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This is Proverb Pic, the daily devotional newsletter that helps Christians become wiser in 2 minutes a day.

Proverb of the day

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Meditation

Proverbs 21:20 teaches us how to beat the cycle of short term gratification. The fool urgently devours whatever he has leaving nothing for the future. He lives day by day with no eye towards tomorrow. This leaves him vulnerable similarly, living paycheck to paycheck in our day and age. The wise person in this proverb saves up what will sustain him for the future. Not only that, he stores up the "choice food" or the best of what will sustain him for the future.

The "fool" described in this proverb is someone who, driven by immediate desires, uses up resources as soon as they are acquired without considering the possible needs of the future. In our contemporary context, this might look like living paycheck to paycheck, buying the latest electronics on credit, or spending impulsively on things that give immediate pleasure but no long-term value. This lack of foresight often leads to a life of stress, financial instability, and vulnerability to unexpected circumstances.

On the other hand, the "wise" person, as depicted in this proverb, is someone who appreciates the value of the future. They have the discipline to save, and not only that, but they are discerning in what they save— the "choice food and olive oil," symbolizing the finest and most valuable commodities of that time. In our context, this might represent saving money for emergencies, retirement, or investing wisely to grow one's wealth over time. It signifies an understanding of the importance of preparing for future needs and desires rather than just fulfilling immediate ones.

This concept indeed echoes the findings of the Stanford marshmallow experiment. This psychological study conducted by Walter Mischel tested children's ability to delay gratification by offering them a choice between one small reward provided immediately or two small rewards if they waited for a short period. The experiment revealed that children who were able to wait for the larger reward tended to have better life outcomes, such as educational attainment and body mass index.

Both Proverbs 21:20 and the Stanford marshmallow experiment underscore the importance of delaying gratification for long-term gain. It highlights the importance of self-control, patience, and foresight. Furthermore, they remind us that wisdom involves not just knowledge, but the application of knowledge in a way that brings long-term benefits and well-being.

It's crucial to note, though, that the teaching of Proverbs 21:20 is not about hoarding wealth or denying oneself of all pleasures. Rather, it emphasizes balance, wise stewardship of resources, and the value of long-term planning over immediate consumption. It's a lesson that encourages us to develop habits that lead to sustainable growth and stability in our lives, which ultimately promotes our overall well-being.

Prayer

Lord, help us to develop patients in our life. Life is not only about experiencing pleasure, but having the right experiences at the right time that you give us.

Application question

What can you enjoy today?

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