Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 26:1-2

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Heed The Warnings

“But Gedaliah… refused to believe them.”
— Jeremiah 40:14 NLT

Gedaliah was appointed governor over Judah by the king of Babylon. He had authority. He had favor. And he had plenty of warnings. Multiple voices came to him—faithful men—telling him that Ishmael son of Nethaniah was planning to kill him. But Scripture says plainly:

“But Gedaliah… refused to believe them.” — Jeremiah 40:14

He didn’t even investigate. He didn’t pray. He didn’t ask God what to do. He simply refused to listen. And the result? He was assassinated, and many others were slaughtered because of his unwillingness to act on wise counsel.

We’re left wondering—why didn’t he listen? Was it because Ishmael was part of the royal family? Was it because he had a high title and influence? Was it because Gedaliah thought he was too important to be taken down? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Gedaliah didn’t seek God, and he died for it.

Pride will make you deaf to warning. Pride will convince you that “important” people can’t be dangerous. Pride will make you stubborn in the face of truth and blind to the enemy’s trap.

But humility? Humility listens. Humility prays. Humility tests all things—even if the warning comes from unexpected places.

“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18 NLT

If we’re not careful, we can end up just like Gedaliah—deceived, unguarded, and destroyed because we refused to even consider that someone we trusted wasn’t safe, or that a situation we thought we had under control was actually a trap.

In these days of deception and spiritual warfare, we must test everything and seek the Lord in all things. Reputation doesn’t equal righteousness and a title doesn’t guarantee truth – Only Jesus can do that! Will we trust Him enough to seek Him? Will we be humble enough to listen? 💎

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes today to seek the Lord’s counsel in your life. Ask Him:

1. “How does this apply to me and what do you want me to know?”
   • Journal what He whispers.
2. Then ask, “what do you want me to do?”
   • Journal what He whispers then do it!

Let Him search your heart and break through any areas where pride may be silencing truth.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Keep me from the trap of pride. Soften my heart. Teach me to listen to wise counsel and never assume I’m beyond deception. Let me value Your voice above every title, opinion, or appearance. Give me discernment and humility in all things. I don’t want to fall asleep in the face of danger—I want to stay alert and obedient to You, safe under your wing. You are my refuge, my place of safety. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.