"THE PROSPERITY OF FOOLS SHALL DESTROY THEM." This was the effect of prosperity, making the man wise in his own wisdom and strong in his own strength. All was calm and tranquil as he settled down in self satisfaction. This would soon be the case with us, if it were not for trials and testings sent from God. We should, like Israel, forget God our Saviour, and lightly esteem the Rock of our salvation. To a certain extent this happens also to us. We settle down to a life of ease; then prayer becomes formal, spiritual food tasteless, the things of God mere commonplace and trivial matters. There is no wrestling with God, no direct communion, no serious spiritual conversation; the form is maintained, but the power is lacking. When this happens, Christians! look out for troubles - they will surely come: our God will stir us up as the eagle stirs up her nest. He will send one trial upon another, one message after another, until He brings us back to Himself with weeping and supplication. Moab may settle on his lees, but Israel shall not; therefore beware of sinking into such an unbelieving state. "Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion." Now is the time for diligence, for earnest striving for God.

For Meditation:
Be wise to run thy race,
And cast off every load;
Strive to be rich in works of grace,
Be rich towards thy God.