Bible Reading Plan

Author: Scott Walter

  • Proverbs 31

    Proverbs 31

    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 31

    Sayings of King Lemuel

    31 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

    2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
        Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
    3 Do not spend your strength on women,
        your vigor on those who ruin kings.

    4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
        it is not for kings to drink wine,
        not for rulers to crave beer,
    5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
        and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
    6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
        wine for those who are in anguish!
    7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
        and remember their misery no more.

    8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
        for the rights of all who are destitute.
    9 Speak up and judge fairly;
        defend the rights of the poor and needy.

    Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

    10 A wife of noble character who can find?
        She is worth far more than rubies.
    11 Her husband has full confidence in her
        and lacks nothing of value.
    12 She brings him good, not harm,
        all the days of her life.
    13 She selects wool and flax
        and works with eager hands.
    14 She is like the merchant ships,
        bringing her food from afar.
    15 She gets up while it is still night;
        she provides food for her family
        and portions for her female servants.
    16 She considers a field and buys it;
        out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
    17 She sets about her work vigorously;
        her arms are strong for her tasks.
    18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
        and her lamp does not go out at night.
    19 In her hand she holds the distaff
        and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
    20 She opens her arms to the poor
        and extends her hands to the needy.
    21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
        for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
    22 She makes coverings for her bed;
        she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
    23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
        where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
    24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
        and supplies the merchants with sashes.
    25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
        she can laugh at the days to come.
    26 She speaks with wisdom,
        and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
    27 She watches over the affairs of her household
        and does not eat the bread of idleness.
    28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
        her husband also, and he praises her:
    29 “Many women do noble things,
        but you surpass them all.”
    30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
        but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
    31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
        and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

    Go Deeper

    Today we’ve made it to the last chapter of the Book of Proverbs, the infamous Proverbs 31. This chapter of the Bible is well-known for great reason as it includes the description of the wife of noble character (v. 10-31). The chapter is often quoted and referenced in describing what has come to be known as the “Proverbs 31 Woman.”

     The first nine verses include a challenge from a mother to her son when she encourages him to defend the rights of the afflicted and to speak up for those who cannot speak for or defend themselves. This is certainly not just appropriate for King Lemuel and those in leadership, but rather for every one of us to speak up for those who need a voice. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the wife of noble character who is hard to find and priceless and of great value. While the passage describes a godly wife, there’s so much for us all to learn from this chapter. Whether you are male or female, old or young, married or single, student or grandparent, take note of some of the characteristics we can all strive for in life and character.

    First, we see how hard she works (i.e., v. 13, 15, 17). Contrast this with the sluggard seen many times in prior chapters of Proverbs. She’s not idle, she rises early, and she stays up late. How are you doing at your work? Whatever season of life you’re in, would others say you work hard? 

    Second, we see how well she serves those around her. She serves her family (v. 15) and “extends her hands to the needy” (v. 20). When we serve like this woman, we serve like Jesus who did not come to be served but to serve others (Mark 10:45).

     Third, we see how faithful the woman is in all she does. She plants a vineyard (v.16), planning for the future. Bad weather doesn’t hold her or her family back because she’s faithfully planned ahead (v. 21). In doing this, she’s like our Lord who, even when we’re faithless, is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).

     Last, and we could say much more about her, she fears the Lord. We see repeatedly in the book of Proverbs that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. She is extraordinarily wise in every way. Again, every one of us has much we can learn from this wife of noble character.

    Questions

    1. How do you do at speaking out for those who have no voice or cannot defend themselves (v. 8-9)?
    2. What’s one way you can grow as you follow Jesus—working harder, serving others, faithfulness, or your fear of the Lord?
    3. Who is someone you know who exemplifies what the wife of noble character looks like? Send them a text and encourage them for their faithfulness.

    Watch This!

    JP preached a sermon at The Porch at Watermark Community Church on Proverbs 31 called “Six Qualities to Look For In a Wife”. Whether you’re male or female, single or married, check out this great sermon to learn more about Proverbs 31.

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  • Proverbs 30

    Proverbs 30

    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 30

    Sayings of Agur

    30 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance.

    This man’s utterance to Ithiel:

    “I am weary, God,
        but I can prevail.
    2 Surely I am only a brute, not a man;
        I do not have human understanding.
    3 I have not learned wisdom,
        nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.
    4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
        Whose hands have gathered up the wind?
    Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?
        Who has established all the ends of the earth?
    What is his name, and what is the name of his son?
        Surely you know!

    5 “Every word of God is flawless;
        he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
    6 Do not add to his words,
        or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

    7 “Two things I ask of you, Lord;
        do not refuse me before I die:
    8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
        give me neither poverty nor riches,
        but give me only my daily bread.
    9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
        and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
    Or I may become poor and steal,
        and so dishonor the name of my God.

    10 “Do not slander a servant to their master,
        or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.

