Credit Where Credit’s Due

Read Proverbs 20

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the LORD.

Proverbs 20:12

This proverb can be interpreted in a couple of ways. Taken at face value, it seems to be saying that we ought to be grateful for our physical senses of hearing and sight. These auditory and optical capabilities are, indeed, a wonderful blessing.

On the other hand, since the Hebrew verb “to hear” is sometimes translated as “to obey,” and since “to see” often means “to understand” elsewhere in the Bible, this verse may mean that spiritual insight and obedience are a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Whichever interpretation you prefer—that this verse speaks of physical perception or that it refers to spiritual awareness and understanding—don’t lose sight of the deeper truth. God is the source of all that we have. Thank him for his marvelous, undeserved blessings! And use his blessings for his glory!

A WORD FOR TODAY

It makes sense to use your senses!

Today, Lord, I want to give credit where credit is due. I want to praise you for blessing me with ears to hear and eyes to see. Help me use these to bring you praise.