Bible Reading Plan

Author: Jon Green

  • Deuteronomy 3

    Deuteronomy 3

    Editor’s Note

    As we start this new book, here is a head’s up that we’ll be going back to our normal six chapters per week rhythm as we read through Deuteronomy. Sundays will go back to being a rest (or catch-up) day. For an overview (or refresher) on Deuteronomy, click here.

    We want this to continue to be a helpful resource, so invite someone to read along with you! To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Deuteronomy 3

    Defeat of Og King of Bashan

    3 Next we turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan with his whole army marched out to meet us in battle at Edrei.2 The Lord said to me, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.”

    3 So the Lord our God also gave into our hands Og king of Bashan and all his army. We struck them down, leaving no survivors. 4 At that time we took all his cities. There was not one of the sixty cities that we did not take from them—the whole region of Argob, Og’s kingdom in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and with gates and bars, and there were also a great many unwalled villages. 6 We completely destroyed them, as we had done with Sihon king of Heshbon, destroying every city—men, women and children. 7 But all the livestock and the plunder from their cities we carried off for ourselves.

    8 So at that time we took from these two kings of the Amorites the territory east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge as far as Mount Hermon.9 (Hermon is called Sirion by the Sidonians; the Amorites call it Senir.) 10 We took all the towns on the plateau, and all Gilead, and all Bashan as far as Salekah and Edrei, towns of Og’s kingdom in Bashan. 11 (Og king of Bashan was the last of the Rephaites. His bed was decorated with iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide. It is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

    Division of the Land

    12 Of the land that we took over at that time, I gave the Reubenites and the Gadites the territory north of Aroer by the Arnon Gorge, including half the hill country of Gilead, together with its towns. 13 The rest of Gilead and also all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh. (The whole region of Argob in Bashan used to be known as a land of the Rephaites. 14 Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maakathites; it was named after him, so that to this day Bashan is called Havvoth Jair.) 15 And I gave Gilead to Makir. 16 But to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave the territory extending from Gilead down to the Arnon Gorge (the middle of the gorge being the border) and out to the Jabbok River, which is the border of the Ammonites. 17 Its western border was the Jordan in the Arabah, from Kinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea), below the slopes of Pisgah.

    18 I commanded you at that time: “The Lord your God has given you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of the other Israelites. 19 However, your wives, your children and your livestock (I know you have much livestock) may stay in the towns I have given you, 20 until the Lord gives rest to your fellow Israelites as he has to you, and they too have taken over the land that the Lord your God is giving them across the Jordan. After that, each of you may go back to the possession I have given you.”

    Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan

    21 At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. 22 Do not be afraidof them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”

    23 At that time I pleaded with the Lord: 24 “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what godis there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? 25 Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.”

    26 But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the Lord said. “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” 29 So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.

    Go Deeper

    The third chapter of Deuteronomy is a continuation of the previous two chapters as Moses remembers all that Israel has been through. Right in the middle of this remembrance of the march on to Canaan and the appointment of Joshua, Moses makes a bold proclamation of his faith. Deuteronomy 3:22 says, “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”

    Fear is a battle for many of us. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of sickness. Fear of rejection. Fear of change. The list could go on and on. Just as Moses reminded Joshua that he did not need to be afraid of the challenges set before him, God divinely preserved this scripture to remind us that we don’t have to be afraid.

    God doesn’t just command us to not be afraid, though. He gives us an explanation as to why we don’t need to be afraid. We don’t have to waste the time, energy, and emotional/physical strength battling all the fears that plague us because the Lord is already fighting those battles on our behalf! The million dollar question of “How do you fight fear?” is succinctly answered here: By trusting in the God who fights for you.

    In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses models for us that an important step in trusting God is to remember what God has done for you. We just read a few chapters ago in Deuteronomy 1:30-31 “The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Moses desired for the Israelites and Joshua to remember that they had faced some very real and challenging fears, but not only had the Lord carried them through, but He had gone before them and led them to where they were now, on the verge of finally entering the Promised Land.

    Psalm 139:5 says “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” God goes before us and comes behind us. Our finite minds have difficulty understanding his omnipresence, but scripture reminds us time and time again that it’s true. When the fear starts to bubble up and cloud our view of the Promised Land, we can boldly state “Do not be afraid, because the Lord your God fights for you” and then we confidently trust that he is.

    Questions

    1. What fears do you battle on a consistent basis?
    2. Do you have difficulty trusting God with those fears?
    3. Spend some time remembering how God has fought for you in the past. What steps can you take to trust God with your fears in the future?

    Listen Here

    Listen to the song “You’ve Already Won” from Shane & Shane and pay close attention to the following lyrics:

    “I don’t know what you’re doing 
    But I know what you’ve done 
    I’m fighting a battle that You’ve already won”

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  • Deuteronomy 2

    Deuteronomy 2

    Editor’s Note

    As we start this new book, here is a head’s up that we’ll be going back to our normal six chapters per week rhythm as we read through Deuteronomy. Sundays will go back to being a rest (or catch-up) day. For an overview (or refresher) on Deuteronomy, click here.

