We’re halfway through This Is the Old Testament, our thematic overview of the Old Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the books of Wisdom Literature and begin the last sections of the Old Testament, the Major and Minor Prophets.
What Is Proverbs? The book of Proverbs contains wisdom sayings, primarily from King Solomon, calling the readers to walk in the way of godly wisdom rather than the world’s foolishness.
How Proverbs Fits Into the Story: The book of Proverbs presents two paths: one of wisdom and one of foolishness. Establishing principles, not promises, this book points not only to the potential earthly benefits of wisdom, but also to the greater eternal joy and blessing wisdom brings. As Proverbs continually calls us to obedience, we can rest in the truth that conviction is a gift from the Holy Spirit intended for God’s glory and our good.
Reflection Questions:
1. Proverbs 1:1–7 gives a list of reasons for reading these wisdom principles. Which stand out to you most, and why?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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53 thoughts on "Proverbs"
Proverbs 1:1-7 are things we all are in search of…and God promises them to us. They are found in Him and He is overflowing with these heavenly characteristics. He gives freely.
❤️
I love James 3:17 as it reflects the actual character of Jesus. It looks like God has been talking about seeking His wisdom of this time and then send a perfect example that we can look up to when living in His wisdom!
Righteousness, justice, and equity!
Words of wisdom of what to do and not worldly and Gods way. Discernment. We serve the one try God. God created everything even the knowledge of science.
Amen
After I read the devotional, I ended up listening to this video teaching on Proverbs. I wasn’t looking for this, but this came up on YouTube that day. It is called: How Proverbs Changed How I See Everything. Here is a link if you want to listen: https://youtu.be/38VG0nHAhFY
Hope everyone has a great day!
Hi Shianne! For me what has helped has been actually just reading the Word- through this I have come to understand the relational aspect of God. I will look for some resources that use science but at the end of the day the existence of God is not really something that can be scientifically proven! I think a lot of things in science such as the complexity of our anatomy and physiology, the vastness of the universe, etc, can point to God. The more I study the human body the more I am convo fed we were engineered by a mighty Power !
Dearest sisters, It is 4am here, am wide awake and felt to check in here.. and oh my as I read your comments, the word FAMILY came to mind..
I am sorry to have worried you and caused you to be concerned, I am well, a tad over my head in work, and adjusting to the new normal..
But God..
He woke me early, so I could pray for those around me struggling, in pain or at a crossroads..
Then, to stop by SRT, as I often do, to read the study and comments..
You guys truly are my family online..
Thank you and thankful for your thinking, caring, reaching out and for your prayers..
God is good.. absolutely and totally..
I send you all love, hugs and prayers right back..
Again thank you for your love❤
Fools despise wisdom
In my experience, I think fools despise wisdom because they think they have life figured out. In reality they know nothing. They wonder why they keep messing up and why their life is a mess. Well look up and give your life to the God that created you, that knows you better than you know yourself. Only in submitting to the Lord will you aquire wisom.
1- Verse 5. I think we can all learn to listen more (there’s a difference between listening and hearing), be more discerning, and get guidance. We listen to our parents or friends and we often seek their guidance/advice, but do we always *listen* to God? Do we get guidance from Him? Sometimes. But I know I need to be even better at it. I’m currently seeking a new job and it’s been hard. When I think something might work out, it doesn’t. I’m trusting God but it can seem confusing and lonely when all your friends are already ahead of you in the career department. I’m striving to listen to Him more and more in this time of waiting and confusion.
2- I see the redemption story in Proverbs 3:5-6: trusting in the Lord, leaning not on our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways, and knowing that He will direct our paths. I also really loved the prayer in Ephesians 3:17-19. SO BEAUTIFUL! A few things I made note of was: Spirit of wisdom and revelation, enlightened eyes of the heart to see hope, his glorious inheritance, and his great power and strength. However verse 17-18 really stood out to me-
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you might know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.”
‘To know him better and to see the hope to which he has called you’ really fit this season of life I’m in with my job situation. I hope these verses are also an encouragement to you as well!
Chris Swan – I sent an e-mail through the SRT contact form asking whether they have a way to reach out to TINA and CHURCHMOUSE. Tina’s last post was April 21 and Churchmouse’s was May 24th. Will see what, if any response, I get.
Prob 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. We have been waiting 2 years to adopt a child, sometimes it feels like it won’t happen, but I trust that The Lord has it timed perfectly.
Carrie I will be praying for you.
