Daily Devotion Thursday Thoughts | January 1, 2026
Happy New Year! It’s time for Thursday’s daily devotion. We remain in Proverbs, noticing that it’s a book of comparisons. Two things it compares are the lives of the righteous and of the wicked. There’s an obvious distinction in verses 17 and 18:
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
In today’s daily devotion, thank God that, unlike the wicked, you shine with God’s light.
They Eat the Bread of Wickedness
Wickedness is the evil doers’ bread. They savor it because it fuels their desires and feeds their evil imaginations. Psalm 14:4 says, “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord.” They have chosen the evil path; hence, they continue on it.
God’s mercy is greater than their sin, and if they would only come to themselves as the Prodigal Son did, they would be forgiven. However, Psalm 52:3 makes this point about them: “Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness.” In your daily devotion, take note that evil doers devour evil. But you have God on your side.
They Drink the Wine of Violence
Job 15:16 says, “How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?” The wicked have no problem attacking others or bringing destruction to them. They actually delight in violence, mischief, and wickedness.
They may appear friendly and warm, yet operate secretly, so as not to be detected. If allowed access, they’ll attempt harm. Proclaim in today’s daily devotion that no harm will come to you through their wickedness.
But the Path of the Just
There’s an obvious contrast when we go to verse 18. The wicked, who are evil and violent, are compared to the just. The evil doers’ pathway is dark and slippery, but the path of the just is different. In today’s daily devotion, declare that your path shines like the sun.
Is As the Shining Light
As you continue reading this verse, see how the path of the righteous contrasts with the wicked’s path. The just person’s path is a shining path that leads to righteousness, peace, and joy. It’s illuminated with the light of God’s word. In this daily devotion, declare that Jesus is the Light of the World who leads you out of darkness and into God’s radiant light.
That Shines More and More
The light of God never diminishes or fades. It shines brighter and brighter. In Isaiah 42:16, God says, “I will make darkness light before them.” When you walk in light, more light enters, and it becomes brighter the closer you get to God. In your daily devotion, say that revelation knowledge is light from God, and as you continue on the righteous path, more is revealed to you.
Unto the Perfect Day
Believers don’t walk in perfection now, but the day will come when they will. Matthew 13:43 says, “ Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Those who are on the path of righteousness will see this day; however, those who tread the evil path will be far from it. Say out loud in your daily devotion, “I will see God’s perfect light!”
Final Thoughts
In today’s first daily devotion of the new year, know that the paths of the righteous and the wicked will always contrast. The ungodly will face destruction, but the righteous will shine with God’s light.
