Proverbs 8

Woman Wisdom’s speech to the young men. See also Prv 1:20-32.
v.1-3 The father introduces Wisdom’s (also called Understanding) speech to his son. She cries out loudly on the path, crossroads, and city gate, will you listen?
v.4-11 Wisdom calls on the young men (and all mankind) to listen to her instruction. She wants them to learn prudence and sense. Wisdom speaks in righteousness and her instruction is to be preferred over gold, silver, and jewels.
v.12-21 Wisdom provides an autobiographical sketch in which she identifies character traits she is associated with. We learn she is prudent, has knowledge and discretion, she hates perverted speech, and she has sound wisdom and insight. To fear the Lord is to hate evil. We are told that those who seek her diligently find her (see Jas 1:5). She bestows (spiritual) wealth on those who find her.
v.22-31 Here Wisdom narrates her accomplishments. We learn that Wisdom was created before anything else (22-26) and that she was present during the rest of creation (27-31).
v.32-36 Now Wisdom has advice for the young men. Happy are those who head her message. Those who seek her find life and the favor of God. Those who do not injure themselves and find death.

If you want to know how the world works and how to navigate life, get to know Wisdom. Jesus is associated with Woman Wisdom in the NT in many passages. Therefore we find life through a relationship with Jesus, who is the embodiment of God’s wisdom.

Read Proverbs 8

Proverbs 7

More warning about adultery and the adulteress. See also Prv 5:1-23 and Prv 6:20-35.
v.1-5 The father calls his son to internalize his instructions (that follow in this chapter) and write them on the tablet of his heart. He is to call Wisdom his sister/friend so she will guard him from the adulteress and her flattery.
v.6-13 The father begins narrating a story about a young man who lacked sense. As the young man walks along he is suddenly propositioned by a woman dressed as a prostitute.
v.14-20 The father quotes the woman’s proposition to him. She has special linens on the bed perfumed with spices. Her husband is away on a business trip and will not be home until the full moon.
v.21-23 The young man gives in to the seduction. He follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter. The ox enters the slaughterhouse not knowing the violent end that awaits him.
v.24-27 The father warns his sons against repeating the folly of the young man. Stay away from her and her house because her house is the way to Sheol.

The teaching of Prv 5-7 is that the consequence of adultery is death. Don’t go there — it will ruin your life.

Read Proverbs 7

Proverbs 6:20-35

Warning against adultery.
v.20-22 The son is called upon to follow the commands of his parents in what follows. Bind them on your heart continually. This will bring benefits all the time (v.22).
v.23-24 The parents command will illuminate the path the son is to follow — stay away from the evil woman/adulteress.
v.25-28 Don't fall for her eyelashes (beauty). There is no escaping the consequences and it may cost your life.
v.29-35 Adultery will not go unpunished — he who does it destroys himself. There will be no pity on him.

With punishment and shame so certain, one must be a fool to commit adultery. Follow the advice of the parents in this passage and keep far away from her. Guard your mind because that is where infidelity starts.

Read Proverbs 6:20-35

Proverbs 6:1-19

Teachings on dealing with other men. Specifically, avoid pledging for a loan, avoid sluggards (observe the ant), avoid the “worthless person,” and seven things the Lord hates.
v.1-5 Don’t (rashly) make a pledge for a stranger’s loan. If you do, go to great lengths to extricate yourself from the danger.
v.6-11 Study the ants behavior and avoid laziness. Adopt a hardworking lifestyle like the ant who gathers food during the harvest (i.e. plan ahead). The result of a lazy lifestyle is poverty.
v.12-15 Warning to avoid the way of a worthless person (their heart is bent on evil). Calamity will come on him suddenly for his wicked ways.
v.16-19 A numerical proverb describing seven things that are an abomination to the Lord. (1) Haughty eyes, (2) a lying tongue, (3) hands that shed innocent blood, (4) a heart that devises wicked plans, (5) feet that make haste to run to evil, (6) a false witness who breathes out lies, and (7) one who sows discord among brothers.

Take Solomon's advice and plan ahead for profit; then work hard like the ant. Avoid family squabbles and don't take revenge.