    We want this to continue to be a helpful resource, so invite someone to read along with you! To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Deuteronomy 2

    Wanderings in the Wilderness

    2 Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea, as the Lord had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir.

    2 Then the Lord said to me, 3 “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north. 4 Give the people these orders: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. 5 Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own.6 You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’”

    7 The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty yearsthe Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

    8 So we went on past our relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion Geber, and traveled along the desert road of Moab.

    9 Then the Lord said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any part of their land. I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as a possession.”

    10 (The Emites used to live there—a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. 11 Like the Anakites, they too were considered Rephaites,but the Moabites called them Emites. 12 Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land the Lordgave them as their possession.)

    13 And the Lord said, “Now get up and cross the Zered Valley.” So we crossed the valley.

    14 Thirty-eight years passed from the time we left Kadesh Barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley. By then, that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the Lord had sworn to them. 15 The Lord’s hand was against them until he had completely eliminated them from the camp.

    16 Now when the last of these fighting men among the people had died,17 the Lord said to me, 18 “Today you are to pass by the region of Moab at Ar. 19 When you come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them to war, for I will not give you possession of any land belonging to the Ammonites. I have given it as a possession to the descendants of Lot.”

    20 (That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. 21 They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place. 22 The Lord had done the same for the descendants of Esau, who lived in Seir,when he destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day. 23 And as for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites coming out from Caphtor destroyed them and settled in their place.)

    Defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon

    24 “Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his country. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle. 25 This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you.”

    26 From the Desert of Kedemoth I sent messengers to Sihon king of Heshbon offering peace and saying, 27 “Let us pass through your country. We will stay on the main road; we will not turn aside to the right or to the left.28 Sell us food to eat and water to drink for their price in silver. Only let us pass through on foot— 29 as the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir, and the Moabites, who live in Ar, did for us—until we cross the Jordan into the land the Lord our God is giving us.” 30 But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass through. For the Lord your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to give him into your hands, as he has now done.

    31 The Lord said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his country over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.”

    32 When Sihon and all his army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz, 33 the Lord our God delivered him over to us and we struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army. 34 At that time we took all his towns and completely destroyed them—men, women and children. We left no survivors.35 But the livestock and the plunder from the towns we had captured we carried off for ourselves. 36 From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the town in the gorge, even as far as Gilead, not one town was too strong for us. The Lord our God gave us all of them. 37 But in accordance with the command of the Lord our God, you did not encroach on any of the land of the Ammonites, neither the land along the course of the Jabbok nor that around the towns in the hills.

    Go Deeper

    Deuteronomy is the last book of the Torah, so it happens to glance back at the first four books. Chapter 2 of this book is a call to covenant faithfulness from the mouth Moses. As Moses recalls the 40 years they’ve just experienced, he reminds the people of Israel that the Lord was present in the same way that the Lord will continue to be with them. Moses specifically mentions the wilderness years to remind the people’s call to patience.

    Patience is known to be an esteemed virtue. It’s a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 6:9), an instruction during tribulation (Romans 12:12), and a posture to hear God (Psalm 40:1). The difficulty of patience is temptation in the perceivably delayed timing. While the people of Israel wandered through the wilderness, they were told to disengage with the people that were a source of opposition. God, the people of Israel, and the Land was something meant to have full integrity. When there was a threat coming close, God asked Israel to trust Him in His timing.

    We have been granted the privilege of similar things to the ancient people: a relationship with God, a kinship with others, and a place to call home. While we are on the journey of our faith walk, we can be met with opposition. Maybe the relationship with God has found a lull, relationships in life are fractured, or frequented environments are harshly opposing Christian values. Integrity is desired for these things, but there’s a possibility that an unideal season is meant as a reminder: we do not need to be the first line of defense for a matter that is already being worked by the One, True God.

    God is right alongside us, during the highest of our highs and the lowest of our lows. “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything” (v. 7). As Moses glanced at a time of threatened integrity, he recalled that God offered blessing. We may need to be reminded that He is a God of provision and protection; we just need to be patient to watch it be worked out.

    Questions

    1. Set aside a few minutes to reflect on your own life. How has God been faithful with provision and protection to you thus far? What’s the most recent example you can think of?
    2. Have you invited God into the things you are trying to hold together with integrity?
    3. Who do you need to come alongside you as you are living out patience in this season?

    A Quote

    The twentieth century pastor and author A.W. Tozer said this about developing patience:

    “What then are we to do about our problems? We must learn to live with them until such time as God delivers us from them. We must pray for grace to endure them without murmuring. Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting. They harm us only when we resist them or endure them unwillingly.”

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  • Deuteronomy 1

    Deuteronomy 1

    Editor’s Note

    As we start this new book, here is a head’s up that we’ll be going back to our normal six chapters per week rhythm as we read through Deuteronomy. Sundays will go back to being a rest (or catch-up) day.

