I plan to write a personal observation on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ later this Christmas Eve; however, for now I will put forward today’s devotional thought taken from Proverbs 24:21-22.
Recent events in our nation have exposed the fragile nature of our democracy. Like a powder keg with a short fuse, America has become a society easily provoked to wrath by provocateurs many of whom, under the guise of “free speech”, undermine the very laws they have sworn to uphold while eroding the public’s confidence in law enforcement who risk their lives everyday to keep the peace. 
Be careful: Revolutionaries of the type who call themselves “Reverend” and garner the praise and following of some, are destroyers, inciting the masses to riot while proffering nothing of lasting value.
Solomon’s challenge in today’s proverbs is: Don’t meddle, fellowship or trust those who are given to duplicity in word and action [we sometimes express this thought as one who “talks out of both sides of his mouth”; the proverbial two-faced].
Proverbs 24:21-22 – “My son, fear [revere; dread; stand in awe; submit to] thou the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal God] and the king: and meddle [mingle; intermix; pledge or be security] not with them that are given to change [disguise; double minded; disloyal]: 22 For their [those given to change] calamity [destruction; misfortune; ruin] shall rise [arise; come about] suddenly [instantly; surprisingly]; and who knoweth [perceives; understands] the ruin [destruction; misfortune] of them both [the rebel; unfaithful; disloyal?”
Solomon’s caution is a warning: Men and women given to the practice of hypocrisy, disloyalty and lacking in integrity invariably bring misfortune upon themselves and those closest to them. The LORD, a lawful king or a godly leader will not long abide the presence of those who are liars and deceivers; those who do will suffer misfortune and put at risk their own souls.