THE MAIN THEME: FAILING FORWARD

TITLE: LEARNING FROM OTHERS’ MISTAKES

Our bible verse for today’s devotional is: Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
 "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

Devotional

Have you ever watched someone make a poor decision and suffer the consequences? Maybe it was a friend who didn’t study for an exam and failed or someone who spent all their money recklessly and struggled later. Learning from others’ mistakes can save us from unnecessary pain and help us grow without going through the same failures ourselves.

Take the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). He demanded his inheritance early, wasted it on reckless living, and found himself broke and hungry. His life could have taken a different path if he had observed the experiences of those who misused wealth before him. However, his story still teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of wise choices and second chances.

History is full of examples of people who made mistakes so others wouldn’t have to. Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before inventing the lightbulb, but we don’t have to repeat his exact failures to learn perseverance. Instead, we can take his lesson of persistence and apply it to our challenges.

God has given us wisdom, mentors, and even the Bible so that we can learn from others’ experiences. Instead of repeating mistakes, let’s seek guidance, observe the choices of those before us, and choose wisely.

Here are a few reflective questions:

1. Have I ever made a mistake that others could learn from?
2. What is one lesson I have learned from someone else’s failure?
3. How can I daily apply the wisdom of those before me?
4. Who do I look up to as a mentor, and why?

 Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for surrounding me with people whose lives can teach me valuable lessons. Help me to be humble enough to learn from others' mistakes and make wise decisions. Guide my steps and give me discernment in all I do. Amen.

Please say these words of affirmation after me. Say them, mean them, own them, and live them:

1. I am wise and learn from the experiences of others.
2. I make decisions that align with God’s wisdom.
3. I am open to correction and guidance.
4. My choices lead to a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Be wise, learn from others, and make choices that lead to a brighter future! I’ll see you tomorrow.

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