Shout out today to Earl Estep in Elk Grove, California. I am excited to be with you and your men at the Men of Honor Conference this weekend. I will see you soon. This devotional is for you today.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 10:8-11:

He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. — Ecclesiastes 10:8-11

Ever seen someone sabotage themselves? Self-sabotage, you've done it—cut corners, ignored wisdom, and ultimately paid the price. Solomon warns us here: Dig a pit recklessly? You might fall in. Tear down a wall carelessly? You might get bitten. Short-sighted, fast decisions often lead to long-term regrets.

Whether quarrying stones or splitting logs, rushing into any activity without wisdom is risky. A dull axe takes more strength, but a sharpened one makes the job easier. Life isn’t about just pushing through—it’s about preparing well. If you don’t take time to sharpen your edge, you’ll waste energy, get frustrated, and struggle unnecessarily.

The charmer who waits too long gets bitten—the moment passes, and the opportunity is lost. Some lessons don’t offer second chances. Wisdom means knowing when to act and when to wait. Don't let delay turn into disaster.

1. Pause – Don’t act impulsively. Pause for a moment and consider the consequences.
2. Pray – Spend time in prayer and sharpen your spiritual edge.
3. Proceed  – Don’t pause too long. If you have paused and prayed, proceed in faith.

So, where in your life do you need to deploy these steps and get sharper?

Lord, give us all the wisdom to work smarter, not just harder. Help us to sharpen our faith, mind, and choices, so we walk in Your strength. Amen.

#SharpenYourEdge #WorkWisely #FaithOverForce

1. Where have you ignored wisdom and paid the price?
2. What area of your life needs sharpening right now?
3. How can you balance patience and action in decision-making?
4. What spiritual disciplines help you prepare instead of panic?

Pause, pray, and proceed—take a moment to seek God's wisdom before your next big decision.

Lord, give me the wisdom to slow down, seek You first, and sharpen my choices with faith. Help me work wisely, relying on Your strength instead of my own. Amen.

Pause.

Fools are in charge. The wise are ignored. The lazy get ahead. The hardworking are overlooked. Ever feel like the world is completely upside down? You’re not imagining it—Solomon saw it, too.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 10:5-7:

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves. — Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

Solomon calls out a harsh reality—leadership often fails. The wrong people rise to power, while those with wisdom and integrity are pushed aside. Those who should be leading walk on foot, while those unworthy ride high.

Sound familiar? We see it everywhere. Corruption, incompetence, and arrogance seem to win. Loud voices drown out truth. Hard work and wisdom take a backseat to shortcuts and self-promotion. But should we be surprised? A broken world rewards the wrong things.

So, how do we live in an upside-down world without losing heart? How do we stay faithful when foolishness is celebrated and righteousness is ignored?

Three things to remember:

⚡️ Prepare for Poor Leadership – People and the systems they build are flawed. Instead of being shocked, be steadfast (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

⚡️ Persevere in Personal Integrity – We may not control who gets promoted, but we can control how we live (Col. 3:23).

⚡️ Put Trust in our Preeminent King – The world’s chaos is temporary. Jesus will set all things right (Rev 21:5).

Stay firm, stay faithful, and stand for what’s right—no matter how upside-down the world seems.

#WisdomOverFolly, #GodsKingdomPrevails, #FaithOverFrustration

1. When have you felt overlooked despite doing the right thing?
2. How can you guard your heart against bitterness in an unjust world?
3. What habits help you stay steadfast in personal integrity?
4. How does trusting in Christ’s ultimate justice change your perspective on today’s leadership failures?

Stay faithful in your integrity, even when the world seems to reward the wrong things—God sees and honors your perseverance.

Lord, when the world seems upside-down, help me to remain steadfast in wisdom and integrity. Remind me that Your justice is sure, and Your kingdom will set all things right. Amen.

Fool's Gold.

Some command respect. Others create chaos.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 10:2-4:

A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest. — Ecclesiastes 10:2-4

Every person’s heart leans in a direction. Wisdom pulls toward righteousness, while folly drifts toward destruction. The way we walk, the choices we make, and even how we respond to authority reveal what governs our hearts.

A fool stumbles through life, making their lack of sense obvious to everyone. They react instead of thinking, speak without listening, and let emotions lead. But a wise person walks with purpose and self-control, steady even in moments of crisis.

When tension rises—whether at work, in relationships, or with those in authority—how do you respond? A fool reacts emotionally, making the situation worse. A wise person stays steady, responding with calmness and patience. Scripture reminds us: “If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.”