Read Proverbs 6:1-19

Proverbs 5

A father’s discourse on keeping away from strange (forbidden/promiscuous) women and loving your wife. This is the first of many such passages in Proverbs (e.g. Prv 6:20-35, 7:1-27).
v.1-6 The father admonishes his son to pay attention to his wisdom. The strange woman may be appealing but she is headed for death and destruction.
v.7-14 The father continues, keep far from her (and her house):
- lest you give your honor to others
- lest you give your years to the merciless
- lest strangers take their fill of your strength
- lest your labors go to the house of a foreigner
- and at the end of your life you groan (why did I not listen to wisdom?)
v.15-23 Here the father encourages and blesses proper behavior with the son’s wife. He warns that God’s eyes are on his paths and that the wicked will die in their stupidity.

The best defense against falling prey to a strange woman (man) is a proper and satisfying relationship with your wife (husband). Remember that God knows all of your ways.

Read Proverbs 5

Proverbs 4:20-27

An admonition to stay the course.
v.20-22 The father instructs the son to pay attention to his words. Guard them in your heart for they are life for the one who finds them.
v.23 Above all, protect your heart (your core personality), for from it is life.
v.24 Don't speak or listen to foolish speech (e.g. gossip, slander, or lies).
v.25-27 Keep focused on the straight path ahead. Don't swerve to the left or right toward evil.

The son is to focus his attention to staying on the right path, that leads to life, and thereby avoiding the evil path.

Read Proverbs 4:20-27

Proverbs 4:10-19

The son is exhorted to stay on the paths of uprightness taught by his father.
v.10-12 The father has taught the son the way of wisdom. If he stays on that path his years of life will be lengthened.
v.13 The son is told to stay on the right path because wisdom is his life.
v.14-19 Don't be tempted to go over to the ways of the wicked. The way of the wicked is deep darkness; but the way of the righteous is like daylight. (cf. Ps 1)

Wisdom is a lifelong endeavor of being diligent to stay on the right path. The reward being life itself. You must actively avoid the way of the wicked in order to stay on the straight path.

Read Proverbs 4:10-19

Proverbs 4:1-9

The father urges his sons to embrace the way of wisdom.
v.1-2 An exhortation for the son to pay attention to the wisdom teaching (insight, precepts, teaching, instruction) of his father.
v.3-4a An introduction to the words (v.4b-9) of the father's father.
v.4b-9 Hold fast to my words (and commands); get wisdom and insight. Wisdom will honor and protect you if you embrace her.

The grandfather's advice is that the beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom and prize her highly. Wisdom is personified as a woman the son is to grow intimate with.

Read Proverbs 4:1-9

Proverbs 3:21-35

Wisdom motivated as a lifelong pursuit that is to be our way of life.
v.21-22 The father's admonition to his son calling him to be characterized by sound wisdom and discretion. They are to be part of his way of life and are indeed the way to life.
v.23-26 The motivation for the admonition of v.21-22. You will be secure, not stumble, not be afraid, and your sleep will be sweet. Wisdom and it's blessings are from the Lord.
v.27-31 Four proverbs (27-28,29,30,31) dealing with prohibitions in behavior toward others. Perhaps to be read as examples of behavior that illustrate the way of life specified in v.21-22.
- do not withhold good from your neighbor
- do not plan evil against your neighbor
- do not contend with a man for no reason
- do not choose the ways of a man of violence
v.32-35 Motivations for the proper behavior described in v.27-31. The Lord curses the wicked and blesses the righteous (and their households).

Our behavior has repercussions for ourselves and those around us. This section motivates proper behavior and the seeking of wisdom.

Read Proverbs 3:21-35

Proverbs 3:13-20

The blessings on those who find Wisdom.
v.13 A beatitude stating that those who find wisdom are happy.
v.14-15 The gain from wisdom is more than the gain from silver, gold, or pearls. See Mt 6:19-25.
v.16-18 Wisdom (personified) holds long life in her right hand and wealth and honor in her left hand. Her path (way of life) is pleasant and full of peace. She is a tree of life to those who hold her fast.
v.19-20 Here the poem associates Wisdom with creation. Earth and heaven were created by God's wisdom.

This poem provides the reader with further motivation to seek wisdom. King Solomon chose wisdom over material riches; but, as a result, was greatly blessed materially (1 Kgs 3). The association of wisdom with the tree of life implies eternal life is a reward for finding wisdom.