    We want this to continue to be a helpful resource, so invite someone to read along with you! To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Deuteronomy Overview

    No matter how old we get, sometimes we need to be told something more than once. We all need to be reminded of what’s true and what’s good. In a nutshell, the entire book of Deuteronomy is Moses reminding the Israelites of the Law that had been given to them. This wasn’t, however, merely a carbon copy of the instructions given to the Israelites in Exodus and Leviticus. Instead it’s a restatement and retelling of the Law for a whole new generation of Israelites. 

    As a reminder, the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for some 40 years at this point. They were on the verge of entering the land that had been promised to them generations before. This was a huge moment in the life of the Israelites! But before they could settle the Promised Land, God wanted to reiterate his Covenant with them. They needed to be reminded of what the expectations were. Unlike the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis (which was unconditional), the Mosaic Covenant was conditional: God would keep His promise to bless the Israelites if they remained faithful to Him. As Moses explains all of this to the next generation of Israelites, they have a choice to make: Will they wander away from God’s Law or remain faithful to it? 

    So, what can we learn by reading Deuteronomy? Any time we open up God’s Word, we can learn from it because God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). The stories in Deuteronomy can help deepen our theology and shape what we believe to be true about God. Second, like the Israelites, we need constant reminders of what is true. We wander from what God has called us to be, so we need to be reminded over and over what is true (and what isn’t). Finally, Moses sums up the choice to pursue the things of God in this sermon found in Deuteronomy 30:19-20:

    This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life,and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

    As Christians reading the book of Deuteronomy, we’re reminded that choosing to follow Jesus means choosing life. By listening to His voice and holding fast to Him, we can live the life that God has intended for each one of us. As we read Deuteronomy together, take great notes, highlight the things that stick out to you along the way, and make connections to the New Testament. Above all, ask God each day what He wants you to learn and apply from this book.

    Read Deuteronomy 1

    The Command to Leave Horeb

    1 These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—that is, in the Arabah—opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Dizahab. 2 (It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.)

    3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the Lord had commanded him concerning them. 4 This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, and at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.

    5 East of the Jordan in the territory of Moab, Moses began to expound this law, saying:

    6 The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lordswore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.”

    The Appointment of Leaders

    9 At that time I said to you, “You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone. 10 The Lord your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. 11 May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!12 But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? 13 Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

    14 You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.”

    15 So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judgefairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. 17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” 18 And at that time I told you everything you were to do.

    Spies Sent Out

    19 Then, as the Lord our God commanded us, we set out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the Amorites through all that vast and dreadful wilderness that you have seen, and so we reached Kadesh Barnea.20 Then I said to you, “You have reached the hill country of the Amorites, which the Lord our God is giving us. 21 See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

    22 Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.”

    23 The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe. 24 They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshkol and explored it. 25 Taking with them some of the fruit of the land, they brought it down to us and reported, “It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.”

    Rebellion Against the Lord

    26 But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. 27 You grumbled in your tents and said, “The Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. 28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.’”

    29 Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, 31 and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

    32 In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, 33 who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go.

    34 When the Lord heard what you said, he was angry and solemnly swore:35 “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.”

    37 Because of you the Lord became angry with me also and said, “You shall not enter it, either. 38 But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it. 39 And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet knowgood from bad—they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it. 40 But as for you, turn around and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.”

    41 Then you replied, “We have sinned against the Lord. We will go up and fight, as the Lord our God commanded us.” So every one of you put on his weapons, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country.

    42 But the Lord said to me, “Tell them, ‘Do not go up and fight, because I will not be with you. You will be defeated by your enemies.’”

    43 So I told you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the Lord’s command and in your arrogance you marched up into the hill country. 44 The Amorites who lived in those hills came out against you; they chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down from Seir all the way to Hormah. 45 You came back and wept before the Lord, but he paid no attention to your weeping and turned a deaf ear to you. 46 And so you stayed in Kadesh many days—all the time you spent there.

    Go Deeper

    One fun aspect of reading a book like Deuteronomy is that we’re able to picture the setting in our minds as the narrative plays out. The book of Deuteronomy (which means “second law”) takes place around 1406 BC, just to the east of the Jordan River. The Israelites, after about forty years of wandering because of the previous generation’s disobedience, are on the verge of entering the Promised Land. But there’s a catch: their leader wouldn’t be going with them. Moses, who had led the Israelites for decades, wouldn’t be allowed to enter the Promised Land due to his own disobedience (see Numbers 20:1-13). With the Israelites all gathered around, Moses has one final chance to address his people before he would pass away. 

    What unfolds over the next 34 chapters is a mashup of sermons, history lessons, a review of the Law, and a final motivational speech to remind the Israelites to remain faithful to the Covenant they had established with God. The word “remember” is scattered throughout the pages of Deuteronomy fifteen different times. It is evident Moses wanted to make something clear to this new generation: it’s important to learn from the mistakes (and faithfulness!) of those who came before you. As he begins the recounting of history, he reminds them of how they ended up near the Promised Land (v. 6-8), the appointment of leaders over smaller groups of Israelites (v. 9-18), and the sending out of the spies (v. 19-25), and ultimately, the rebellion of Israel and Moses (v. 26-46). He points them to these past failures as a way to remind them to move forward into the Promised Land abiding in the Lord and following His commands.