I’m so thankful for God’s wisdom in my life. I pray that I may build my life upon it so that when the storms of life come, I will still be standing. ❤️
Proverbs is such a different but interest and fun book to read. Solomon, you can tell loved the Lord and wanted to pass this love on. Solomon passes on much of the wisdom God gave him in Proverbs.
Be blessed today sisters.
Praying for you
Good morning all! I love Proverbs 3:5 so much and I need help trusting the Lord right now. 2 months ago my husband and I had a miscarriage which was devastating. We are now doing IVF and getting ready for the transfer in 2 weeks. God has answered our prayers by giving us some healthy embryos to transfer, but as the date approaches I am ashamed to say I am a little nervous after the experience of losing our first baby at 6 weeks. Please can you pray for me to trust the Lord and for His blessing on this procedure. Thank you all so much.
Shianne, I am so sorry to hear about this loss your family suffered and that your son has struggled so with it. I can relate to this a bit- I too am a scientist and a physician and after my husband and I miscarried our first baby two months ago I went to a dark place. I have been struggling with trying to understand how a good God can allow suffering in this world and I fear this is a stumbling block for many. I have taken it upon myself to really try and understand who God is by reading the entire Bible start to finish myself and I’ve come to realize it is a love story at its core. I still don’t have answers for why God allowed our precious child to die but I know that He loves us. Even in the 2 months since it happened I can see a lot of positive changes in myself, my husband, our marriage, and our faith after going through this. I could go on but if you would like to speak more please let me know and we can arrange it.
Victoria E. I am so grateful for your comment. I am sorry for your loss and heartache. I am glad you and your husband are turning to Christ during this time. If you have any tips or resources I can use to appeal to his scientific nature that relate to belief in His, trust, etc I would be so interested in hearing about that!
Wondering if SRT could reach out to Churchmouse and Tina and just let us know if they are OK?? Prayers.
I found A great help for memorization. It’s an app called Verse Locker.
I generally include Proverbs 3:5&6 in cards given to my children, & now grandchildren, as more important than anything I can say. Ladies, I’m agreeing in prayer with all the requests listed as well as God knowing those unspoken here. My husband & I lost (quite suddenly) our last & favorite cat this weekend, & silly as it may seem, are feeling quite sad, missing her. I also want to say that I too miss comments from Churchmouse & Tina-always so insightful. Blessings to all on this gray, gloomy day in MD.
Actually it was stood out the most to me this morning was James 3:17. May I always find myself “open“ to reason. May I find myself always and accept correction when needed. I never want to be found in the place where “I think“ I have it all together, because I don’t. I need my godly sisters to come alongside me and correct me when needed.
Good Morning Dear ones, Thanking God for you this morning. So much in today’s reading of Proverbs and Scripture. All of these in Proverbs 1, but verse 2 attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight. I always love the verses about understanding and wisdom. I didn’t always get the fear of the Lord verses. But, now that I am older and love the Word so, I believe it is about putting God in His proper place, and knowing that He is above all things, giving Him reverence and honor and glory and knowing that the darkness hides from Him, fearing the Lord means I do not have to fear man, or anything else. This gives us freedom in Him.
Praying for your requests Sisters, Allie G. praying for the boys you have so lovingly cared for, thankful for the time they had with you and the love you poured out on them. May God give you and your husband His peace. Kaitlin Schroeder, praying for you and your boyfriend, wisdom for the doctors, His healing and strength and comfort and strength for you as well. Sarah D. Glad your dates went well. Praying wisdom for you. Maybe inviting him to a bible study as a friend, would show you more of who he is. It always hit me that we rush into relationships without forming the friendship first and getting that strong before pursuing anything else, but the hearts of others are hard to obtain. Follow what God speaks to yours. Erikka Hager, joining you in praying for your friend and her husband, if you can let us know his name. Praying for Jesus to be near and healing. Lauren, praying for your daughter. Thank you Searching, so appreciate the prayers. Lydia V, praying for your Dad, may he feel Jesus love around him, praying for healing, no pain, and His love around you all.