Read Proverbs 3:13-20

Proverbs 3:1-12

A poem on trusting in the Lord. See Dt 6.
v.1-2 The father admonishes his son to pursue a life of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and to follow his commands. Motivation for obedience is that the son will have a long life with peace.
v.3-4 The son is encouraged to make steadfast love and faithfulness a part of his life resulting in favor and good success (before God and man).
v.5-6 The father admonishes his son to trust in the Lord (and not in himself) and acknowledge him in his paths (with the reward that God will keep his paths straight).
v.7-8 The son is told to fear the Lord, turn away from evil, and not to be wise in his own eyes. The incentive is that he will then be healthy and refreshed.
v.9-10 Honor God by turning some of your wealth (first fruits) over to him (tithe) and your wealth will paradoxically increase.
v.11-12 The father tells his son not to reject the discipline of the Lord because the Lord corrects those whom he loves. See Heb 12:5-6 and Dt 8:1-9:5.

Trust in the Lord (and be not wise in your own eyes) and depend on him in all things and the result will be great reward. The blessings follow living a life of wisdom.

Read Proverbs 3:1-12

Proverbs 2

A discourse of a father to his son urging him to actively seek wisdom and the fear of the Lord.
v.1-8 The son is urged to listen to the father to gain understanding and find the fear of the Lord. He is told to seek wisdom as one might seek precious silver or hidden treasure. God protects the path of his saints.
v.9-15 Continuing the thought, the son will then understand righteousness and justice and equity. Wisdom will become part of his character and enable him to withstand temptation.
v.16-19 The son (by listening to his father) will avoid entanglement with the strange woman (a woman operating outside the bounds of moral restraint). The result of such entanglement is death.
v.20-22 Wisdom will keep one on the right path (and in the land) but the wicked will be uprooted.

What does this mean for us? Work hard to gain wisdom and seek God. Study the book of Proverbs and the rest of the Bible.

Read Proverbs 2

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom, in the person of a woman, addresses the young men who have rejected her instruction. The purpose of her speech is to get young men to listen to her now, before they suffer the consequences of not heeding her call. Woman Wisdom is the personification of God's wisdom and stands for God himself (BCOTWP, p. 111).

v.20-21 The narrator (father) introduces Wisdom’s speech. She shouts in the streets and in the public square. That is, Wisdom is readily available to those who seek her (before its too late).
v.22-25 Wisdom laments the young men's (fools) rejection of her counsel. She speaks to three classes of fool who have rejected her: the simple, the mockers, and simply the fool.
v.26-31 Because they reject Wisdom, troubles will befall them with devastating force. Wisdom will laugh at them and not answer when they call.
v.32-33 The way of the fool is death, but those who listen to Wisdom will dwell in safety.

Wisdom’s appeal is urgent. Follow her advice because time is certainly running out. Make a decision today to seek Wisdom.

Read Proverbs 1:20-33

Proverbs 1:8-19

This part of chapter 1 is a warning against associating with (ie., stay off their path) those who would do evil (seek gain at the expense of others).

v.8-9 The son (ie., the one to whom instruction is directed) is told to listen to (obey) his father’s (and mother’s) instruction/teaching. v.9 provides the motivation, namely the promise of reward (using the metaphor of jewelry) for listening to the instruction.
v.10-14 The instruction of the parents — stay away from sinners (don’t consent when they entice you). The picture is of a (violent) gang of lawbreakers who prey upon (and even kill) members of their society.
v.15-19 Using the metaphor of a “path”, the parents warn their son to keep his feet off the gang’s path (for they “run to evil”). The motivation given is that the gang’s activities will lead to their own destruction. Violence (and greed) becomes its own trap. The proverb (v.17) indicates that we fall into the trap only when we don't realize it is a trap. We learn wisdom so as to recognize the traps.

Note that we all (men, women, young, and old) need to listen to the voice of this father (and mother) as they provide instruction to their son. Two paths are illustrated, one leading to death and the other (by implication) leading to life. The son will listen to the words of wisdom or the words of sinners and choose a path based on whom he believes. Think about the messages you hear in society in order to discern the outcomes.

Read Proverbs 1:8-19

Proverbs 1:1-7

The first 7 verses are an introduction to the whole book of Proverbs, providing its purpose. The book is a collection of wisdom passages that was brought together over time. A proverb is a short saying expressing a certain truth.

v.1 Superscription. Most of the book is credited to King Solomon, but there were other contributers.
v.2-3 Description of the qualities that the book would impart on its readers (wisdom, discipline, insight, righteousness, justice, and equity).
v.4 Addresses the "simple" and "youth" and describes further qualities the book is to impart (prudence, knowledge, discretion).
v.5-6 Finally the book also addresses the wise in order to increase their understanding of difficult sayings and proverbs.
v.7 The motto of the book of proverbs.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The book of proverbs then is concerned with the formation of character through the cultivation of wisdom in the reader.