    As we read this chapter (and book) through the lens of twenty-first century Christ followers, we have an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites. Each time they rebelled, it strained their covenant with God. While we’re under the New Covenant because of Jesus, we still have a tendency to forget God’s faithfulness to us in our own lives. In the same way Moses wanted the Israelites to stop and remember, it would benefit us to do the same. Remember the times that God has shown you grace. Remember the times God blessed you abundantly. Remember those seminal moments in your life when you knew without a shadow of a doubt that God was on the move. God designed our brains to remember. We’re all standing on the shoulders of those whose faith came before us and, much like the Israelites, we need to stop and remember His faithfulness today.

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you in this chapter? Were there any stories Moses told the Israelites that were new to you or that you had forgotten?
    2. Why does Moses begin Deuteronomy with a history lesson for the Israelites?
    3. As you take time to remember God’s hand on your life, what are 2-3 moments that stick out most to you? It could be times that you saw God move, times you repented and were shown grace, etc.

    Watch This!

    As we begin this journey through Deuteronomy, check out this helpful video overview from The Bible Project!

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  • Proverbs 28

    Proverbs 28

    Share the BRP

    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 28

    28 The wicked flee though no one pursues,
        but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

    2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
        but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

    3 A ruler who oppresses the poor
        is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

    4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
        but those who heed it resist them.

    5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,
        but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

    6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
        than the rich whose ways are perverse.

    7 A discerning son heeds instruction,
        but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

    8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
        amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

    9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
        even their prayers are detestable.

    10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
        will fall into their own trap,
        but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

    11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
        one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

    12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
        but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

    13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
        but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

    14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
        but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

    15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
        is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

    16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
        but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

    17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
        will seek refuge in the grave;
        let no one hold them back.

    18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
        but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.

    19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
        but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

    20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
        but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

    21 To show partiality is not good—
        yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

    22 The stingy are eager to get rich
        and are unaware that poverty awaits them.

    23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
        rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

    24 Whoever robs their father or mother
        and says, “It’s not wrong,”
        is partner to one who destroys.

    25 The greedy stir up conflict,
        but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

    26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
        but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

    27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
        but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

    28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
        but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 28 gives us numerous side-by-side comparisons of the effects of both understanding and foolishness. Juxtaposition is a literary device used to place two dissimilar things in close proximity so that the reader can compare and contrast them. Throughout these verses, the writer of this Proverb juxtaposes the outcomes of pursuing understanding versus pursuing foolishness.

    In this chapter we learn:

    • That the righteous will be bold, while the wicked will flee (v. 1).
    • That understanding brings stability (v. 2).
    • That understanding gives you a reputation of wisdom, while foolishness can bring shame to your family (v. 7).
    • That the foolish are wise in their own eyes, while understanding gives you discernment (v. 11).
    • That those who walk in integrity will be delivered, but the foolish will suddenly fall (v. 18).
    • That those with understanding trust in the Lord, while the foolish stir up strife (v. 25).

    None of us want to be categorized as “foolish.” If given the choice, we would all choose stability over instability. We would choose a reputation of wisdom over shame. We would choose deliverance over failure. Yet time and time again, our sin leads us to make foolish choices that could then label us fools.

    So, where do we find the understanding and wisdom to help us make these choices? Job asked that same question in Job 28, and the Lord answered him in Job 28:28: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding ”(ESV). GotQuestions.org defines the fear of the Lord as “respecting Him, obeying Him, submitting to His discipline, and worshiping Him in awe.”

    As believers, we should be afraid of the consequences of sin and have a healthy fear of the discipline of God. That fear should impact the way that we live our lives and make our decisions. These 28 verses of the 28th chapter of Proverbs give us a roadmap of the benefits that seeking understanding will bring, as opposed to the hurts from foolishness. May we be believers who seek to “fear the Lord always” (v. 14) so we benefit from the stability, wisdom, and deliverance that only the Lord can bring.

    Questions

    1. Where do you tend to look for wisdom and understanding?
    2. What changes do you need to make in your life to seek understanding over foolishness?
    3. Hebrews 12:28-29 says, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Do you feel that you worship the Lord with reverence and awe?

    By the Way

    Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” This is reminiscent of what James, the half brother of Jesus, would later say in James 5:16:

    “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

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  • Proverbs 27

    Proverbs 27

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    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 27

    27 Do not boast about tomorrow,
        for you do not know what a day may bring.
    2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
        an outsider, and not your own lips.
    3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
        but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
    4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
        but who can stand before jealousy?
    5 Better is open rebuke
        than hidden love.
    6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
        but an enemy multiplies kisses.
    7 One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
        but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
    8 Like a bird that flees its nest
        is anyone who flees from home.
    9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
        and the pleasantness of a friend
        springs from their heartfelt advice.
    10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
        and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
        better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
    11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
        then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
    12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
        but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
    13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
        hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
    14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
        it will be taken as a curse.
    15 A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping
        of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
    16 restraining her is like restraining the wind
        or grasping oil with the hand.
    17 As iron sharpens iron,
        so one person sharpens another.
    18 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,
        and whoever protects their master will be honored.
    19 As water reflects the face,
        so one’s life reflects the heart.
    20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
        and neither are human eyes.
    21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
        but people are tested by their praise.
    22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
        grinding them like grain with a pestle,
        you will not remove their folly from them.
    23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
        give careful attention to your herds;
    24 for riches do not endure forever,
        and a crown is not secure for all generations.
    25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
        and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
    26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
        and the goats with the price of a field.
    27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
        and to nourish your female servants.