ERB, there is so much again in Isaiah 44. What I noticed was God declaring who He was to Jacob. Telling him to not be afraid. And that He will pour out His Spirit on Jacob’s offspring. This brings to mind Jesus baptism and the Holy Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus. And I loved that God said in verse 5 that another will write on his hand, The Lord’s and will take the name Israel.” Knowing that Jacob took the name Israel, I wonder, did he write on his hand? And, with what? The biggest thing I noticed in the rest of this chapter was the idols, that men made and worshipped and the part that spoke about them creating idols out of wood, half that was thrown in the fire and the rest carved into an idol. Which struck me that really the idols they worshipped was really just worshipping themselves in the creation of their own hands. Us humans, we make idols/gods out of things we allow to take our focus and give power to that that should have none. Then God’s declaration of who He is again, reminding who is the True God. Isaiah:44:24-28 Thank you ERB, I didn’t see your comment before I posted, will look for it now. Am praying for your brother, God’s provision and asking for miraculous healing. And for you dear friend, may you cling to our Lord and feel His strength and peace this day.
I love reading all the wisdom and comments from everyone as well. Might I suggest that SRT is on FB and IG, and would be a great way to communicate as well, and be able to respond directly to each other?! (In addition to here!) I would love to put a face to you, my friends, my sisters! Please pray for my grandson Brayden, to navigate this crazy world of teenaging! And pray for my marriage to work out this crazy wall of communication we seem to be having for some time.
These verses on not despising wisdom really speak to me today as a parent of three adult children in their 20s. My older two come to us for our wisdom and perspective, and I am so thankful for and honored by that. Our youngest is 20, and he is still in that stage where our wisdom can seem controlling or mandated. I think about how God must feel such a sense of relief as we, his children, move more and more into seeking his wisdom, like my older adult children, and away from rolling our eyes or straight out rejecting his wisdom.
Trust and obey.
Thank you ladies so much for your prayers!! I really appreciate them!! I am praying for each of your requests, (named & unnamed) too!! I love our little community!!! ❤️
My favorite verses from today’s reading weren’t technically listed, but were a little further down in the chapter:
Proverbs 1:17-23
Proverbs 1:32-33
I also loved Proverbs 3:11-12 …we shouldn’t see instruction, discipline or boundaries as anything other than God loving on and delighting in us!!
Proverbs 3:5-8 is always a favorite!!!
And I LOVED James 3:17 …another favorite! SO Good!!!
MAURA, I loved how Isaiah 44 talked about the faithfulness of the promises of God and the worthlessness of idols…verses 19 and 20 caught my attention:
“19 No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
20 Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”
…eating/satisfying oneself at the same place they build an idol.. and they’re unable to distinguish what a lie is.. pretty thought provoking!! ..All too often we can perceive idols to be obvious things, ie: statues…but they can actually be anything from food, to screens, to clothing, to music, to relationships, to reading/studying, to putting an earthly understanding on heavenly things…idols can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives and in our hearts!! Very convicting and eye-opening!!
I also found it very cool how today’s verses in Proverbs complimented the verses in Isaiah 44…
Here are the verses that I highlighted:
Isaiah 44:1-6 ..I learned that Jeshurun means: the upright one …very interesting, as that is the way God wants us to walk, UPRIGHT!!!
Isaiah 44:9 ..super blunt and convicting!!
Isaiah 44:24-28 …the AWESOMENESS of God shines through once again!! A very good chapter!!! Lots to learn and glean from!!
Hope all you wonderful ladies have a super blessed day!! Take time to bask in His presence…He is so Good to us!!!
@ANGIE – I enjoy hearing about your girls group! It’s so lovely to hear as I hope my daughters someday have more women building into them. You are doing some important kingdom work! May God continue to provide you with the wisdom and words this young ladies need.
Verse 5. To increase in learning and obtain guidance. This is a main reason to read scripture as a whole. “This is the word of the Lord. thanks be to God.” Amen.
My high school ladies group met last night. We are finishing up the book of Luke in our study together, and over the summer reading and discussing the book, RELATIONSHIP GOALS, by Michael Todd. I highly recommend this book. It starts with our most important relationship – God. From there it moves into different relationships like friends, family, work or school, and romantic relationships. I appreciate that the book lays things on the table straight. The first chapter asked directly if we were saved as one of the discussion questions. Out of my 7 girls (only 6 were present) only 2 affirmed their salvation. I appreciate that the books is clear that even if you are not saved, you are wanted in the study, but also that a relationship with Jesus would make all the difference for your life. Last night we read about the fact that we all have been created for a purpose and how to cultivate our relationship with the Lord every day through reading His Word, prayer, and praise/worship. From past discussions, I think 3 of the 7 try to be in the Word at least a little each day. I’m so proud of all 7 of them for coming together, meeting to study the Word of God. We talk often about the pressures in our culture that draw us away from the things of God, His wisdom, His love, Himself. I’m sharing this to recommend the book, especially to single ladies as it has a good section on the blessing of singleness and importance of that time, as well as for people who are in a dating relationship or have been married either a short or long time. But the main reason it came to mind is, I know the girls are struggling with reading the Word. They love when we read it together. They talk about how it fills their spirits. I remember that Proverbs has 31 chapters and for many years of my life I would read the chapter of Proverbs that went with that day (so today I would read chapter 22). Putting the wisdom of God into our hearts and minds is so very important. I’m going to suggest this to them. Maybe even text a special verse from the chapter they read that day. I thought I would share it in case some of you had not heard of that idea before.
