Proverbs 25:14
Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.
The day is hot, as it has been for weeks. There has been no rain. A breeze picks up; you look into the sky and see clouds coming, dark clouds. Finally, rain is on the way. The clouds are now overhead; already it feels cooler and you can smell the moisture. But the clouds pass on, the sun returns, and your hopes are dashed. So is the feeling when someone makes a promise that he does not keep. It would be better to make no promises.
What kind of cloud are you? When you say that you will provide help to someone, do you follow through? When you promise to make an event, can you be depended upon to keep your word? When you boast of what you can give or do, are you boasting of what you really have or are capable of doing?
What will you be today? Will you bring rain to a thirsty soul? Will you say the kind word needed? Will you bring a gift that lifts a sad spirit? Will you be the rain cloud that the Lord sends which does bring the needed rain, or will you pass over leaving hopes unrealized?
We all have our different gifts. Some can give more than others. But if we promise only what we do have, and if we carry through on our promise, then we can all be the refreshing rain that our neighbors need.
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord.[b]
I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.2 Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.