JUNE 14 – When It’s Hard to Do What’s Right
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:25–26; Psalm 69; Exodus 21
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“A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.” — Proverbs 17:25–26
“I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God… But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” — Psalm 69:3, 13
“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” — Exodus 22:21
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Have you ever felt like doing the right thing cost you something—maybe a friendship, a good grade, or even just your peace of mind? In Proverbs 17:26, it talks about how unfair it is to punish someone for doing what’s right. And in Psalm 69, David pours out his heart to God because doing right has made him feel worn out and alone. But even when things got tough, David didn’t stop talking to God—he trusted that God would respond at just the right time.
The truth is, sometimes choosing to do the right thing can feel lonely or painful. Standing up for someone who’s being mistreated, refusing to lie when others do, or not going along with gossip—it can make you feel left out or even attacked. But just like God told His people in Exodus 22, He sees those who are overlooked or mistreated, and He wants His people to treat others with compassion because He’s done the same for them.
When you feel discouraged for doing what’s right, remember that God sees it all. He honors integrity, and even when others don’t understand your choices, God does.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Righteous but Rejected: Have you ever been hurt or criticized for doing what was right? What helped you stay strong—or what would help next time?
2. God Hears the Honest Heart: When life feels unfair or heavy, do you bring those feelings to God like David did, or try to carry them alone?
3. Justice Is God’s Heart: Are you living in a way that reflects God’s justice and kindness—especially to those who are often overlooked?
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BOTTOM LINE
Doing what’s right won’t always be easy—but God sees, God cares, and He promises to be faithful in every battle you face.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, sometimes doing what’s right feels hard, especially when others don’t understand or when it costs me something. Help me to stay strong in those moments and keep trusting You. Remind me that You care about justice, and that You’re always with me when I stand for what’s right. Give me courage and a heart like Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.