Read Proverbs 1:1-7

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!
v.1-2 Praise the Lord in all creation for his mighty deeds and his excellent greatness.
v.3-5 Praise the Lord with loud music and dancing.
v.6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
Praise the Lord!

The final psalm is a call to exuberant praise for everyone in all of creation. How? with everything you have.

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Psalm 149

Praise the Lord!
v.1-3 A call for Israel to praise the Lord with singing, music and dancing.
v.4 The psalmist gives the reason for praise—God’s salvation for the humble.
v.5-6 A further call to praise with song.
v.6-9 With two-edged sword in hand, the people are to “execute vengeance on the nations.”
Praise the Lord!

The two-edged sword is of course the word of God. The church's enemies are not flesh and blood, but rather spiritual forces of darkness. Let the high praises of God be on your lips as you go about your life today.

Read Psalm 149

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord!
v.1-4 Call for praise to God in the heavens by his angels and all his hosts (sun, moon, stars).
v.5-6 He created the heavenly hosts and established them, therefore they are to praise him.
v.7-12 Call for praise to God on the earth by sea creatures, the elements of weather on earth, mountains, animals and all peoples.
v.13-14 Praise God for his name alone is exalted and earth and heaven. He is the glory of all the saints.
Praise the Lord!

All of creation is united in this call to praise the creator.

Read Psalm 148

Psalm 147

Praise the Lord!
v.1-6 “The Lord lifts up the humble” and “heals the brokenhearted.” Great is our God, he numbers the stars and calls them by name. His understanding is beyond our comprehension.
v.7-11 Sing to the Lord who provides the rain and feeds the animals. He “takes pleasure in those who fear him.”
v.12-20 The Lord blesses Jerusalem and declares his law to Israel.
Praise the Lord!

The Lord is the sovereign ruler over the world and he blesses and cares for his people. Seek to know and understand God and to become more like him today.

Read Psalm 147

Psalm 146

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah)
v.1-2 “I will praise the Lord as long as I live.”
v.3-4 Don't trust in an earthly prince, when his breath departs, his plans also perish.
v.5-7a Those who hope in the Lord are blessed. He is the God of creation, full of mercy.
v.7b-9 Mighty acts as reasons to praise God.
v.10 “The Lord will reign forever.”
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah)

The last 5 psalms are each framed by Hallelujah. It is fitting to bring the psalter to a close with psalms of praise. In this psalm, the praise is deliberate and forever. Make a firm, determined, and conscious decision to praise God in your life. We are also advised not to put our trust in an earthly prince. There is only one who we should put our trust in—Jesus Christ.

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Psalm 145

A Song of Praise. Of David. An acrostic poem.

v.1-3 David promises to praise God and proclaim his greatness every day forever. No one can fathom the greatness of the Lord.
v.4-7 Each generation will teach the next of God's works, his glorious splendor and abundant goodness. They will sing of the righteousness of God and declare his greatness.
v.8-9 Praise for characteristics of God (gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, good to all, mercy over all that he made). For v.8 see Ex 34:6, Jon 4:2.
v.10-13a Praise to God for his mighty acts and power. His kingdom shall endure forever.
v.13b-20 Praise to God for his acts, his righteousness, his kindness, his nearness, and his salvation. The Lord preserves those who love him, but the wicked he destroys.
v.21 David (and all flesh) will praise God forever.

It is a most solemn duty of each generation to teach the next to praise the Lord for his mercies and righteousness. His mercy is over all creation (and how much more to his children). The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth (v.18), see Jn 4:23-24. Let it be our daily personal goal to extol his name continually.

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Psalm 144

Of David. A royal prayer.

v.1-2 Blessed be the Lord my rock, my steadfast love, my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, and my shield. See Ps 18:2.
v.3-4 Lord, what is man that you consider him? He is nothing but a breath of air. See Ps 8:4.
v.5-8 A call for the Lord to deliver David from those who speak lies.
v.9-11 A second call for deliverance and a promise to sing unto the Lord.
v.12-15 A vision of the blessings on the people (family, economy, and nation) whose God is the Lord.

Blessed indeed are the people of the Lord. God alone is our savior and deliverer. Only in God can we find a meaningful, worthwhile life.