    11 “There are those who curse their fathers
        and do not bless their mothers;
    12 those who are pure in their own eyes
        and yet are not cleansed of their filth;
    13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty,
        whose glances are so disdainful;
    14 those whose teeth are swords
        and whose jaws are set with knives
    to devour the poor from the earth
        and the needy from among mankind.

    15 “The leech has two daughters.
        ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.

    “There are three things that are never satisfied,
        four that never say, ‘Enough!’:
    16 the grave, the barren womb,
        land, which is never satisfied with water,
        and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’

    17 “The eye that mocks a father,
        that scorns an aged mother,
    will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,
        will be eaten by the vultures.

    18 “There are three things that are too amazing for me,
        four that I do not understand:
    19 the way of an eagle in the sky,
        the way of a snake on a rock,
    the way of a ship on the high seas,
        and the way of a man with a young woman.

    20 “This is the way of an adulterous woman:
        She eats and wipes her mouth
        and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’

    21 “Under three things the earth trembles,
        under four it cannot bear up:
    22 a servant who becomes king,
        a godless fool who gets plenty to eat,
    23 a contemptible woman who gets married,
        and a servant who displaces her mistress.

    24 “Four things on earth are small,
        yet they are extremely wise:
    25 Ants are creatures of little strength,
        yet they store up their food in the summer;
    26 hyraxes are creatures of little power,
        yet they make their home in the crags;
    27 locusts have no king,
        yet they advance together in ranks;
    28 a lizard can be caught with the hand,
        yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

    29 “There are three things that are stately in their stride,
        four that move with stately bearing:
    30 a lion, mighty among beasts,
        who retreats before nothing;
    31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
        and a king secure against revolt.

    32 “If you play the fool and exalt yourself,
        or if you plan evil,
        clap your hand over your mouth!
    33 For as churning cream produces butter,
        and as twisting the nose produces blood,
        so stirring up anger produces strife.”

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 30

    This proverb is unique in that it was written by someone we hear nothing else about in Scripture. While we don’t know who Agur, son of Jakeh, is, we do know from what he says in verse 1 that these words ultimately come from God. The wisdom that Agur shares in this chapter fits with the flow of Proverbs because these verses are marked by humility. Proverbs 1 starts by saying that all of us should live with an assumption that we are lacking in wisdom and need to be instructed. If we don’t first fear God, we won’t ever become wise. This is also how Agur starts Proverbs 30. He writes, “I have not learned wisdom” (v. 3) and then compares that two verses later with “Every word of God is flawless” (v. 5). In essence what he is trying to say is, “Don’t listen to me! I don’t have the wisdom you are after. But God is the source of all wisdom and He is the One you should desire”.

     Agur spends much of the rest of the chapter observing, and calling us to observe with him, different parts of creation that fascinate him. He writes lists of things that are wise but small, large and powerful, and too much for him to understand. He does this to help us fall in awe of who God is. He has created a world that is mighty and mysterious but is ultimately His. This type of writing echoes the end of Job, where God displays all that He has made to help us understand that He is God and we are not.

     This chapter should remind us of who we are in the story of God. We are not the kings and queens of our universe, but instead are fully subject to the Creator of it all. Keeping ourselves in a place of dependence is essential to a right way of living. This is why Agur asks God to not make him rich (v. 8) because it might give him a false sense of security. The wise are those who first have the humility to admit they are not the source of all wisdom. Instead they daily live in awe of the One who created us, sustains us, and loves us.

    Questions

    1. What verse or phrase most stuck out to you in this passage?
    2. Verse 18 begins with a list of things that are “too amazing” to Agur. What are some things that God has made that stir amazement in you?
    3. What keeps you from living humbly before the Lord?

    By the Way

    For similar content, check out Job 38-39

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    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

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  • Proverbs 29

    Proverbs 29

    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 29

    29 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
        will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

    2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
        when the wicked rule, the people groan.

    3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
        but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

    4 By justice a king gives a country stability,
        but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

    5 Those who flatter their neighbors
        are spreading nets for their feet.

    6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,
        but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

    7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,
        but the wicked have no such concern.

    8 Mockers stir up a city,
        but the wise turn away anger.

    9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
        the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

    10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
        and seek to kill the upright.

    11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
        but the wise bring calm in the end.

    12 If a ruler listens to lies,
        all his officials become wicked.

    13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
        The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

    14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
        his throne will be established forever.

    15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
        but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

    16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
        but the righteous will see their downfall.

    17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
        they will bring you the delights you desire.

    18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
        but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

    19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
        though they understand, they will not respond.

    20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
        There is more hope for a fool than for them.

    21 A servant pampered from youth
        will turn out to be insolent.

    22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
        and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

    23 Pride brings a person low,
        but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

    24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
        they are put under oath and dare not testify.

    25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
        but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

    26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
        but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.

    27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
        the wicked detest the upright.

