February 19, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
The word of God has much to say about kings and those who are in authority. To have a godly king or one who serves the Lord is to have a leader of righteousness. We know that “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
We also know that there were many kings who did evil in the sight of the Lord.
1Kings 15:25 And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. 26 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.
1Kings 16:30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.
Ahaziah - 1Kings 22:52 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
The list of kings who did evil is enormous and the reason the did evil is wicked. In every case, the wicked kings served Baal or some false god; they served Satan. Do we have those who are in authority today serving false gods? These kings also caused their nations to sin as well. Do we have such leadership today?
Our text teaches that there are kings that have divine sentences in their lips and they have favour as the latter rain and they love those who speak right. They consider wickedness an abomination. They also cause their nations to thrive in righteousness.
1Kings 15:11 And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.
2Kings 12:2 And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
2Kings 14:3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
Again, we see the good and the evil contrasted in these verses.
My friend, there is a King who is righteous and will only do righteous works as a King should do, and one who loves righteousness, and has divine sentences in His lips, His name is Jesus. He will sit on the throne of His father David and rule the world in righteousness.
Isaiah prophesied of the coming King Jesus - Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
One day the one and true King will return in righteousness and rule in righteousness.
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Let’s make it personal today; God compels us to live in righteousness and to have divine sentences on our lips and to abhor evil.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