Wisdom isn’t just about knowing what’s right—it’s about standing firm when things get heated. Instead of reacting in frustration, take a deep breath, hold your ground, and respond with grace. A calm response can turn conflict into resolution, while a reckless reaction only deepens the divide.

Let me pray for you today:

Lord, incline my heart toward wisdom. When I face tension or confrontation, help me stay steady, speak with grace, and reflect Your righteousness in my response. Amen.

#WisdomVsFolly, #BiblicalManhood, #StayCalmUnderPressure

1. In what areas of life do you tend to react instead of respond?
2. How can you practice calmness when facing authority or conflict?
3. What does your daily walk reveal about the direction of your heart?
4. How does wisdom influence the way you handle pressure and adversity?

The next time tension rises in a conversation, pause, take a deep breath, and respond with calmness instead of reacting emotionally.

Lord, incline my heart toward wisdom and self-control. When tensions rise, help me respond with grace and steadfastness, reflecting Your righteousness in my actions. Amen.

Stand.

Shout out to Earl Estep. This weekend, I will be at the Men of Honor Conference in Sacramento, CA. I am excited to be with you and your men.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 10:1:

Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. — Ecclesiastes 10:1

Imagine a master perfumer crafting a bottle of the finest fragrance. Every ingredient is carefully measured, blended with skill, and designed to create something valuable. But then—just one small fly falls in. It decays, contaminates the entire mixture, and what was once desirable now stinks.

That’s the picture Solomon gives us. A little foolishness can destroy a lifetime of wisdom and honor. It doesn’t take much—a careless word, a moment of compromise, a lapse in judgment—and suddenly, the fragrance of a godly reputation is tainted.

History is full of men who built something great but lost it all over one foolish decision. King David—a man after God’s own heart—allowed a moment of lust with Bathsheba to bring chaos into his household. Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and heard His wisdom—yet for a few silver coins, he threw it all away.

Folly doesn’t need to be grand; even a little can cause great damage.

So, how do we keep dead flies out of the ointment of our lives?

 ☑️ Watch the Small Compromises – What seems insignificant today can become destructive tomorrow.

 ☑️ Surround Yourself with Wise People – The right people will call you out before a small mistake becomes a disaster.

 ☑️ Stay Humble and Dependent on God – The moment we think we’re immune to folly is when we become vulnerable to it.

So here's the question you need to ask yourself today: What “small flies” in your life could contaminate your testimony?

Let's pray: Lord, help me to walk in wisdom and avoid even the slightest compromises. Keep me from folly, and let my life be a fragrance that honors You. Amen.

#WisdomMatters, #GuardYourHeart, #FaithfulLiving

1. What small compromises in your life could lead to bigger problems if left unchecked?
2. Who in your circle holds you accountable to wise living?
3. How can you be more intentional about guarding your testimony?
4. What practical step can you take today to remove “dead flies” from your life?

Examine your daily habits and identify one small compromise that could lead to bigger consequences—then make a change today.

Lord, help me to walk in wisdom and guard my heart against even the smallest compromises. Let my life be a fragrance that brings You glory. Amen.

Yes I Will.

Ever notice how the loudest voices get the most attention? Social media. Politics. Everyday life. It’s a world where volume often drowns out value. But Ecclesiastes flips that idea on its head.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:17-18:

The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. — Ecclesiastes 9:17-18

Wisdom doesn’t need to shout. It doesn’t force its way in. It simply speaks—and those who are listening find life. But here’s the tension: just as wisdom quietly builds, foolishness can loudly destroy.

One careless word. One reckless decision. One moment of pride. And suddenly, years of wisdom can be undone. We’ve all seen it—leaders who fail, families that fracture, friendships that fall apart. Not because wisdom was missing, but because folly was allowed in.

So, what’s the challenge? Tune out the noise. Seek wisdom, even when it’s quiet. Be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). Surround yourself with wise voices—even if they’re not the loudest in the room. And most importantly, guard against the little compromises that can undo what God is building in you.

So, are you paying attention to the right voices? Are you letting the noise of the world drown out the quiet wisdom of God?

Lord, help us tune in to Your truth, even when it’s quiet. Keep us from foolish choices that could undo the good You are doing in our lives. Give us ears to hear wisdom—even in a whisper. Amen.

#WisdomWins, #FaithOverNoise, #DailyDevotional

1. How can you be more intentional about listening to wisdom in your daily life?
2. What loud voices in your life might be drowning out God's wisdom?
3. When have you seen a single foolish choice undo years of wise decisions?
4. What practical steps can you take to guard against small compromises that lead to destruction?