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 29:25 states that the “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Antithetical parallelism is a literary device that we have seen used frequently throughout the book of Proverbs. There are countless verses that contrast two opposing ideas to each other. We see this in verse 25 where Solomon contrasts the idea of fearing man to fearing the Lord. Solomon likens fearing man to be similar to a snare. A snare is a wire noose, usually attached to a stationary object, and used to capture animals. A snare is a dangerous trap. Things can get entangled in it and it is known for being deeply deceptive. It stops something, and steals its freedom. They should be avoided at all costs. 

    Likewise, fearing people is a dangerous trap. It is something that stops us and steals our freedom. Many of us fear people more than we fear God. It might be a sin that we don’t often think much of. This might look like compromising our values, peer pressure, people pleasing, saying yes when we should really say no, a low self-esteem, jealousy, anxiety, and ultimately taking our eyes off the Lord and onto people. It looks like being a version of ourselves that someone else chooses. It doesn’t give us the freedom to fully be ourselves. It might also be the reason we don’t share our faith with others. Entire dominations have given into the fear of man when it comes to some of the issues of our day. The fear of man is exhausting. It weighs down on us because it is a weight we weren’t meant to carry. It is misplaced faith. This is something we need to lay before the feet of Jesus and surrender to Him. We should confess and trust that God is in control over what people think of us. 

    Our goal is ultimately the approval of God. Paul writes in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” The trap of people pleasing and fearing man can be avoided by fearing the Lord and putting our complete trust in Him. One of the key ideas in the book of Proverbs is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). If the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom, then the fear of man leads to foolishness. Fearing the Lord looks like being in awe and reverence of Him, and trusting that He is sovereign over all things. We must get the place where the approval of God drives our decision making, not the approval of people. Scripture says that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We ultimately love people better when we’re not seeking their approval. 

    Questions

    1. What is a time where the fear of man has influenced your decision making? 
    2. What does it look like to fear the Lord in your life?  
    3. Are there any other Proverbs in this chapter that resonates with you the most? Why?

    Watch This

    Check out this short video from The Gospel Coalition about what the fear of man is and why it’s so dangerous.

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    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

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  • Proverbs 26

    Proverbs 26

    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 26

    26 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
        honor is not fitting for a fool.
    2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
        an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
    3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
        and a rod for the backs of fools!
    4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
        or you yourself will be just like him.
    5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
        or he will be wise in his own eyes.
    6 Sending a message by the hands of a fool
        is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
    7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame
        is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
    8 Like tying a stone in a sling
        is the giving of honor to a fool.
    9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand
        is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
    10 Like an archer who wounds at random
        is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
    11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
        so fools repeat their folly.
    12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?
        There is more hope for a fool than for them.

    13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
        a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
    14 As a door turns on its hinges,
        so a sluggard turns on his bed.
    15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
        he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
    16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
        than seven people who answer discreetly.

    17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
        is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

    18 Like a maniac shooting
        flaming arrows of death
    19 is one who deceives their neighbor
        and says, “I was only joking!”

    20 Without wood a fire goes out;
        without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
    21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
        so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
    22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
        they go down to the inmost parts.

    23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
        are fervent lips with an evil heart.
    24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
        but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
    25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
        for seven abominations fill their hearts.
    26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
        but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
    27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
        if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
    28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
        and a flattering mouth works ruin.

    Go Deeper

    A fool is defined as a person who acts unwisely or imprudently. Proverbs 26 gives us an in-depth view of a fool. Keep in mind that we, in Christ, are to be the polar opposite. A fool’s behavior and speech are described throughout this chapter and are listed below in the left column. In the right column, you’ll see the opposite (and wise) response: 

    Inappropriate               Appropriate

    Argumentative             Peaceful

    Harmful                        Helpful

    Contentious                 Kind

    Untrue                         Truth

    Untrustworthy              Trustworthy

    Useless                        Useful

    Problematic                  Simple

    Arrogant                       Humble

    Fearful                          Courageous

    Purposeless                 Purposeful

    Impolite                        Polite

    Deceptive                     Integrity

    Sarcastic                      Joyful

    Liar                               Truthful

    Gossiper                       Goodness

    Slanderous                   Sweetness

    Malicious                      Compassionate

    Two important points are made in verses 11 and 25. First, fools tend to return to the same sin over and over and over. Second, this Proverb reiterates the six abominations of the Lord written in Proverbs 6:16-19. In summary, they are proud eyes, a lying tongue, murderous hands, running to evil or wickedness, and spreading strife. These are all things God hates and are hard lists to read. Combine this with the list on the left above, and a fool’s life will be filled with heartache and problems for themselves and those around them. 

    Thankfully, we are given the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:24-25 say, “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” The Bible is saying in these verses that we are no longer victims of our passions and desires and are given the strength thru Christ in us to overcome them. Further, Galatians 5:22 describes what is ours as we walk in the Spirit saying, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” As we walk with God and are committed to honoring Him, we are given these beautiful fruits within our hearts to overcome sin and live an abundant purposeful life now.

