Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
This section of chapter 11 is another set of proverbs, focused on living well while we have the chance. Verse 1 is translated 'cast your bread upon the waters' in older translations; the GNB interprets this rightly as 'invest your money in foreign trade'. The overall theme of these verses is the need to be active and enterprising in how we live. 'If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never sow anything and never harvest anything,' says the Preacher (verse 4). We should do what we can when we can, otherwise we will waste the gift of life that's been given to us (verse 8).
This is a call to action which believers today need to hear. It's very easy, in our personal lives and in our church communities, to drift along without really testing ourselves or actively seeking ways to live out our discipleship. Hebrews 10.24 says, 'Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good' – older translations prefer 'stir one another up' or 'spur one another on'. We aren't meant to be idle. As the Preacher says, 'No matter how long you live, remember that you will be dead much longer' (verse 8).
God, thank you for the gift of life you've given me. Help me to value each day, and to use it in a way that's honouring to you.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
Read the Bible 
Processing...