MAY 9,   Proverbs 25:27

Seng sped up and reached his grandpa’s place. “I won! I’m the fastest runner. No one can beat me!” shouted Seng as his cousin, Eli ran up. “Good race, Seng. You are fast!” puffed Eli, as he tried to catch his breath.

“I’m the best. I’ll always be the race champion!” Seng sang as he did his usual victory dance. “Let’s run again, Eli. I’ll beat you by even more this time.” Eli shook his head. “No way, I’m going home now,” he said.

After Eli left, Seng went into the house, where Grandpa was fixing a snack. “Grandpa, Eli’s a sore loser,” complained Seng. “He left just because I always win.” Grandpa looked thoughtful as he took a jar of honey from the cupboard. “Want some of this?” Grandpa asked.

Seng took a big spoonful of honey. “Yum!” he exclaimed. “I love honey.” While Grandpa mixed some lemonade, Seng helped himself to more honey. At first he gobbled it up quickly, but then ate more slowly. “Grandpa, this was so good at first, but…” He looked at his spoon. “I took too much. I don’t think I can finish this or I’ll be sick,” Seng said.

Grandpa nodded. “Did you know the Bible says it’s not good to eat too much honey?” “It does?” Seng was surprised. “Where?” he asked. “In Proverbs 25:27,” Grandpa replied, “and it’s compared to bragging.” He looked at Seng. “I heard Eli compliment you on your running speed. What did you say in reply?”

Seng’s brow furrowed as he remembered how he had bragged. Putting the lid on the jar of honey, Grandpa added, “A little honey is delicious, but too much makes us feel sick. And being happy about winning a race is fine, but bragging about it is something else. It’s like too much honey—and it even makes other people feel sick.”

Seng was quiet. Then he nodded. “Can I call Eli? I… I need to apologize to him, and maybe he’d want to come back with me. Okay?”

Grandpa smiled and tousled Seng’s hair. “Sure thing,” said Grandpa. “I’ll fix snacks for you guys.” Seng smiled as he went to call his cousin. “Okay, Grandpa,” he said, “but no honey with those snacks, please! I’ve had enough!”

Thought: Do you boast about yourself and your accomplishments? Don’t toot your own horn, don’t brag about yourself and what you can do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me not to be boast. Instead, I should thank You for each success, and ask You to help me be humble. I remember all my abilities are gifts from You, and to You I give all credit and thanks. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.