    Questions

    1. Read the fool behavior list and then read the believers list. Write your emotions as you read each list.
    2. What is God saying to you in the comparisons throughout this chapter?
    3. Do you struggle with any part of the fool’s list? If so, pray to God asking Him to help change your heart and behavior on this issue. as you truly repent, He promises His Spirit to move you into His righteousness and freedom from sin. Hallelujah!

    A Quote

    Commentator Matthew Henry wrote in his commentary on this chapter, “Honor is out of season to those unworthy or unfit for it.” Let us all choose to honor God with our hearts and our lives for our obvious good and His greater glory!

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • Proverbs 25

    Proverbs 25

    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 25

    More Proverbs of Solomon

    25 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

    2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
        to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
    3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
        so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

    4 Remove the dross from the silver,
        and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
    5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,
        and his throne will be established through righteousness.

    6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
        and do not claim a place among his great men;
    7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
        than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

    What you have seen with your eyes
    8     do not bring hastily to court,
    for what will you do in the end
        if your neighbor puts you to shame?

    9 If you take your neighbor to court,
        do not betray another’s confidence,
    10 or the one who hears it may shame you
        and the charge against you will stand.

    11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver
        is a ruling rightly given.
    12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
        is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

    13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
        is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
        he refreshes the spirit of his master.
    14 Like clouds and wind without rain
        is one who boasts of gifts never given.

    15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
        and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

    16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
        too much of it, and you will vomit.
    17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
        too much of you, and they will hate you.

    18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
        is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
    19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
        is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
    20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
        or like vinegar poured on a wound,
        is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

    21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
        if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
    22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
        and the Lord will reward you.

    23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
        is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

    24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
        than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

    25 Like cold water to a weary soul
        is good news from a distant land.
    26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
        are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

    27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
        nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.

    28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
        is a person who lacks self-control.

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 25 covers many facets of life and relationships including business, neighbor, home, and oneself. Undisturbed heart, character, and integrity are foundational to positive, successful relationships in every area of life. The good news is this foundation is possible for all of us as we submit our hearts and lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

    The first 15 verses of this proverb flow between the thoughts of God and those of man. Solomon wrote most of the Proverbs and, to this day, he is considered one of the wisest people to ever live. His wisdom was God-given because he asked for it. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Both Solomon and James make it clear that seeking wisdom is good and valuable. As a king, Solomon explains the wisdom of speaking and acting with humility and self-control. The proverb warns us to never judge or speak harshly or hastily, and it emphasizes the importance of being discrete.

     Verses 16-20 encourage sincerity and respect with neighbors. Is there anything better than a kind, dependable, and thoughtful neighbor? As believers who are called to love our neighbor, we can heed the wisdom to be humble, helpful, and unselfish. These verses teach us to trust people who tell the truth. Our God loves to see us walking in love toward our neighbors!

    Verses 21-24 teach us to be kind to our enemies. This is where the rubber meets the road for many of us, but Jesus taught us the same saying, “Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. ‘I’ll do the judging,’ says God. ‘I’ll take care of it.’ If you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch; or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness” (Romans 12:19-20, MSG). 

    Kindness and love always win over revenge and hate. Scripture makes it clear we are to treat others with kindness and leave the judging to God. In verse 24, we are taught that if we live with someone who is contentious, it is better to avoid him or her and hold our tongue than to engage in the quarrel. The verse also causes us to pause as we examine ourselves to see if we are guilty of contentious behavior at home. There are always moments of disagreement in relationships, but constant criticism and battle in any marriage is a recipe for disaster and deep hurt. The Lord asks us to examine ourselves and our hearts regularly in Psalm 139:24: “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Let God examine your heart and lead you in His everlasting way of love. As you remain humbly committed to His ways, watch Him work inside your own heart and that of others. 

    Finally, verses 25-28 encourage us to develop self-control and humility that will endure. Seek God’s glory always and not your own. Ask the Lord to continue to pour His living water into you as He promises it to anyone who simply asks for it. Commit to studying the Scriptures, like Proverbs, to grow in His fruit of the Spirit. Growing in God’s ways of relating to other people will impact your home, business, neighborhood, school, and, yes, even your enemy. To God be the glory!

    Questions

    1) What is the meaning of “undisturbed heart and character” mentioned in the first paragraph? Why is that important? How can you develop this in your own life?

    2)What makes a good neighbor? Are you a good neighbor? Think of one thing you can do to reach out in kindness to your neighbor.

    3)Is your home a place of joy and contentment? If not, why not? What can you do to improve your home life or your marriage? Is your dating relationship positive and joy filled? If not, what is important for you to consider?

    By the Way

    Read the words of Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

    Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need to embody today?

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  • Proverbs 24

    Proverbs 24

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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!

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    Read Proverbs 24

    Saying 20

    24 Do not envy the wicked,
        do not desire their company;
    2 for their hearts plot violence,
        and their lips talk about making trouble.

    Saying 21

    3 By wisdom a house is built,
        and through understanding it is established;
    4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
        with rare and beautiful treasures.