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 27 references the sin of pride, the value of Biblical friendships, and good stewardship.

    This chapter begins with a famous warning about the uncertainties of life, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (v. 1). Solomon cautions us not to assume anything about tomorrow. Only God is sovereign and in complete control, and only He knows what will happen this day and the next. He knows the future because He’s already there. Each time we try and boast about the future as if we’re in control, it’s a sign that we want to play the role of God in our own lives. 

    In verse 6, Solomon talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with fellow believers and why it is crucial for our own spiritual growth. This world has many distractions and oftentimes there are people who distract us from God’s best. We value their opinions, their love, and their acceptance. We must remember to not live for the approval of others because their approval is fleeting. If we go throughout this world seeking the approval of everyone else, we’ll be forever imprisoned by needing to gain or maintain their affirmation. God has called us to something higher, which is why surrounding yourself with a community of believers is crucial. Verse 6 says,  “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” When someone loves you and they deliver a measured and purposeful rebuke, their aim is to serve you well. An enemy will lie, manipulate, and distract you from God’s desires over your life. Therefore, it is important to be aware of who you have invited into your life to righteously counsel you. Wise counsel will help us seek God’s best over our lives by looking at all sides of issues from a Biblical perspective.

    In verses 23-27 it’s important to remember that riches can come and riches can go. Wealth is fleeting. Those who have faithfully tended to the little things day after day will find that they have what they need in times of trouble. Always remember spiritual fruit is often the result of daily investments made rather than one big accomplishment or event.

    To summarize, in this broken world there are many distractions that can take our eyes away from what truly matters. Proverbs 27 helps us distinguish between what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad, and what matters most and what does not matter at all. God’s approval of us in Christ is immovable. It’s constant, it doesn’t change and it’s the only thing that lasts forever.

    Questions

    1. Is it hard for you to remember God has complete control over your life? If so, discuss with your Life Group why that is so hard to remember at times.
    2. Who have you invited into your life to righteously counsel you? Do you trust their counsel? Other than Jesus Christ, being surrounded by a community of true believers is the best gift God has given to all of us.
    3. What are you doing today to invest in your spiritual growth that you can lean on in times of trouble?

    Pray This

    Proverbs 27 calls us to surround ourselves with wise counsel. Verse 17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Pray and ask God to surround you with a group of believers who will sharpen you! If you’re already in a Life Group, set aside some time today to pray for them individually by name. Pray for your next meeting together. They will be the most influential people God has given you.

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  • Proverbs 17

    Proverbs 17

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    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 17

    17 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
        than a house full of feasting, with strife.

    2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
        and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

    3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
        but the Lord tests the heart.

    4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
        a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

    5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;
        whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

    6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
        and parents are the pride of their children.

    7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
        how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

    8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
        they think success will come at every turn.

    9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
        but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

    10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
        more than a hundred lashes a fool.

    11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
        the messenger of death will be sent against them.

    12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
        than a fool bent on folly.

    13 Evil will never leave the house
        of one who pays back evil for good.

    14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
        so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

    15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
        the Lord detests them both.

    16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
        when they are not able to understand it?

    17 A friend loves at all times,
        and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

    18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
        and puts up security for a neighbor.

    19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
        whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

    20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
        one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

    21 To have a fool for a child brings grief;
        there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

    22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
        but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

    23 The wicked accept bribes in secret
        to pervert the course of justice.

    24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
        but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

    25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
        and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

    26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,
        surely to flog honest officials is not right.

    27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
        and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

    28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
        and discerning if they hold their tongues.

    Go Deeper

    Like most of the middle section of Proverbs, Proverbs 17 offers many small but valuable suggestions on ways to live that can produce a better life. It jumps through feasting, wealth, grandparents, friends, fathers, momma bears…oh my. It can be quite overwhelming to take in each bit of advice and carry them with you throughout the day, so let’s try to focus on one theme in this chapter and glean all we can from it.  

    A primary theme we can grab from the passage is that of the peacemakers versus the troublemakers. It seems that the verses have this contrast of what a peacemaker is like, does, sounds like, etc. followed by that of the troublemaker. Even as we start this passage with, “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting and strife” (v. 1).

    We can see that the peacemaker is valued. Most would rather be in a peaceful home, where all they have to offer you is the heel of the bread loaf that has been sitting out for a few days, than in the home of someone always ready to pick a fight, but has a table with brisket and sausage and ribs and every Thanksgiving side and dessert you can imagine (you know, the ones you wait all year for). We usually try to avoid those dinners at all costs. 

