One claiming to be a preacher of God or boast of having a false gift is like a cloud and wind without rain. They boast of having gifts that were never given to them by God. (Proverbs 25:14) Only a liar claims an ability to heal; when even fools know that it is God that heals.
Be careful of praising empty clouds for rain, when they simply blow over the desert without dropping one droplet of water. Praise should go where praise is due. When you praise God for your rain, a dry cloud can be seen from miles away. When believing God for a miracle, remove yourself from people with an unbelieving spirit, who wants your praise. When in a dry place, promote only good works that satisfy your spiritual thirst.
Pray for strength to let go of empty clouds, and wisdom to wait for what you deserve. God will give you the self-control, patience, and soft words to change the minds of influential people. When spoken with gentleness, yet firmness, soft words of truth have the ability to break bones. There is power in self-control, with well-placed words, that can change an entire nation.
(1 Peter 2:9) We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. HIS special children who declare praises to our God, who called us out of darkness into HIS perfect light. Turning towards the light of God, makes all shadows fall behind.
We realize that difficulties are opportunities that have thorns. As with a rose, we must look beyond its spurs and spikes to appreciate the beauty. Exercise self-control when upholding the truth of God. Be like a cloud, full of Holy Water, which soak the seeds and feed the flocks, that place their faith in God.
Proverbs 25:14
New International Version
14 “Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.”
Proverbs 25:14
King James Version
14 “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.”
Proverbs 25:14
Living Bible
14 “One who doesn’t give the gift he promised is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain.”
1 Peter 2:9
New International Version
9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9
King James Version
9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”
1 Peter 2:9
Living Bible
9 “But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”