    Saying 22

    5 The wise prevail through great power,
        and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
    6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,
        and victory is won through many advisers.

    Saying 23

    7 Wisdom is too high for fools;
        in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

    Saying 24

    8 Whoever plots evil
        will be known as a schemer.
    9 The schemes of folly are sin,
        and people detest a mocker.

    Saying 25

    10 If you falter in a time of trouble,
        how small is your strength!
    11 Rescue those being led away to death;
        hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
    12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
        does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
    Does not he who guards your life know it?
        Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

    Saying 26

    13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
        honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
    14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
        If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
        and your hope will not be cut off.

    Saying 27

    15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,
        do not plunder their dwelling place;
    16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
        but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

    Saying 28

    17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
        when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
    18 or the Lord will see and disapprove
        and turn his wrath away from them.

    Saying 29

    19 Do not fret because of evildoers
        or be envious of the wicked,
    20 for the evildoer has no future hope,
        and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

    Saying 30

    21 Fear the Lord and the king, my son,
        and do not join with rebellious officials,
    22 for those two will send sudden destruction on them,
        and who knows what calamities they can bring?

    Further Sayings of the Wise

    23 These also are sayings of the wise:

    To show partiality in judging is not good:
    24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”
        will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
    25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
        and rich blessing will come on them.

    26 An honest answer
        is like a kiss on the lips.

    27 Put your outdoor work in order
        and get your fields ready;
        after that, build your house.

    28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause—
        would you use your lips to mislead?
    29 Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;
        I’ll pay them back for what they did.”

    30 I went past the field of a sluggard,
        past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
    31 thorns had come up everywhere,
        the ground was covered with weeds,
        and the stone wall was in ruins.
    32 I applied my heart to what I observed
        and learned a lesson from what I saw:
    33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
        a little folding of the hands to rest—
    34 and poverty will come on you like a thief
        and scarcity like an armed man.

    Go Deeper

    In continuing with the book of wisdom, Proverbs 24 contrasts the wise person from the foolish and evil person. Believers of God are warned not to envy the wicked, but rather to find treasure in attaining Godly wisdom. There is profound strength that comes through relying on God’s knowledge rather than our own, and it is truly only God who has wisdom to offer us. Everybody has a flawed understanding of what is truth because of this broken world as well as our own sin which clouds our perspective. Thankfully, God graciously grants not only the gift of His wisdom to those who seek it, but more so He grants salvation to those who admit their sin and accept Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection as the payment for their sins. This Gospel is the beginning of a relationship with the Creator of everything, and it is He who holds all wisdom.

    After instructing us about our relationship with the Lord, the author transitions to our relationships with others. Verses 11-12 are central to this chapter, and invite us to look more closely at how God functions as well as how He calls those of us who are believers to function. While we are called to flee evil and pursue godliness, we are not called to cast aside those who do not know Christ. If given the opportunity, followers of Christ should seek deliverance for the lost out of sincere love for them. God has taken extraordinary measures to free the lost in the Old Testament (Exodus 14:10-22), New Testament (Luke 23:34), and in the lives of believers currently. Although we cannot save the lost (that is solely God’s role), we do get to share the deliverance and freedom that is available for all through Christ Jesus with those who are lost! 

    In this world, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye to those who do not know Christ. We can seek the path that is most comfortable, and sometimes withdraw from nonbelievers all together. Yet this passivity does not acknowledge that God has created, knows, and values every heart. God created us to live in community with believers (Romans 12:4-5), and also commands us to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). It is prideful to disregard those who don’t know Christ because the same grace that abounds for every believer is loving, powerful, and intimate enough to extend to every unbeliever as well.

    Christians are invited to be part of the rescue team that loves the lost. We are not to partake in evil, withdraw from the lost, or rejoice in anyone else’s suffering. We love others because Christ first loved us (1 John 4:19), and that is wisdom in action. Jesus has secured an eternal victory that is open to all who believe in Him, and will be the perfect Judge of who are the wise and who are the foolish. Christ followers can desire evil to be convicted and rebuked while on Earth, but can also ultimately trust in God’s sovereignty and justice for the world. When we press into this trust, it stirs our hearts to rely on the Lord’s strength. This strength is what sustains us so that we do not become apathetic or bitter towards those that don’t know Christ, but rather engage in the fight for their deliverance and freedom.

    Questions

    1. Who makes up your community?
    2. Who in your life is easy for you to love? Who is hard to love?
    3. How do you view and engage with believers? How do you view and engage with nonbelievers?

    Try This

    As you reflect on today’s reading, try these three steps to categorize your thoughts:

    1. Reflect on what Christ has delivered you from in your life. Praise God for His grace! If you do not feel like He has freed you from anything, ask for the eyes to see Him more deeply!
    2. Confess any unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, or apathy in your heart towards others.
    3. Pray for the people in your life (your family, close friends, classmates, life group, co-workers, etc.) that do know Christ and that don’t, and pray for a heart that desires freedom for each of them.

