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Day Eighty-Six

When Enough is Never Enough (Read Proverbs 30:10-16)

10 Never slander a worker to the employer,
    or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.

11 Some people curse their father
    and do not thank their mother.
12 They are pure in their own eyes,
    but they are filthy and unwashed.
13 They look proudly around,
    casting disdainful glances.
14 They have teeth like swords
    and fangs like knives.
They devour the poor from the earth
    and the needy from among humanity.

15 The leech has two suckers
    that cry out, "More, more!" [c]

There are three things that are never satisfied—
    no, four that never say, "Enough!":

There are three things that are never satisfied—
    no, four that never say, “Enough!”:
16 the grave,[d]
    the barren womb,
    the thirsty desert,
    the blazing fire.

Footnotes

C. 30:15 Hebrew two daughters who cry out, “Give, give!”
D. 30:16 Hebrew Sheol.

 Reflection:

Proverbs 30:15 paints a sobering picture of a life driven by insatiable desires. The image of the leech, constantly crying out for more, reflects the heart that is never content. Whether it's a thirst for wealth, power, glory, prestige, or control, this craving can close our eyes to the needs of others. Worse, it often leads to exploiting the vulnerable, as those seeking more take advantage of the weak in their relentless pursuit.

This unquenchable hunger isn't limited to material possessions—it can show up in relationships, work, and even spirituality—the destructive nature of "never enough" lies in how it warps our values. When focused on our satisfaction, SELF, we can become harsh and dismissive toward others, especially those suffering or in need. The drive for more can make us lose sight of Jesus' call to love and serve the least of these.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "There is enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed." Jesus showed us another way: a life of contentment, compassion, and justice. He warns in Matthew 16:26, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" If we follow His example, we'll discover that true fulfillment comes not from grasping for more but from giving more, especially to those in need.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What areas of my life are marked by a constant desire for "more" that I need to surrender to Jesus?
  2. How has my pursuit of satisfaction affected my compassion toward others, particularly the vulnerable?
  3. How can I reflect Jesus' love and generosity by focusing less on what I want and more on the needs of others?

Next Steps:

  • Choose generosity over greed: Intentionally give to someone in need this week, whether through time, money, or resources. Let it remind you that giving is more fulfilling than getting.
  • Practice contentment: Make a daily habit of listing three things you're grateful for. Let this practice reshape your heart to find satisfaction in what you already have.
  • Stand up for justice: Seek out opportunities to defend or assist the vulnerable in your community, remembering that Jesus calls us to care for the least of these.

Prayer:

Jesus, I confess that sometimes my heart cries out for more, and I lose sight of what truly matters. Help me find my contentment in You. Teach me to love justice, show compassion, and live with a heart open to the needs of others. Forgive me when I am harsh or neglectful of those who are vulnerable. Shape my desires so that I hunger not for more of this world but for more of You. Amen.

This devotion reminds us that in Jesus, we find enough. We enter a life of true fulfillment when we surrender our desires and focus on His call to love and serve others.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.