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Psalm 143

A Psalm of David. A prayer. A penitential psalm.

v.1-2 David’s plea to the Lord to hear his prayer. He acknowledges that no one is righteous before God (see Rom 3:23).
v.3-4 His spirit faints and his heart is appalled at how the enemy has pursued his soul and crushed him to the ground.
v.5-6 David’s soul thirsts for the Lord and he meditates on all he has done (in history and creation). Selah.
v.7-8 Here the psalmist asks for God’s guidance and a quick answer to his prayer.
v.9-10 David pleas to the Lord for refuge from enemies. He prays that God would teach him to do his will (and lead him).
v.11-12 A last plea for deliverance from trouble and a statement of confidence in the Lord.

David is devoted to the Lord and looks to him for deliverance from enemies. He asks God to teach him to do his will and lead him on level ground. We should do the same. David acknowledges his sin before God (v.2). Once again, we should do the same. When we confess, and forsake, our sin, we are then able to get back in step with God.

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Psalm 142

A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. See 1 Sm 22:1, 24:1-3, Ps 57.

v.1-2 David cries out to the Lord for mercy in a time of trouble. He pours out his complaint.
v.3-4 My enemies have set a trap for me and no refuge remains for me.
v.5-7a Request for deliverance from persecutors.
v.7b Statement of confidence in God’s deliverance.

This is a prayer we can use in a time of despair. David expressed confidence that God hears prayers and will act (Phil 4:6). We can have the same confidence and boldly bring our needs before our God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour (1 Pt 5:7).

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Psalm 141

A Psalm of David. A prayer against compromise.

v.1-2 David calls on the Lord to hear his prayer. Let his prayers be counted as incense (Rv 5:8).
v.3-4 David asks God to guard his lips and his heart from any evil.
v.5-7 Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Prv 27:6) but judgment will overtake the leaders of the wicked. v.7 is obscure.
v.8-10 David seeks refuge in God and asks that the wicked fall into their own traps.

We all need to ask God's help in overcoming temptation and compromise with evil. We should be willing to accept the rebuke of the righteous in our life.

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Psalm 140

A Psalm of David. A prayer for deliverance. A lament psalm.

v.1-3 David asks for deliverance from violent men. Their tongue as sharp as a serpents, they plan evil continually in their heart. Selah. “Venom of asps” — see Rom 3:13b.
v.4-5 David asks for protection from violent/proud men who had set a snare/trap for his feet. Selah.
v.6-8 David confesses the Lord is his God and asks that the desires of the wicked not be granted. Selah.
v.9-11 David asks that the mischief (against him) of evil men fall on their own head and let them be cast into the fire.
v.12-13 David expresses confidence in the just judgment of the Lord. The righteous will surely praise the Lord (Ps 138:2).

No matter what our circumstance, the Lord can deliver us from the vipers. We can be confident in the justice of the Lord. As Christians, we should be quick to defend our powerless neighbors from evil men.

Read Psalm 140

Psalm 139

A Psalm of David. A wisdom psalm.

v.1-6 God knows us and all of our ways, all of our thoughts, and every word we speak (he is omniscient). God’s powers of comprehension and knowledge are beyond our capacity to grasp.
v.7-12 God is omnipresent and is there wherever we may be. Night is as bright as day to him.
v.13-16 God oversees our formation in the womb, he knows all of our days before the first of them (he is omnipotent). We are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
v.17-18 God’s thoughts are precious (towards us) and uncountable (as the sand).
v.19-22 David shows his intolerance of wicked men. He hates wicked men and desires that God slay them.
v.23-24 David wants God to search his heart and thoughts for any grievous ways and to lead him “in the way everlasting.” (In contrast to the way of the wicked who perish, Ps 1:6.)

Pray today that God would find the evil in your heart (so that you might repent) and lead you in the way to everlasting life. Ponder the infinite greatness of our all-knowing, all-powerful God.

Read Psalm 139

Psalm 138

Of David. A hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord.

v.1-3 David boldly gives thanks to the Lord with his whole heart:
- for his steadfast love
- for his faithfulness
- because he has exalted his name and word above all
- because he answered when David called
- because he increased David’s strength of soul
v.4-6 The kings of the earth will give thanks to the Lord.
v.7-8 God preserves David’s life though he walks in the midst of trouble.

This song calls us to thank the Lord in much the same way a praise psalm calls us to praise him. How do we thank him? with our whole heart. Every tongue must confess the Lord throughout the whole earth. God’s steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

Read Psalm 138