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  • Proverbs 23

    Proverbs 23

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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 23

    Saying 7

    23 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
        note well what is before you,
    2 and put a knife to your throat
        if you are given to gluttony.
    3 Do not crave his delicacies,
        for that food is deceptive.

    Saying 8

    4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
        do not trust your own cleverness.
    5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
        for they will surely sprout wings
        and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

    Saying 9

    6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,
        do not crave his delicacies;
    7 for he is the kind of person
        who is always thinking about the cost.
    “Eat and drink,” he says to you,
        but his heart is not with you.
    8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
        and will have wasted your compliments.

    Saying 10

    9 Do not speak to fools,
        for they will scorn your prudent words.

    Saying 11

    10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
        or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
    11 for their Defender is strong;
        he will take up their case against you.

    Saying 12

    12 Apply your heart to instruction
        and your ears to words of knowledge.

    Saying 13

    13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
        if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
    14 Punish them with the rod
        and save them from death.

    Saying 14

    15 My son, if your heart is wise,
        then my heart will be glad indeed;
    16 my inmost being will rejoice
        when your lips speak what is right.

    Saying 15

    17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
        but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
    18 There is surely a future hope for you,
        and your hope will not be cut off.

    Saying 16

    19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
        and set your heart on the right path:
    20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
        or gorge themselves on meat,
    21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
        and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

    Saying 17

    22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
        and do not despise your mother when she is old.
    23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
        wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
    24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
        a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
    25 May your father and mother rejoice;
        may she who gave you birth be joyful!

    Saying 18

    26 My son, give me your heart
        and let your eyes delight in my ways,
    27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,
        and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
    28 Like a bandit she lies in wait
        and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

    Saying 19

    29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
        Who has strife? Who has complaints?
        Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
    30 Those who linger over wine,
        who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
    31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
        when it sparkles in the cup,
        when it goes down smoothly!
    32 In the end it bites like a snake
        and poisons like a viper.
    33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
        and your mind will imagine confusing things.
    34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
        lying on top of the rigging.
    35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
        They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
    When will I wake up
        so I can find another drink?”

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs 23:10 tells us, “Do not move an ancient boundary stone.” What does it mean in that we are not to remove an “ancient boundary stone” or “landmark”? What were ancient landmarks? Why were they not to be moved? This is addressed twice in Proverbs (also in Proverbs 22:28), but the context of this command goes back to the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving the Israelities a review of what has taken place so far. He goes over the history of the Israelites, a review of the law, and calls them to obedience as they are about to enter into the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 19:14, Moses tells them, “Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess.” 

    A landmark was a stone pillar or a pile of stones that marked a property line. They told the people how far they could go, and were a means to establish order. These boundaries were pretty strict, and a person was considered cursed if they were to move them or go beyond them (Deuteronomy 27:17). In Mosaic Law, removing a boundary marker was a huge violation, and was considered theft. A person could slowly move a landmark, which might not be noticeable each individual time, but could make a significant change over time. When the Israelities conquered and divided the land in the book of Joshua, each tribe was given a specific amount of land to be their inheritance that was marked by a landmark (Joshua 13-19). These landmarks were to remain not only for the conquest generation, but for generations to come. 

    The eternal truth we take away from this command is that we are to maintain honesty in all areas of our life. However, we are prone to do the opposite. We can make small compromises that seem insignificant in the moment, but could make a significant impact over time. These small compromises can grow into bigger compromises, and lead us to get to a place where we ask the question: “How did I get here?” These small compromises could look like driving over the speed limit, putting soda in a water cup at a restaurant, using sarcasm as a banner to say hurtful things, lying on time cards at work, or submitting someone else’s work in school. There are countless examples of this. We are tempted to make these decisions when we slowly move away from the truth of God’s Word, and forget that everything He commands us to do is for our good. As new creations, we are to live our lives above reproach walking with the utmost integrity in everything we do. 

    Questions

    1. Where are you tempted to make small compromises that you know are dishonest?
    2. What does this command in verse 10 teach you about the character of God? 
    3. Do you believe that God’s Word is authoritative in your life? What in your life would point towards it being authoritative?

    Keep Digging

    If you want to learn more about this command to not move ancient landmarks, check out this article!

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  • Proverbs 22

    Proverbs 22

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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 22

    22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
        to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

    2 Rich and poor have this in common:
        The Lord is the Maker of them all.

    3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
        but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

    4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;
        its wages are riches and honor and life.

    5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
        but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

    6 Start children off on the way they should go,
        and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

    7 The rich rule over the poor,
        and the borrower is slave to the lender.

    8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,
        and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

    9 The generous will themselves be blessed,
        for they share their food with the poor.

    10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
        quarrels and insults are ended.

    11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
        will have the king for a friend.

    12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
        but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

    13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
        I’ll be killed in the public square!”

    14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;
        a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.