Be intentional about listening to God’s wisdom today—turn off distractions and spend 5 minutes in quiet reflection on His truth.

Lord, help me hear Your wisdom above the noise of the world. Keep me from foolish choices, and give me discernment to follow Your truth. Amen.

Christ Our Wisdom.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:13-16:

I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard. — Ecclesiastes 9:13-16

We love stories where the underdog wins. A small, outmatched city, a powerful enemy, and a poor man with nothing but wisdom—yet he saves the day. Sounds like the setup for a hero’s celebration, right? But here’s the twist: no one remembers him. No statues, no parades, no honor.

That stings.

Solomon is exposing a hard truth about life—wisdom is greater than raw power, but the world doesn’t always recognize it. Strength gets the spotlight. Wealth commands attention. But wisdom? It often goes unnoticed.

So, why be wise if no one listens?

Because true wisdom isn’t about applause. It’s about living rightly before God. The wise man in this story did the right thing, even without reward. That’s integrity. That’s godly wisdom—choosing what’s right because it’s right, not because of recognition.

And isn’t that a picture of Christ? The world rejected Him, yet His wisdom brought salvation. Many still ignore His words, but they remain the only path to life.

So today, don’t chase the applause of others. Choose wisdom. Even if no one notices, God does.

#GodlyWisdom, #LiveWithIntegrity, #EternalPerspective

1. When have you done the right thing without receiving recognition?
2. Why is it hard to pursue wisdom when the world values power and wealth?
3. How does this passage remind you of Christ’s sacrifice?
4. In what area of your life do you need to choose wisdom over approval?

Choose wisdom over recognition today—do the right thing even if no one sees or praises you.

Lord, help me to choose wisdom even when it goes unnoticed. Let me live for Your approval, not the applause of others. Amen.

Thank You For It All.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:12:

For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them. — Ecclesiastes 9:12

We live like we’ve got all the time in the world. Making plans. Setting goals. Acting like tomorrow’s guaranteed.

But then—life happens.

A diagnosis. A job loss. A phone call that changes everything.

This text reminds us of a hard truth: we don’t know our time. Just like a fish caught in a net or a bird trapped in a snare—life’s trials come suddenly. No warning. No time to prepare.

That’s a sobering thought. But it’s also an invitation.

An invitation to live ready. Not in fear—but in faith. Jesus said, “Be watchful” (Matthew 24:42) because none of us know when our final day will come. But being ready isn’t about paranoia—it’s about priorities.

Are you investing in things that truly matter? Are you living in obedience to God? If life changed right now, would you be found faithful?

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live trapped in fear of the unknown. Jesus came to set us free. Not just from life’s uncertainty, but from the snare of sin and death itself.

Without Him, we’re all caught—bound by sin, unprepared for eternity. But through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the trap wide open. He offers salvation, a new life, and the assurance that whenever our time comes, we’ll be ready.

So don’t wait. Surrender your life to Him today. Turn from sin. Trust in Jesus. Because when you’re in His hands, no snare can hold you. No trial can shake you.

Have you put your trust in Jesus? If not, what’s stopping you?

Just pray this with me:

Jesus, I don’t want to live unprepared. I put my faith in You as my Savior. Forgive my sins, change my heart, and lead me to live ready—today and forever. Amen.

If you just prayed that—let me know in the comments. Write, "I choose Jesus." I want to celebrate with you!

#BeReady, #FaithOverFear, #TrustJesus

1. What areas of your life do you assume you have time to change?
2. If life changed instantly, would your priorities reflect obedience to God?
3. How does trusting Jesus free you from fear of the unknown?
4. What’s stopping you from fully surrendering to Christ today?

Surrender your life to Jesus today—don’t wait until it’s too late.

Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Forgive my sins, change my heart, and help me to live ready—faithful to You every day. Amen.

Fountains + Came to my Rescue.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:11:

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. — Ecclesiastes 9:11

We like to think life is predictable. That hard work guarantees success. That wisdom leads to wealth. That strength always wins the battle.

But this verse? It flips that thinking upside down.

Solomon points out a frustrating reality—life doesn’t always go the way we expect. The fastest runner doesn’t always cross the finish line first. The strongest warrior can still lose the fight. The wisest man might struggle just to make ends meet.

Why? Because time and chance happen to them all.

Life is unpredictable. We can do everything right and still face setbacks. Plans fall apart. Opportunities slip through our fingers. Life isn’t a formula.