    While we can see these contrasts throughout the passage, let’s re-read verse 9: “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” A peacemaker is someone who keeps short accounts. They are not easily offended and do not gossip about what someone has done to them or said about them. They promote love by assuming the best and/or going to that person in love to understand, not to win an argument. 

    This chapter (and this entire book) is chock-full of more examples of this. Let’s hold tight to these and be examples of our Lord’s peace here on Earth.

    Questions

    1. What is one way you can practice being a peacemaker today?  
    2. Did any of these proverbs stick out to you today? 
    3. Are there any that were confusing that it might be helpful to dive deep into? 

    Pray This

    One way Proverbs 17 says we can be a peacemaker is to live with a cheerful heart. Verse 22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Pray and ask God to give you a cheerful heart today!

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  • Proverbs 16

    Proverbs 16

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    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 16

    16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
        but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

    2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
        but motives are weighed by the Lord.

    3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
        and he will establish your plans.

    4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end—
        even the wicked for a day of disaster.

    5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
        Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

    6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
        through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

    7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
        he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

    8 Better a little with righteousness
        than much gain with injustice.

    9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
        but the Lord establishes their steps.

    10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
        and his mouth does not betray justice.

    11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
        all the weights in the bag are of his making.

    12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
        for a throne is established through righteousness.

    13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
        they value the one who speaks what is right.

    14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
        but the wise will appease it.

    15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
        his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

    16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
        to get insight rather than silver!

    17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
        those who guard their ways preserve their lives.

    18 Pride goes before destruction,
        a haughty spirit before a fall.

    19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
        than to share plunder with the proud.

    20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
        and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

    21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
        and gracious words promote instruction.

    22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
        but folly brings punishment to fools.

    23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
        and their lips promote instruction.

    24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
        sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

    25 There is a way that appears to be right,
        but in the end it leads to death.

    26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
        their hunger drives them on.

    27 A scoundrel plots evil,
        and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.

    28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
        and a gossip separates close friends.

    29 A violent person entices their neighbor
        and leads them down a path that is not good.

    30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
        whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

    31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
        it is attained in the way of righteousness.

    32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
        one with self-control than one who takes a city.

    33 The lot is cast into the lap,
        but its every decision is from the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    Who runs your world? Is it your parents, spouse, teachers, coaches, boss, friends, activities, or even your cell phone? Who is really in charge of you–your time, your mind, your heart? Proverbs 16 demands an answer to this question. The answer might change your life forever.

    In verses 1-9, Solomon contrasts God’s thoughts and ways with those of man. Verses 3 and 9 encourage us to give our thoughts, plans, and work to the Lord: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established…The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” The promise is clear in these verses. We will have the support and counsel of Almighty God as we surrender our works and ways to Him. What a perfect foundation to live on, rather than one of our own strength. Each and every small act of obedience along the way is us exercising and living by faith.

    Verses 10-15 echo Christ’s teaching in Luke 12:48: “Great gifts, great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities.” These verses stress the importance of leading with wisdom, justice, integrity, and righteousness. To be a truly effective leader, we must commit to wise and righteous living. We must ask for help from God in all this. Conversely, if we are being led, we must pray for those leading us. In reality, we are all both leading and following in some capacity. In either case, wisdom and integrity matter a lot to God.

    Verses 16-24 explains beautifully that Godly wisdom developed in spiritual disciplines prepares our lives for His blessing. Throughout these verses, we recognize the many benefits of wisdom, such as discernment, prosperity, humility, and avoiding evil. There is nothing but good in this list. Seeking His wisdom results in deeper trust in God, His ways, and His promises. How much better our world would be if all of us searched wholeheartedly for God’s wisdom!

    In contrast, verses 25-30 show how twisted hearts and motives lead to evil, destruction, strife, perversion, slander, violence, and ultimately, death. We must all heed this warning and follow the path away from choices that could dramatically harm our lives.

    Finally, verses 31-33 are a beautiful summary of the results of a life of righteousness and self-control. Let’s encourage each other in the spiritual pursuit of God and His wisdom. It is a disciplined search that takes time, but it will bring strength, discernment, and peace that will positively affect our lives and those around us, now and forever.

    Questions

    1. Define the word motive.
    2. What is the promise in verse 3? How does that affect our motives and God’s view of those motives?
    3. Who or what do you want to “run your life”? Pick one or two attributes of wisdom that you desire from this Proverb and ask God to impress them into your heart.

    Watch This

    Check out this brief video featuring Dr. Tim Keller from The Bible App’s Verse of the Day series on Proverbs 16:9.