    15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
        but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

    16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
        and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

    Thirty Sayings of the Wise

    Saying 1

    17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
        apply your heart to what I teach,
    18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
        and have all of them ready on your lips.
    19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
        I teach you today, even you.
    20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
        sayings of counsel and knowledge,
    21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
        so that you bring back truthful reports
        to those you serve?

    Saying 2

    22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
        and do not crush the needy in court,
    23 for the Lord will take up their case
        and will exact life for life.

    Saying 3

    24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
        do not associate with one easily angered,
    25 or you may learn their ways
        and get yourself ensnared.

    Saying 4

    26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
        or puts up security for debts;
    27 if you lack the means to pay,
        your very bed will be snatched from under you.

    Saying 5

    28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
        set up by your ancestors.

    Saying 6

    29 Do you see someone skilled in their work?
        They will serve before kings;
        they will not serve before officials of low rank.

    Go Deeper

    This chapter, at first read, can feel scattered. What is Solomon trying to teach the people of God through these verses? With a closer look, we can see a common thread woven throughout this section of Scripture. Solomon mentions riches, silver and gold, the poor, the generous, giving and oppression, discipline and training up children. All of these can be tied back to what we see described as character that honors God. This passage helps us see some of the traits that should mark our lives as we seek to live lives of obedience and bring glory to God.

    In this chapter, Solomon contrasts two important types of people: the rich and the generous. We see the rich characterized as people who hoard up wealth, withhold from the needy, and only give to others who are already rich. Their character is revealed as unjust. The generous, on the other hand, take what they have and share with those in need around them. They are blessed because of their generosity. Their character shines through as just and humble. Their riches lie in the respect they earn from their strong character, not in silver and gold. Verse 2 tells us that the Lord is over the rich and the poor, reminding us that one group is not better or of more value than the other. The generous honor and show value by giving freely to all people, not withholding from those who have less.

    Humility leads to honor, while injustice will only lead to poverty down the road. To honor God with our lives, we are called to live in a way that reflects His great generosity towards us. We give freely and abundantly because we know what has been given to us freely and abundantly is of more value than any earthly wealth – our salvation. We also know that this earth and everything in it will one day fall away (Matthew 24:35). We are free from hoarding money and wealth because we have an eternal treasure to look forward to. May we be a people marked by abundant generosity, seeing the needs around us and giving freely, so that people would know God by the way His people reflect Him. Let’s let our character reflect the character of our good, generous, gracious God and bestow value on the people we encounter.

    Questions

    1. Where are you tempted to hoard or withhold what God has given you?
    2. Where can you begin to live more generously? Where are you already living generously? 
    3. How does remembering God’s generosity toward you encourage you to live differently?

    A Quote

    A thought to be challenged by as we think about generosity in our own lives:

    “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

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  • Proverbs 21

    Proverbs 21

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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 21

    21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
        that he channels toward all who please him.

    2 A person may think their own ways are right,
        but the Lord weighs the heart.

    3 To do what is right and just
        is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

    4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
        the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

    5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
        as surely as haste leads to poverty.

    6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
        is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.

    7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
        for they refuse to do what is right.

    8 The way of the guilty is devious,
        but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

    9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
        than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

    10 The wicked crave evil;
        their neighbors get no mercy from them.

    11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
        by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.

    12 The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked
        and brings the wicked to ruin.

    13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
        will also cry out and not be answered.

    14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
        and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

    15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
        but terror to evildoers.

    16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
        comes to rest in the company of the dead.

    17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
        whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

    18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
        and the unfaithful for the upright.

    19 Better to live in a desert
        than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.

    20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
        but fools gulp theirs down.

    21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
        finds life, prosperity and honor.

    22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
        and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

    23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
        keep themselves from calamity.

    24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
        behaves with insolent fury.

    25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
        because his hands refuse to work.
    26 All day long he craves for more,
        but the righteous give without sparing.

    27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
        how much more so when brought with evil intent!

    28 A false witness will perish,
        but a careful listener will testify successfully.

    29 The wicked put up a bold front,
        but the upright give thought to their ways.

    30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
        that can succeed against the Lord.

    31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
        but victory rests with the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    Proverbs provides many wisdom principles to live by. Chapter 21 causes us to consider both our inward motivations and outward actions. The chapter can be broken down into 2 lists: wisdom principles or character traits of the wise and warnings or character traits of the wicked. Take a look at the chart below to help recap the traits listed of the wise and wicked:

     

    Wisdom principles/ character traits

    Warnings

    V. 3: does what is right and just

    V. 2: thinks their own ways are right

    V. 5: diligent

    V. 3: puts sacrifice over caring for people

    V. 8: upright conduct

    V. 4 & 2: haughty and proud

    V. 11: pays attention to the wise

    V. 6 & 7, 28: lying and violent

    V. 26: generous

    V. 8: devious

    V. 20: stores up wisely

    V. 9 & 19: quarrelsome

    V. 21: pursues righteousness and love

    V. 13: shuts their ears to the cry of the poor

    V. 23: guards their mouth and their tongue

    V. 16: strays from the path of prudence

    V. 28-29: careful listener and thoughtful

    V. 17 & 25: loves pleasure and is a sluggard

     The inward motivations of the wise lead them to pursue diligence and righteousness. Outwardly, they care for others through conduct and justice, and they seek to be wise with their words. In Luke 10: 30-36, Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan. This Samaritan doesn’t ignore the needs of others, as the priest and Levite do, but cares for the man in distress. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, our actions an outward reflection of what is in our heart.

