Title

Sincere, But Wrong

Scripture
Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
(Proverbs 26:23)
Devotional
There are many sincere people in the world with various causes and motives. They are, however, sincerely wrong. The word picture the writer of this Proverb gives, clearly defines the fervency of those with a wicked heart. They truly mean what they say, but what they say comes from a heart void of the Spirit of God. Their words have no power or strength. The shine of those words is described as dross - powerless waste. The depth of them is fragile pottery. They have no value and no ability to perform what they so fervently proclaim.
Therefore, let us know the conditions of our hearts whenever we desire to proclaim some lofty goal or righteous-sounding motive. No matter how good our words may sound, void of a godly heart, they are baked mud covered with slag. However, words from a pure heart are, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver.”(1)

(1) Proverbs 25:11
Text For The Day
Proverbs 26:23: Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
 
Thought For The Day
“We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. ‘Shoot up if you must, but use a clean needle.’ or, ‘Enjoy sex whenever and with whomever you wish, but protect yourself.’ No! The answer is no! Not because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might wind up in jail or dying in the AIDS ward, but because it's wrong!” Ted Koppel, ABC Nightline
Questions To Ponder
 
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Dross”: Waste byproduct of the refinery’s furnace. That which is to be removed, the scum that floats on top of that which is to be valued.
 
Referencing: “Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry,” Proverbs 25:4.
 
Applying: Turn up the heat of the Gospel of Christ in your life and as the dross rises to the top, scrape it off.