORD. In this psalm the psalmist refers to the conquest of Canaan by the children of Israel. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.

If you succeed in your field of endeavor, what will be the reason for your success? Undoubtedly, hard work, sound practices, wisdom and creativity all play a part, but there are plenty of people who have these character traits in spades, but still, they fail to reach their potential. We only succeed—succeed in the fullest sense—when God is working with us. Paul, the apostle, reminds us of this truth, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

We conquer in our field of endeavor when God is working with us. If you succeed, who is the reason for your success?

Response
LORD God, any success I have comes from you. Every triumph is a victory you bring. Help me to always remember you are my source. I succeed because of your love, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn
What gifts, talents or insights have you gained in the last year? Take a moment to give thanks for God’s help.

 

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.


Ideal for the Season of Lent

A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion.

Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

He Has Rescued Us

04 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Psalm 38, Psalm 39, Psalm 40, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 40:1-5

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I thank you for Jesus.
I am thankful
I can put my complete trust in you.
I am rescued by your amazing grace
not by my effort.
When I fall,
you lift me up.
Hallelujah!
Amen.

     — — — —

 


Live a Life Worthy of the Lord

We continually ask God
to fill you with the knowledge of his will
through all the wisdom and understanding
that the Spirit gives,
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord
and please him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power
according to his glorious might
so that you may have great endurance
and patience,
and giving joyful thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance
of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
For he has rescued us
from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom
of the Son he loves,
in whom we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins.
(Psalm 90:10-12 NIV)*


This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Seventy or Eighty Years

03 Tuesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Psalm 38, Psalm 39, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 39:6-13

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I need your saving help.
Through the redemptive blood of Jesus
keep me from being trapped
and controlled by my transgressions.
I need your presence in my life
so I can make the most of my days.
May your Kingdom rule extend to me
and through me to others.
Amen.

     — — — —

Seventy or Eighty Years

Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
(Psalm 90:10-12 NIV)*


This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

God Gives Generously

15 Thursday Jan 2026

Posted by in Psalm 31, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

 Today’s Reading: Psalm 31:19-20

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:


LORD God,
thank you for all the good things
you have stored up for me,
both temporal and spiritual.
I rejoice in you!
You are a generous God
lavishing mercy on me
through your son, Jesus.
Amen.

     — — — —


Words of Wisdom

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know
that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
If any of you lacks wisdom,
you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
(James 1:2-5 NIV)*


May God guide you in 2026!

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart

14 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by in Psalm 31, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

 Today’s Reading: Psalm 31:14-18

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:


LORD God,
I do not know
what the future holds for me,
but like David,
I put my trust in you.
Guide me in your ways.
Keep me secure in Christ.
My life is in your hands.
Amen.

     — — — —

Wisdom for the road ahead — photo by David Kitz


Words of Wisdom

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV)*


May God guide you in 2026!

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

In My Father’s House

31 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by in Psalm 27, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

 Today’s Reading: Psalm 27:4-6

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:


Lord Jesus,
I want to be with you.
I want to live my life close to you now
and close to you forever.
Show me how to do that.
Be near me, Lord Jesus.
I ask you to stay
close by me forever,
and love me I pray.
Amen.

— — — —


The Boy Jesus at the Temple

After the festival was over,
while his parents were returning home,
the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem,
but they were unaware of it.
Thinking he was in their company,
they traveled on for a day.
Then they began looking for him
among their relatives and friends.
When they did not find him,
they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him
in the temple courts,
sitting among the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions.
Everyone who heard him was amazed
at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him,
they were astonished.
His mother said to him,
“Son, why have you treated us like this?
Your father and I
have been anxiously searching for you.”

“Why were you searching for me?”
 he asked.
“Didn’t you know
I had to be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand
what he was saying to them.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them
and was obedient to them.
But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and man.
(Luke 2:43-52 NIV)*

May God bless you in 2026!

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

Filled with Wisdom

30 Tuesday Dec 2025

Posted by in Psalm 27, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

 Today’s Reading: Psalm 27:1-3

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:


Lord Jesus,
help me to truly walk in confident faith.
I ally myself with you.
You are my light and my salvation.
Help me now to face my day
and my future with confidence
that comes from you,
my Savior.
Amen.

— — — —


The Return to Nazareth

When Joseph and Mary had done everything
required by the Law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee
to their own town of Nazareth.
And the child grew and became strong;
he was filled with wisdom,
and the grace of God was on him.
(Luke 2:39-40 NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Also available from David Kitz

Holy Week as seen from a soldier’s perspective

American readers click this link to purchase The Soldier Who Killed a King.

Canadian readers click this link to purchase The Soldier Who Killed a King directly from the author.

 

Direct My Footsteps

03 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by in Psalm 19, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer
Today’s Reading: Psalm 19:7-11

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:


Heavenly Father,
help me draw life, wisdom, and joy
from your word every day.
Help me see your Word lighting
my way forward.
Amen.

— — — —

I will instruct you and teach you
in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the LORD’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.
(Psalms 32:8-10 NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.

But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.

To view further details or purchase this or other books directly from the author click here.