     Sometimes in Proverbs the descriptions of the wicked can seem extreme or removed from our own character. However, when we look closely at words contained within the warnings, it forces us to consider and be convicted by what is familiar. Thinking our way is the right way, pride, lying, being quarrelsome, ignoring the needs of others, and loving pleasure are examples of a few within this chapter. The righteous are aware of their own weakness and confess it to God and community. To pursue what is right, we must know what is wrong and turn from it. Romans 12:9, “…hate what is evil, cling to what is good.”

     Ultimately, wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). The Lord is after our hearts. The key verse of this chapter states, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30) When we pursue Him and His ways and seek Him with all our heart, then our life and our actions will begin to reflect who He is calling us to be.

    Questions

    1. What is the state of your heart? What does your life reflect?
    2. Make a list of sin present in your life and talk with your community about how you can turn from it and pursue what is good.
    3. What is the “good” God is calling you to pursue?

    By the Way

    Romans 12:9-21 offers some insight into pursuing what is good. Spend time reading through it to further grow in this area.

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  • Proverbs 20

    Proverbs 20

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    Read Proverbs 20

    20 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
        whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

    2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
        those who anger him forfeit their lives.

    3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
        but every fool is quick to quarrel.

    4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
        so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

    5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
        but one who has insight draws them out.

    6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
        but a faithful person who can find?

    7 The righteous lead blameless lives;
        blessed are their children after them.

    8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
        he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

    9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
        I am clean and without sin”?

    10 Differing weights and differing measures—
        the Lord detests them both.

    11 Even small children are known by their actions,
        so is their conduct really pure and upright?

    12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
        the Lord has made them both.

    13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
        stay awake and you will have food to spare.

    14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
        then goes off and boasts about the purchase.

    15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
        but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

    16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
        hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

    17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
        but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

    18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
        so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

    19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
        so avoid anyone who talks too much.

    20 If someone curses their father or mother,
        their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

    21 An inheritance claimed too soon
        will not be blessed at the end.

    22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
        Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.

    23 The Lord detests differing weights,
        and dishonest scales do not please him.

    24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
        How then can anyone understand their own way?

    25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
        and only later to consider one’s vows.

    26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
        he drives the threshing wheel over them.

    27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord
        that sheds light on one’s inmost being.

    28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
        through love his throne is made secure.

    29 The glory of young men is their strength,
        gray hair the splendor of the old.

    30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil,
        and beatings purge the inmost being.

    Go Deeper

    We often read Scripture as a list of “do’s” and “don’ts“. We may even read it—wrongly—as a list of good things God wants to keep from us. The truth is Proverbs reminds us Scripture is not describing ways God holds goodness back from us, but rather ways God offers the best for us. He wants to give guidelines on where true wisdom is found, as well as who is truly the judge.

    Proverbs 20 can serve as a reminder of the justification that comes from Jesus and the sanctification through the Holy Spirit. Jesus justified us by dying on the cross and rising from the dead—righting our relationship with God. Sanctification is simply the process of becoming more like Christ through His Word, His Spirit, and the fellowship of believers. On our own, we could not be justified or sanctified. Instead, on our own we are led astray (v. 1), have quarrels (v. 3), are sluggish (v. 4), claim things without understanding the truth (v. 6), conduct actions with the purpose of being seen (v. 11), and more. We are foolish because we forget our dependence on Jesus.

    We can do nothing apart from God. “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How can anyone understand their own way?” (v. 24). Additionally, in John 15:1-8, Jesus talks about being a vine. When we are not attached to the vine, we can do nothing. We would be useless left to our own ways and efforts. We have to abide in Him daily and attach to Him like a branch on a vine. We cannot view Him as a well we turn to when our buckets run dry.

    God sees our foolish attempts to try to do things on our own. He directs us elsewhere through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. He knows what is best for us and guides us. Even when we do not see, know or think God is working, he still does. God preserves His Word not to just tell us what to do or what not to do, but rather be reminded. We need to be reminded that it is in our foolishness that Christ justified us and continues to sanctify us. We are solely dependent upon the cross for our salvation.

    Questions

    1. Do you depend on the Lord or yourself? 
    2. When you read Scripture, how do you imagine God speaking it over you? Is He disciplinary? Angry? Graceful? Loving? With a pursuit of holiness for you?
    3. In what areas of your life are you trying to do things yourself?

    Try This

    Listen to the song “Abide” by The Worship Initiative and make a list of the ways you need to surrender to the Lord your own ways and receive the goodness of God’s grace in asking you to remain in Him.

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