SEPTEMBER 14, Proverbs 28:13

Matt’s friend, Nick, had a flat tire on his bike, so Matt ran home to see if he could use Dad’s tire pump. Matt liked using his father’s tools, and usually Dad didn’t mind. “Just follow my rules,” Dad had told him. “Get permission before you use them, and put the tools away as soon as you’re finished with them.” But this time, Dad wasn’t home to ask. Matt shrugged and took the pump to Nick’s house anyway. The boys fixed the tire and then went for a ride.

As Matt and Nick rode their bikes home, it began to rain. “Don’t bother to stop for your pump. I’ll bring it over in the morning,” Nick promised. Matt hesitated. “Well... all right,” he agreed. He felt a little guilty as he sped on home.

The next morning, Nick called Matt. “I’ve looked all over, and I can’t find the tire pump anywhere,” said Nick. “Oh, no!” groaned Matt. “Dad doesn’t know I took it, and I have to put it back where it belongs before he notices.”

“Look... just pretend you don’t know anything about it,” urged Nick. “If you don’t mention it, no one will even know we took it.”

At first that seemed like a good idea, but as the morning passed, Matt was very uncomfortable about the whole thing. “I’m going to have to tell Dad,” he muttered to himself. With a sigh, he went to find his dad and told him the whole story.

Dad nodded. “Nick’s dad called me just a few minutes ago,” he said. “He found the pump last night and took it in out of the rain. He said it just occurred to him that it was mine, and he’s sending Nick over with it now. As for you, Matt, consider yourself grounded.”

“But Dad... can’t we just forget about it this one time?” pleaded Matt. “I did come and tell you about it.”

“Yes, and I appreciate that,” said Dad. “I had intended to ground you for a week, but because you were honest about this, Matt, I’ll ground you for only the weekend.”

“I will! I promise,” Matt said solemnly. He turned to leave, then stopped. “And thanks, Dad,” he added.

Thought: God will not be pleased with me when I hide my sins.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be honest and never to cover up my sins. Instead if I have done wrong to others help me to admit my wrong-doing to them. Please help me to repent and seek Your forgiveness when I sin against You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.