Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. – Proverbs 19:2 ESV

Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.  A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.  Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools. – Proverbs 19:27‭-‬29 ESV

Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. – Proverbs 19:25‭ ESV

Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. – Proverbs 19:16 ESV

Father God, thank you for your love, your mercy, your grace, and yes, even for your rebuke, your discipline, and your trying fires — because you are a God of justice and you repay men for their wickedness — that we might repent and turn to you. 

Father God, when we see evil all around us, and when we see evil being called good and good being called evil by self serving fools and scoffers who have no fear of God and who despise the Way — remind us that we too were once an enemy of God and friend of the world. Remind us of the mercy, love and grace shared with us so that we can go plant that very same seed by sharing this Good News that Jesus Christ did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, too set the captives free, so that the old can pass away and the new can come in our lives. 

Father God, give us ears to hear. Forgive us for our sins and give us forgiving hearts towards others,  even as you teach us to hate the sin. Teach us and give us understanding of spiritual things and the way you work through your saints and the traps of those unseen enemies, so that we may be wise in your eyes, even if thought fools by the worldly. Guide us to not walk as proud hypocrites, but as humble yet bold servants of the most high God. We pray these things in the precious, holy name of Jesus Christ. Hear our prayers, oh LORD, and give us ears to receive your guidance into our lives. Amen.