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  • Proverbs 15

    Proverbs 15

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    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 15

    15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
        but a harsh word stirs up anger.
    2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
        but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
    3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
        keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
    4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
        but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
    5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
        but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
    6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
        but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
    7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
        but the hearts of fools are not upright.
    8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
        but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
    9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
        but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
    10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
        the one who hates correction will die.
    11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—
        how much more do human hearts!
    12 Mockers resent correction,
        so they avoid the wise.
    13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
        but heartache crushes the spirit.
    14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
        but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
    15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
        but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
    16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
        than great wealth with turmoil.
    17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love
        than a fattened calf with hatred.
    18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
        but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
    19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
        but the path of the upright is a highway.
    20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
        but a foolish man despises his mother.
    21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
        but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
    22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
        but with many advisers they succeed.
    23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
        and how good is a timely word!
    24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
        to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
    25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
        but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
    26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,
        but gracious words are pure in his sight.
    27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
        but the one who hates bribes will live.
    28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
        but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
    29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
        but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
    30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
        and good news gives health to the bones.
    31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
        will be at home among the wise.
    32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
        but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
    33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
        and humility comes before honor.

    Go Deeper

    We live in a sound-bite world. We admire and desire to be like the wise sage who, with a few words, can enrage or encourage. The one with the sharpest, smartest, repeatable, and re-postable words wins. So we think. We understand the power of words. 

    The writer of Proverbs 15 understood the power of words, too. Look at the ideas, counsel, and caution we’re presented in this passage:

    A soft answer turns away wrath
    A harsh word stirs up anger
    The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive
    The mouth of fools pour out folly
    A tongue that heals is a tree of life
    A devious tongue breaks the spirit
    Lips of the wise spread knowledge
    Mouth of the wicked pours out evil things
    The prayer of the upright is a delight to God
    A word in season is good
    Gracious words are pure and pleasant
    A righteous person thinks before answering

    We all want to be wise. We like to think we are wise (and with the help of the Spirit, we are at times). None of us like to consider ourselves foolish or evil; yet, when we think of pain we’ve caused others, problems we’ve created, or predicaments we’ve manipulated, almost always the power of our words plays a big part. 

    We need wisdom not only in what we say (the words we use), but how we say them and when we say them. We can learn from verse one an important distinction when using our words. The verse reads, “A gentle answer…”. In order for there to be an answer, it requires a question. Often we give our words without anyone asking for them. When someone comes to us with questions, our response matters. Our words have the power of life and death. 

    We also need wisdom in what words we receive (the words said to us). We’d be wise to heed verse 32: “Whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.” To be wise, to hear counsel, to listen to correction requires humility and honesty. It is for our good and for our growth that God uses wise people in our lives to correct and encourage us. Let’s be people who use words wisely…both the words we speak and the words we receive. 

    Questions

    1. What’s your one takeaway from this chapter?
    2. Throughout the proverb, there’s a thread woven between words and one’s heart. Read Luke 6:45. What’s the connection? 
    3. What confession or change will you make in using your words?

    A Quote

    Charles Bridges, a nineteenth century British pastor and theologian, said this about Proverbs 15:

    “Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints. We indulge in sarcasm as if we would rather lose a friend than miss scoring a point in the argument. All this the world excuses. But the Gospel sets before us our Savior’s example and imbues us with his spirit; so we should be careful not to provoke a chafed or wounded spirit.”

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  • Proverbs 14

    Proverbs 14

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    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 14

    14 The wise woman builds her house,
        but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

    2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
        but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

    3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
        but the lips of the wise protect them.

    4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
        but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

    5 An honest witness does not deceive,
        but a false witness pours out lies.

    6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
        but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

    7 Stay away from a fool,
        for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

    8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
        but the folly of fools is deception.

    9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
        but goodwill is found among the upright.

    10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
        and no one else can share its joy.

    11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
        but the tent of the upright will flourish.

    12 There is a way that appears to be right,
        but in the end it leads to death.

    13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
        and rejoicing may end in grief.

    14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
        and the good rewarded for theirs.

    15 The simple believe anything,
        but the prudent give thought to their steps.

    16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
        but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

    17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
        and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

    18 The simple inherit folly,
        but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

    19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
        and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

    20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
        but the rich have many friends.

    21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,
        but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

    22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
        But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

    23 All hard work brings a profit,
        but mere talk leads only to poverty.

    24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,
        but the folly of fools yields folly.

    25 A truthful witness saves lives,
        but a false witness is deceitful.

    26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
        and for their children it will be a refuge.

    27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
        turning a person from the snares of death.

    28 A large population is a king’s glory,
        but without subjects a prince is ruined.

    29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
        but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

    30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
        but envy rots the bones.

    31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
        but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

    32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
        but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

    33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
        and even among fools she lets herself be known.

    34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
        but sin condemns any people.

    35 A king delights in a wise servant,
        but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 14 is separated into three main sections that tackle one topic each:

    1.       Results of foolishness versus the results of wisdom
    2.       Fates of the wicked and the righteous
    3.       Miscellaneous topics of importance

    We see in the first section of verses that wisdom produces preservation, strength, knowledge and understanding, and ultimately eternal flourishing. When we read the pros and cons of wisdom and foolishness, it is easy to say, “Well then I will just be wise!” However, it is not that easy. We see in verse 12 that, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” The reality is that what seems right to our sinful and wretched minds leads us to sin. We know from Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.” Therefore, we can follow that following worldly foolishness (even if the world deems it to be wise) will surely lead to complete and utter destruction.