But here’s the good news—while the world runs on randomness, God does not. What looks like chance to us? It’s fully in His hands. He sees beyond our disappointments. He’s working everything—even the parts that don’t make sense—for His purpose.

So what do we do? We trust. We work hard, but we hold the results loosely. We stop trying to control everything and start walking by faith.

Because even when life doesn’t go as planned—God’s plan never fails.

#FaithOverFear, #TrustGodsPlan, #BibleWisdom

1. When have you experienced an unexpected setback despite doing everything right?
2. How does Ecclesiastes 9:11 challenge your views on success?
3. What area of your life do you struggle to surrender to God’s control?
4. How can you practice trusting God’s plan even when life seems unfair?

Surrender your plans to God today—work hard but hold the results loosely, trusting that His purpose will always prevail.

Father, I confess that I often try to control my life, expecting my efforts to guarantee success. Help me trust Your perfect plan, even when things don’t go as I expect. Amen.

I Will Fear No More.

If today was your last day, would you regret how you lived it?

Too many people sleepwalk through life—grinding through work, missing out on joy, and taking their relationships for granted. Solomon warns us—we don’t have endless time. So how do we make the most of today?

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:7-10:

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. — Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

So—how do we live each day with purpose?

God has already approved what we do. That means we should embrace the good things He provides—our work, our meals, our relationships. In biblical times, white garments and oil were signs of joy and celebration. That tells us something—godly living isn’t just about avoiding sin. It’s about embracing life with gratitude and joy.

Marriage isn’t just something to endure—it’s something to enjoy. Solomon tells men—love your wife, cherish her, and walk through life together. Too many men get caught up in work, stress, and distractions, missing what really matters. Your relationships are part of God’s portion for you. Invest in them.

Whatever is in front of you—give it your best. Why? Because life is fleeting. No second chances. Too many men go through the motions, half-hearted in their efforts. Solomon challenges us—don’t hold back. Whether it’s your work, your family, or your faith—give it everything you’ve got.

So today—slow down. Enjoy the good things God has given you. Show love to your wife. And whatever work is in front of you—give it your best.

Because this life? It’s the only shot you get.

#PurposefulLiving, #BiblicalWisdom, #LiveWithJoy

1. What simple joys has God given you today that you can embrace with gratitude?
2. How can you better cherish and invest in your closest relationships?
3. In what area of life have you been holding back instead of giving your best?
4. What would change if you lived today as if it were your last?

Live today with full engagement—enjoy God’s blessings, cherish relationships, and work with all your heart.

Lord, help me to embrace the gifts You have given—my work, my relationships, and the joy of today. May I live each moment with purpose, gratitude, and wholehearted effort for Your glory. Amen.

The Joy.

Today's shout-out goes to Mark DuVal and his recent battle with cancer. Mark, thanks for sharing this struggle with me, and I hope today's devotional captures the heart behind a lesson you learned.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:4-6:

But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. — Ecclesiastes 9:4-6

This text draws a sharp contrast between the living and the dead. The dead are cut off from everything in this world—their emotions, ambitions, and opportunities come to an end. But the living? They still have time.

Solomon’s comparison is blunt. A living dog, a despised creature in ancient times, is better than a dead lion, who is the king of beasts. Why? Because the dog is still alive—it still has potential, still has purpose. No matter how great or strong a person was in life, once they’re gone, their influence is gone. The living, however, still have the chance to seek God, to change, to love, to make a difference.

Mark, every day is an opportunity, is an opportunity—isn't it? No matter your past, if you’re alive today, God isn’t finished with you. You still have time to repent, to grow, to forget the past, and to bless others. Don’t waste the time you have left. Use it wisely.

☑️ Do you need to repent? Come back to the Father.

☑️ Do you need to grow spiritually? Take spiritual action right now.

☑️ Do you need to forget the past? Let it go and make today different.

Thanks, Mark, for sharing your life and struggle with me, and with that renewed life, make every day count, dawg!

#HopeInGod, #MakeItCount, #Ecclesiastes9

1. What does this passage teach you about the urgency of life?
2. What area of your life needs spiritual renewal today?
3. How can you shift your focus from past failures to present opportunities?
4. Who can you bless today with the time God has given you?

Seize today as an opportunity to seek God, repent, and live with purpose.

Father, thank You for the gift of today and the chance to live for You. Help me to use my time wisely, seek You fully, and leave a legacy that honors You. Amen.

Seize The Day.