Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of Proverbs! 😊
Today we’re diving into Proverbs 21. I’ll be focusing on verses 2, 3, and 12. My prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for your daily walk.

🔍 Proverbs 21:2–3 (TPT)
“We may think we’re right all the time, but God thoroughly examines our motives. It pleases God more when we demonstrate godliness and justice than when we merely offer him a sacrifice.”
God doesn’t just look at what we do, He looks at why we do it. In our own eyes, our actions may seem right, and even others might approve, but the Lord sees the heart behind them. We can fool people, and sometimes even ourselves, but we can never fool God. What is your motive showing today?
Verse 3 reminds us that God values our character and daily choices more than us bringing an offering or sacrifice to him. The Life Application Study Bible puts it this way:
“Our good deeds and offerings are not bribes to make God overlook our character faults. We can’t exchange good behavior in one area for bad behavior in another. If our personal and business dealings are not characterized by justice, no amount of generosity when the offering is collected will make up for it.”
God is far more pleased when our lives reflect justice, mercy, and godliness than when we simply “go through the motions.” True worship is lived out daily in how we treat others.
💡 Proverbs 21:12 (TPT)
“A godly, righteous person has the ability to bring the light of instruction to the wicked even though he despises what the wicked do.”
As believers, we are called to bring light into the world, not absorb its darkness. We don’t have to agree with or approve of sinful behavior, but we are called to influence the world by shining the light of Jesus Christ.
The light we carry is Jesus—the true light who gives light to everyone. He reminds us in Matthew 5:14–16 (TPT):
“Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”
When we shine our light, we bring glory to God. The question is: Is your light shining brightly, or has it been dimmed by the world around you?
As we end todays blog, my prayer for us is that our motives are pure and pleasing to God, that we will live a godly life and shine the light of Jesus Christ wherever we go. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today! 😊 I’d love to hear how Proverbs 21 spoke to you—share your thoughts or reflections in the comments below so we can grow together.
📝 Here are some reflection questions
- When was the last time you checked your motives? What might God see in your heart today?
- In what practical ways can you let your light shine in your family, workplace, or community?
- What steps can you take this week to align your worship (daily living) with God’s heart for justice and godliness?