Today’s reading covers 1 Samuel 10 and Proverbs 18:9–12. The reflection follows Samuel as he anoints Saul as prince over Israel and gives him a series of confirming signs, from the word of the found donkeys to the group of prophets he meets at Gibeah, where he prophesies and prompts the question, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” Samuel then presents Saul to the people at Mizpah, where he’s chosen by lot while hiding among the baggage and is met with a mix of acceptance and mockery. The discussion frames the chapter as the end of the era of judges and the start of the monarchy, and as another marker of Israel’s rejection of God’s own leadership in asking for a king.

Proverbs 18:9–12 covers four short ideas. Laziness is compared to outright destruction, in contrast to diligent work that honors the Lord. The Lord is pictured as a strong tower where the righteous find safety, set against those who trust in their wealth instead. Wealth itself isn’t condemned, but the passage calls us to examine where our hearts truly place their trust, closing with the familiar warning that pride comes before destruction while humility comes before honor.

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