Proverbs 24:16
Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
The big question is not whether we experience problems, but what we do when they happen. The writer is clear that the person who knows God has resilience. We may get knocked many times, but we are always able to bounce back because we know that God is the one who inspires and strengthens us. When the writer says we may trip seven times, he’s almost certainly using seven to represent an unlimited number of times. Nelson Mandela said: “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
The reason that a godly person is resilient is because their confidence is in God and not in circumstances. If we place our confidence in life working out in a particular way, we are bound to be disappointed. But if we trust ourselves to our faithful God, we can look to the future with confidence.
On many occasions, I have attended the funeral of Christian friends, and the song ‘Blessed be Your name’ has often been chosen. This beautiful song includes the words: “You give and take away / You give and take away / My heart will choose to say / Lord, blessed be your name.” It’s tough to sing these words, and they are often sung with tears, but they show that our confidence is based on our great and loving God, and not on circumstances which, in a broken and sinful world, are often desperately painful and disappointing.
Question
How resilient are you, and how could your resilience grow?
Prayer
Loving God, thank You that You are always worthy of my praise, whatever the circumstances. Amen

Released on 3 Nov 2026