Have a good day ladies.
1. In Psalms 1:1-7 we are given a list of reasons for reading the wisdom principals. It is hard to say which one stands out to me the most because the all did. I love how Psalms 1:2 connects wisdom through instruction; we can’t know God’s wisdom without learning about God’s wisdom. It is not something we can obtain without the instruction piece. As a teacher, I read this the first time through and thought “well duh. You have to learn something to know something.” Then I read it the second time through and thought “do I look to know without studying the Word?” The answer is yes. I want to know God without taking an hour of my time every morning to sit in His Word. However the opening to proverbs reminds us that wisdom comes through instruction.
2. Today’s reading was really special to me. I loved each reading of Proverbs that was chosen. I found that it connects to the story of redemption in more ways than one.
To start, in the Proverbs 3 reading, we learn to trust in the Lord and not our own understandings. What if this had been true of the Israelites in the wilderness or once they got into the promise land and did not obey Gods commands of destroying pagan alters and running out the Canaanites. Were they trusting in God with all of their hearts? Probably not because they were hanging on to what they knew to be true; however, we know Gods understanding is much much deeper than our own. Thank God for that!
In Proverbs 9:10-11 we see a glimpse of the promise of Jesus and eternal life; “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.” From my understanding this points that Fear, Knowledge and Understanding of God can help point us in the direction of eternal life; which we know comes after the proverbs were written through Jesus death on the cross.
1. I was struck by “giving discretion to the young” as we’ve got three elementary age daughters. They are still learning and growing, and I’m feeling so fortunate to have time with them this summer. However, I’m seeing the changing seasons with our oldest. It’s a good reminder to continue to teach wisdom as much as we can while they live within our four walls that by God’s grace they can walk in His ways throughout their lives.
In my head I hear the wise mothers ahead of me saying “oh honey, just you wait.” My eyes are clear, dear friends, as I plant the seeds of faith in word and deed. Even David had a son who strayed. We can do our bit to plant and water, and then pray that our children allow those seeds the space to flourish.
2. I believe that the truth is that we cannot on our own walk in wisdom because the call of folly is so strong. BUT GOD. In His redemption (and sanctification) He calls us out of folly and makes our paths straight. Again and again and again. Thank God for His unending grace.
Side note: my brother and sister-in-law make some beautiful music under the name “Wisdom & Folly.” If you look them up on Spotify, make sure to use the “&” in your search. Enjoy!
@Taylor: Regarding your question about “fearing the Lord”, I have come to understand this as not being afraid of Him but being in awe of Him, revering Him and respecting Him. I don’t think God ever intended us to fear Him because that would push us away from Him rather than draw us closer to Him, which is what He wants and what we want….Right? I pray you will draw nearer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, today.
Have a blessed day, sisters!
In general, it seems that the language in which the world is communication is quite aggressive, especially in fast paced work environments, I feel this more and more these days
@KristineLoughman Yes! I think the same thing. I can’t say I don’t do it as well but reading this verse makes me much more aware of it so I can take it to God in prayer.
Proverbs 1:7 stood out to me in the fact that the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of knowledge. I’ve always struggled with understanding what the fear of the Lord actually is and looks like in our lives. During my relationship I was going my own way, ignoring the Holy Spirit’s nudging, and walking outside God’s will. Now that the relationship has ended (a month ago tomorrow but who’s counting lol?) I feel drawn to increased dependence of God to sustain me. Maybe this is what the fear of the Lord is. I have a patient who’s a Christian and we’ve had some wonderful conversations in our last few sessions about faith (she’s 92 so talk about having wisdom!) I was also drawn to Proverbs 3:5-6 and Proverbs 3:11-12 as they are always good reminders especially in this season of my life! I love the quote from the devotion about conviction being a gift from the Holy Spirit. May we all listen to those convictions so we can walk in obedience to the glory of God!
