Proverbs 4:1-9 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction… (v. 1) It has been said that when the Bible repeats something two or three (or more) times, one should take note. Are you beginning to sense, then, that perhaps getting wisdom is important? When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in …
Monthly Archives: May 2022
May 11 / Proverbs 3:27-35
Proverbs 3:27-35 Do not… Withhold good when you can do it (Pr. 3:27) Put off your neighbor when you can provide his due (Pr. 3:28) Plan evil against your neighbor (Pr. 3:29) Be contentious without cause (Pr. 3:30) Envy a man of violence (Pr. 3:31) Choose the ways of a man of violence (Pr. 3:31) In …
May 10 / Proverbs 3:19-26
Proverbs 3:19-26 To Fred’s point yesterday, that knowing Jesus is wisdom: The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. (v. 19) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … All things were made through Him, and without Him was not …
May 9 / Proverbs 3:13-18
Proverbs 3:13-18 Wisdom and understanding — what could be better? Not silver. Not gold. Not jewels. Nothing you desire. She offers long life, riches, honor, pleasantness, and peace. Seriously, what could be better? Only God Himself. I am left having to ask myself some hard questions. How do I honestly regard wisdom? Do I really …
May 8 / Proverbs 3:9-12
Proverbs 3:9-12 Honor the LORD with your wealth… (v. 9) As I mentioned yesterday, I memorized Pr. 3:9-10 years ago. My guess is that Fred, our treasurer, may have memorized those verses, too. 🙂 While the immediate message may be that one should give financially to the church (and that reward will follow), I think the deeper message is an …
May 7 / Proverbs 3:1-8
Proverbs 3:1-8 The author (Solomon) again urges the reader (“my son”) to attend to his teaching, using language reminiscent of Deuteronomy 11:18-21. Again, intentionality is key: diligence; attentiveness; focus — certainly not apathy. Long ago (40+ years) I memorized Pr. 3:5-6 (as well as Pr. 3:9-10 from tomorrow’s reading): Trust in the LORD with all …
May 6 / Proverbs 2:16-22
Proverbs 2:16-22 Today we see another example of how wisdom offers deliverance: So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words… (v. 16) This example illustrates both forms of protection that I mentioned yesterday. First, with wisdom one can recognize and choose to avoid seduction in the first …
May 5 / Proverbs 2:9-15
Proverbs 2:9-15 As Fred indicated yesterday, today’s reading continues describing the benefits of seeking (and gaining) wisdom: Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path… (v. 9) One thing that strikes me in both yesterday’s and today’s readings is the notion of God’s protection coming through wisdom. We read words like …
May 4 / Proverbs 2:1-8
Proverbs 2:1-8 Wisdom. Insight. Understanding. How does the author regard these things? With complacency? Passivity? Not at all! Do these things “just happen”? Do they just appear out of nowhere? No! The author makes it very clear that wisdom, insight, and understanding require intentionality. They are to be attended to, searched for, asked for. They …
May 3 / Proverbs 1:20-33
Proverbs 1:20-33 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice… (v. 20) Here we are introduced to the personification of Wisdom, a woman calling in the streets and markets, trying to get the attention of the “simple ones”, scoffers, and fools. And she has some good news: If you turn …