Morning Manna

Proverbs 22:17 marks a turning point—an intentional call to listen, receive, and internalize wisdom. “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.” Wisdom is not absorbed casually; it requires humility, attention, and a willing heart. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine the posture required to receive truth, why wisdom must...

Proverbs 22:16 delivers a clear warning about unjust gain and misplaced favor. Those who oppress the poor to increase their own wealth, or give to the rich in hopes of advantage, ultimately move toward loss rather than gain. What appears profitable in the moment is overturned by God’s justice. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how exploitation and partiality corrupt the...

In this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, the focus centers on John 6:56, where Jesus declares that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood abides in Him, and He in them. This is the language of deep union—not surface belief, but an ongoing, living connection with Christ. To partake of Him is to dwell in Him, and to have His life dwelling within. Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore what i...

Proverbs 22:15 declares a foundational truth about the human heart: foolishness is not incidental—it is bound up within. Left unchecked, it directs life toward error and ruin. Yet God provides a means of correction—the rod of discipline—that drives folly far from the child and sets a course toward wisdom. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine the reality of inherited folly,...

In this study of Proverbs 22:14, the focus shifts to the Septuagint, whose expanded text presents a fuller theological progression than the Hebrew rendering. Received and taught by the early church, the Greek version traces a complete arc—from the danger of the transgressor’s voice, to a deeper diagnosis of the human will, and finally to an urgent call to turn. This is not a repetition of the KJV...

Proverbs 22:14, in the KJV, delivers a sobering warning: “The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.” The imagery is severe—seductive speech becomes a trap from which escape is difficult, revealing both moral danger and divine judgment. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart focus on the KJV rendering, examining how flattering words...

Proverbs 22:12–13 contrasts God’s watchful protection with human avoidance of responsibility. The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, ensuring that truth stands while deceit is overturned. Yet the sluggard invents danger to justify inaction, claiming threats that keep him from doing what is right. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how God upholds truth, why excuses rev...

In this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, the focus centers on John 6:55, where Jesus declares that His flesh is true food and His blood is true drink. Christ points beyond physical sustenance to the deeper reality of spiritual life—only what comes from Him truly satisfies and sustains the soul. This is not symbolic hunger alone, but a call to receive Him fully by faith. Rick Wiles and Doc Bu...

Proverbs 22:10–11 reveals both the removal of conflict and the reward of purity. Driving out the scoffer brings an end to strife, contention, and reproach—showing that certain conflicts persist because of certain people. At the same time, the one who loves purity of heart and speaks with grace finds favor, even with kings. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how separatin...

Proverbs 22:7–9 exposes the realities of power, poverty, and provision. The rich often rule over the poor, and the borrower becomes servant to the lender—revealing how financial entanglement can lead to loss of freedom. Those who sow injustice reap trouble, but the generous are blessed, for they share what they have with those in need. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine...

Proverbs 22:3 highlights one of the clearest marks of wisdom: the ability to recognize danger and take refuge before trouble arrives. The prudent person sees what lies ahead and acts wisely, while the simple continue forward without discernment and suffer the consequences. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how spiritual awareness protects the soul, why ignoring warning...

Proverbs 22:3 highlights one of the clearest marks of wisdom: the ability to recognize danger and take refuge before trouble arrives. The prudent person sees what lies ahead and acts wisely, while the simple continue forward without discernment and suffer the consequences. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how spiritual awareness protects the soul, why ignoring warning...

Proverbs 22:1–2 places true value where God places it. A good name—formed through integrity and faithful character—is better than great riches, and favor earned through righteousness outweighs silver and gold. The passage then reminds us that rich and poor ultimately share the same origin: the Lord is the Maker of them all. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore why reputati...

Proverbs 21:29–31 contrasts human stubbornness with divine sovereignty. The wicked harden their faces and push forward in defiance, while the upright carefully consider and establish their ways. Yet the passage concludes with a sweeping reminder: no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can ultimately prevail against the Lord. Horses may be prepared for battle, but victory belongs to God alone. In tod...

Proverbs 21:27–28 exposes the emptiness of religion without righteousness and the danger of false testimony. The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord—especially when it is offered with corrupt motives. God is not impressed by outward ritual when the heart remains unchanged. At the same time, a false witness will perish, but the one who listens carefully and speaks truth endures. In to...

Proverbs 21:25–26 contrasts restless desire with righteous generosity. The sluggard is consumed by craving yet refuses to work, and his unchecked appetite ultimately destroys him. In contrast, the righteous person not only labors but gives freely and without restraint. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how misdirected desire leads to emptiness, why diligence honors God,...

In this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, the focus turns to John 6:53–54, where Jesus delivers one of His most arresting declarations: unless one eats the flesh of the Son of Man and drinks His blood, there is no life within. Christ presses beyond surface belief and confronts the necessity of full participation in His sacrifice. The promise is clear—whoever truly partakes of Him has eternal...

Proverbs 21:21–22 reveals both the reward of faithful pursuit and the strength of wisdom in action. The one who actively follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, honor, and enduring favor. Wisdom is not passive—it climbs the city of the mighty and pulls down the confidence of strongholds that appear unshakable. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore how deliberate o...

Proverbs 21:20 contrasts the quiet strength of wisdom with the wastefulness of folly. The wise store up precious treasure and oil, exercising restraint and foresight, while the foolish consume everything in the moment and leave nothing for tomorrow. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine the connection between stewardship and character, why self-control safeguards provision,...

Proverbs 21:19 declares that it is better to dwell in the wilderness than to live in a house filled with contention and anger. Comfort, space, and provision cannot compensate for the constant strain of a quarrelsome spirit. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine how unresolved anger poisons relationships, why peace is more valuable than comfort, and how cultivating humility...

In this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, the focus centers on John 6:51, where Jesus declares Himself to be the living Bread that came down from heaven. Unlike the manna that sustained Israel temporarily, Christ offers eternal life to those who partake of Him. His flesh, given for the life of the world, points directly to the cross and the sacrificial offering that secures redemption. Rick W...

Proverbs 21:17–18 contrasts indulgence with inevitability and wickedness with divine justice. The one who loves pleasure, wine, and luxury without restraint moves steadily toward poverty, while the wicked ultimately become a ransom for the righteous—demonstrating that God overturns outcomes in His time. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine the danger of self-indulgent livi...

Proverbs 21:16 offers a stark warning: the one who strays from the path of understanding will come to rest among the dead. Wisdom is not merely intellectual insight but a life-directing path, and to depart from it is to move toward spiritual ruin. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine the danger of drifting from truth, the gradual nature of spiritual decline, and the urgenc...

Proverbs 21:15 draws a sharp line between the righteous and the workers of iniquity. When justice is carried out, it brings joy to those who love righteousness, but it strikes terror into those who practice evil. God’s standard does not shift with public opinion—His judgments expose, correct, and restore. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore why justice refreshes the uprig...

Proverbs 21:14 observes how a discreet gift can calm anger and how a quiet offering may soften fierce wrath. The proverb describes the practical reality of diffusing conflict, yet it also invites reflection on motive and integrity. In today’s Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart examine the tension between wisdom and manipulation, the power of humility in resolving disputes, and how righteou...