Daily Devotionals for August 24, 2026

Devotional Scripture

Proverbs 23:15–16 (KJV)

15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

Proverbs 23:15–16 (AMP)

15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will be glad, even mine;
16 Yes, my heart will rejoice when your lips speak right things.

Historical and Biblical Background

Proverbs repeatedly reminds us that wisdom is not merely knowledge—it is the ability to live according to God’s truth. In these verses, the father rejoices because his child’s wisdom is reflected not only in the heart, but also in the words that child speaks.

The instruction of children is therefore a sacred responsibility. Parents and guardians are called to teach by both word and example, helping children understand the difference between right and wrong while demonstrating those principles through their own lives.

Scripture teaches:

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
—Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV)

And we are instructed to teach these principles diligently to our children (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Children learn not only from what we say, but from what they see us do. Our conduct, attitudes, language, relationships, and treatment of others can become lessons more powerful than anything we teach verbally.

This does not mean parents must be perfect. None of us are. Rather, it means we should be willing to acknowledge our mistakes, seek God’s forgiveness, and strive to become better examples of Christlike living.

The Savior taught us the importance of becoming an example of righteousness. When children see humility, kindness, honesty, respect, repentance, and love practiced in the home, they are given a foundation upon which wisdom can grow.

Thought for the Day

A parent’s greatest joy is not found merely in a child’s accomplishments, possessions, or worldly success. It is found in seeing that child develop a wise and righteous heart.

Respect, courtesy, gratitude, and good manners may sometimes seem like forgotten virtues in today’s world, but they remain valuable expressions of love and respect for others.

Teaching children to say please, thank you, yes, sir, and yes, ma’am is not about demanding superiority or control. It is about teaching consideration, humility, and respect.

Likewise, parents should not seek merely to be their children’s friends. We are called to be loving parents, teachers, protectors, and examples. Children need boundaries and guidance, but they also need affection, patience, encouragement, and the assurance that they are deeply loved.

Our responsibility is not to control our children’s lives, but to help prepare them to make wise choices of their own.

As Proverbs reminds us, when our children develop wisdom and speak what is right, our hearts have reason to rejoice.

And when we recognize influences that may lead our families away from God, we should respond with prayer, patience, discernment, and love rather than fear or condemnation.

Hebrews teaches:

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
—Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)

We must continually seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost and the word of God so that we can recognize what is good, reject what is harmful, and guide our families toward Jesus Christ.

Life Application

Today, let us ask ourselves:

• Am I teaching my children or grandchildren by the example I live?

• Do my words reflect the love and wisdom of Christ?

• Do I correct with patience rather than anger?

• Do I demonstrate the repentance and humility I ask of others?

• Am I helping the younger generation recognize truth while still treating them with dignity and love?

We cannot always choose the influences our children encounter, but we can strive to make the home a place where truth, prayer, love, accountability, and faith are consistently taught and lived.

Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank Thee for the precious responsibility of guiding and loving our children and families. Forgive us for the times we have failed to teach by righteous example. Grant us wisdom, patience, discernment, and compassion.

Help us to correct with love, teach with humility, and lead by the example of Jesus Christ. Bless our children and grandchildren with wise hearts, kind words, and the courage to choose what is right.

Help us recognize influences that may draw us away from Thee, and give us the strength to stand for truth without losing charity toward others.

May our homes become places of faith, peace, forgiveness, and love. Help us to remember that our example may influence generations yet to come.

We ask these blessings humbly in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture to Remember

“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.”
—Proverbs 23:15 (KJV)

In His Watchful Service,

Bro. Steven Parker Miller
Founder & Administrator
Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups (GWIG)

“Standing Watch. Proclaiming Truth. Strengthening Faith through Jesus Christ.”