    If that is the case, then how can we experience eternal flourishing? There is only one way: God’s Wisdom. We see a common theme of patience expressed in this chapter for those who are wise. Verses 15 and 16 say that fools “believe everything” and are “reckless and careless.” The wise “give thought to their steps” and are “cautious and turn away from evil.” This shows us something that can completely change our lives.

    The world says “trust your instinct” and “follow your heart.” If we did this, we would be led on a straight path to death. Don’t believe the words of the world. Believe the words of the Creator of the world. Don’t follow your sinful heart, follow His pure heart. God’s wisdom may not make sense to us, or especially to the world. However, it will lead to a life that produces real fruit.

    Verses 26 through 29 show us how to receive this wisdom from God. It starts by possessing a righteous fear of the Lord. We cannot fear the Lord if we don’t know the Lord and if we don’t also know the characteristics of the Lord. The Lord is loving and forgiving. He is also a righteous judge that has wiped out entire nations for sin. He is both loving and righteous. This should bring us to a rightful place of thankfulness, fear, and reverence for our great and holy God.

    The final verses remind us that we do not have to do this alone. Verse 28 says “In a multitude of people is the glory of a king.” If we want to truly experience the wisdom of the Lord, not trust our sinful minds, and not fall into the temptations of the world, we must be surrounded by those who know Jesus and are pointing us to Him. This can look like a Life Group, a local church body, a friend group of fellow believers, and much more.

    Questions

    1. As you navigate the complexities of life, are you surrounded by other believers? How have they (with the power of the Holy Spirit) helped you avoid foolishness?
    2. How has “following your heart” led you astray in the past? 
    3. What is your process for navigating decisions? How can you start to invite counsel from others (if you’re not already in the practice of doing so)?

    Watch This

    Check out this short video from Dr. Russell Moore (editor in chief of Christianity Today) describing why following your heart is a bad philosophy to live by. 

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  • Proverbs 13

    Proverbs 13

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    As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!

    To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page! 

    Read Proverbs 13

    13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
        but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

    2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
        but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

    3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
        but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

    4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
        but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

    5 The righteous hate what is false,
        but the wicked make themselves a stench
        and bring shame on themselves.

    6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
        but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

    7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
        another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

    8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,
        but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.

    9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
        but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

    10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
        but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

    11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
        but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

    12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
        but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

    13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
        but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

    14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
        turning a person from the snares of death.

    15 Good judgment wins favor,
        but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.

    16 All who are prudent act with knowledge,
        but fools expose their folly.

    17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
        but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

    18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
        but whoever heeds correction is honored.

    19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
        but fools detest turning from evil.

    20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
        for a companion of fools suffers harm.

    21 Trouble pursues the sinner,
        but the righteous are rewarded with good things.

    22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
        but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

    23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
        but injustice sweeps it away.

    24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
        but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

    25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
        but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

    Go Deeper

    It’s been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. The people we spend time with have an immense impact on who we are. How we speak, what we do for “fun,” the attitudes we adopt. Dr. David McClelland of Harvard says “[the people you habitually associate with] determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life.” This chapter tells us that if we walk with the wise we will become wise, but if we walk with fools we will suffer harm (v. 20). Reading through this passage, it’s important that we pause and ask ourselves “Who are we walking with?” 

    There is a lot in this life we cannot control. Disease. Death. Weather. However, we can control the people we spend time with, who largely shape who we are. It is exceedingly important to take over this part of our life. Are we becoming more like Christ for being around them? Are we growing in wisdom? Are we loving more and increasing our patience? The Apostle Paul explains the same concept in 1 Corinthians 15:33 saying, “Do not be misled; ‘bad company corrupts good character.’’ Don’t miss how important it is to choose wisely the people we allow into our lives. It is formative. 

    Another thread throughout this passage is that the good life isn’t found by boasting in what the world deems “success”. Society makes us believe having it all is equivalent to having money, status, and fame. The car, the house, the diamonds, the luxury vacations, a verified checkmark on social media, or successful kids with the right reputation. Yet, scripture paints a different picture. Scripture says when we have Jesus in the right place in our hearts, that is when we have it all. John 14:6 says “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”  

    Sure, we can use money to pretend we have a rich life. But money without Jesus leaves us poor, miserable, and with nothing. The point is not to refrain from material riches. We need money to live and to give. Money can certainly be used for good. But we need Jesus more–His grace, His love, His compassion, His patience, His mercy, and His hope. 

    He provides and He is faithful. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”. Don’t miss out on the richness of a life with Jesus all while striving for what the world will try to tell you is success. Only God can provide the enriched life we all desire.     

    Questions

    1. What are some Christ-like qualities you look for in friends or admire in the friends you have?  
    2. Do you feel wiser for being around the people you spend time with?   
    3. In what ways are you experiencing the true richness of life?

    Keep Digging

    What was the Apostle Paul referring to when he initially said that bad company could corrupt good character? Check out this helpful article from GotQuestions.org to learn more! 

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