Lifting up the prayer requests mentioned <3
Hi friends! I rarely post on here but I’m posting today to ask for y’all to pray for my friends husband who was involved in a hit and run last week. He is currently in the ICU but is slowly recovering despite the long road ahead of him. Please keep him lifted in prayer.
Good morning Sister’s. I don’t post often but am so blessed by the words of those that do. I go back and read the posts from the day prior before I start each days reading. Thank you all for the insight. It came to my heart last evening to reach out to TINA and CHURCHMOUSE. Your thoughts are missed and I pray that this finds you and your families well and not in distress. SRT has become a wonderful family of the Lord to me. My prayers are there for all of you. BUT GOD…..
17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. — These words from James really struck me today because are so unlike our current environment. All I hear in politics or the news or people around me is loud, yelling, refusal to hear the other person. The wisdom this verse tells of is soft, quiet, gentle. It doesn’t need to yell to prove it’s point or dig in it’s heels out of fear. I want this Wisdom from Above.
Couldn’t agree more!
Lauran with your daughters procedure!
Praying for continued healing for your dad, LydiaV and that all goes well Lauren
Hi, ladies. My daughter is having a procedure today. I would greatly appreciate your prayers that all goes well for her. Thank you!
I prayed as I read this that all would go well.
2To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
This stood out to me. I struggle to know and trust how God is leading in situations. Understanding His will is always a bit mysterious to me. I pray I will understand words of insight as the proverb states. Regarding the story of redemption proverbs proves God is more interested in all of our lives and the process of sanctification than just eternity and salvation. He stresses wisdom in how we live and how this makes our lives more peaceful. His proverbs are a gift to us.
These verses stood out. I included some from each one. The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and discipline. Don’t be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 This will be healing for your body,
and strengthening for your bones.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
I looked up the notes in my Bible and saw this: The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord- to honor and respect God, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for our understanding of the world, our attitudes, and actions. Then it says to Trust in God- He will make you truly wise. I saw this too: Wisdom begins with knowing God. To know God is to not just know facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Then it says, if you want to be wise, get to know God better. May I see God rightly. He is Holy. His ways and thoughts are not not like ours. His ways and thoughts are above ours. I have prayed to see the depths of my sin, because then His grace and mercy are so much more beautiful.May I be in awe of Him and live a life pleasing and a life that shows gratitude and adoration of Him by the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen
I read what Kelly wrote for the answer to question 2. I could not think of a better answer than hers. Thank you, Kelly.
I wanted to share that today’s devotional on the First 5 app from Proverbs 31 is on Hebrews4:11-14,
11 So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
I feel like that devotional goes with today’s reading. Here is a link if you want to read this: https://myf5.co/515089
Have a great day, everyone!
LYDIAV – thankful the surgery went well, praying for his recovery and that he turns the corner soon and can see/feel the improvement. Praying for your mom too!
KAITLIN SCHROEDER – praise the Lord for the good night you reported yesterday. Continuing to pray for him, medical team and you.
SARAH D – glad you went on the date :) praying for wisdom, discernment and a kind way to say you’re interested in friendship as it sounds like you will be around each other in the future. Love the quote you shared! And yes, our words always have an effect so I try to remember that.
ERB – glad you are feeling better, and continuing to pray.
MAURA – praying for you and your husband.
SARAH JOY – praying for your brother and fiancé
MARI V – glad your son’s trip is going well. Continuing to pray for him, your car and the upcoming trip with your daughter.
ANNA CYR – praying for your friend’s anxiety
CHURCHMOUSE
TINA
y’all are missed. Praying for you both.
Hoping this only posts once – tried to post and nothing happened, so trying again.
LYDIAV-will continue to pray for your parents
KAITLIN SCHROEDER – thanks for the update. Praying that In His mercy, the Lord will bring relief to your boyfriend’s crisis.
1. “for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity” is what stood out to me. How loving of God to give us examples of how to live out His wisdom!
2. I see Jesus as the fulfillment of the obedient Son who listened to His Father’s instruction. His perfect wisdom and obedience created the way for my redemption.
Good morning, Lydia V! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! So grateful that your dad’s surgery went well! Praying for continued recovery!
Dear Sisters in the Lord, some of you prayed for my dad who had an oesophagus resection 10 days ago. The surgery went well but recovery is very hard. He is at home, but struggling. Please keep him and my mother in your prayers and especially that the cancer will not return.
I love reading all your comments and praying for all your requests. Although we have no way of contacting each other, it really does feel like a community!