Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of August 1, 2021

Weekly reading: Proverbs 1-7
Passages referenced: Psalm 1:7, 90:12; Proverbs 2:6, 4:7; Luke 2:52

The book of Proverbs could be described as a playbook for life. We could read everything in this brilliantly written book and gain knowledge. The word “proverb” comes from a Hebrew word that means “to rule or govern.” This book is not meant to teach doctrine. It is a book that teaches people how to attain wisdom, discipline, and a prudent life, and how to do what is right, just, and fair – in short, to apply Godly (divine) wisdom to daily life and provide moral instruction. It relates to our work – when we apply the concepts, it causes our work to stabilize. It is a very practical workshop in wise living.

The longer I’ve lived, the more I’ve come to realize that I oftentimes don’t need more knowledge. Knowledge is very good – but there is a huge difference between knowledge (having the facts for a given situation) and wisdom (applying those facts to our lives). We can gain more knowledge, but without wisdom, knowledge is useless. We must learn how to live out what we know. Again, we often don’t need more information; we need to apply what we’ve already learned.

And here is what I’ve finally realized – God longs to impart wisdom to us. His desire is for us to grow up. Wisdom is an attribute of God. Our journey has to begin with our relationship with Christ. Psalm 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” We can get hung up on this term “fear of the Lord,” but I have come to see it as knowing my place before God in the universe and living accordingly; to honor and respect God, live in awe of His power, and obey His Word; to live in a way that points others to Christ.

We oftentimes overcomplicate this. Proverbs 2:6 tells us, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” As you read the book of Proverbs, ask yourself: is God’s wisdom worth whatever it takes for me to know it and live by it? Wisdom comes in two ways – it is God’s gift, and it is also the result of our earnestly searching for it.

When my sons were younger, I started asking God every night when I prayed with them that they would grow in wisdom and stature. (I was inspired by Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”) As my boys have continued to grow taller, I haven’t stopped praying this exact prayer over them. More than anything, I want them to understand that wisdom comes from God and that they will become wiser as their love for God increases and as they seek knowledge out of their love. As I’ve prayed this, I’ve sensed God answering this prayer for my own life as well. My Father in Heaven is parenting me through parenting my sons. Through my life experiences, I have gained wisdom.

These first chapters of Proverbs are rich with advice for young people. If we base our lives on Godly decisions, which does NOT come easily, we will grow in wisdom. God will guide our steps; He will lead us. But we MUST participate with Him.

We either learn through life experience (my husband has taught me the phrase “experience is the best teacher” as I would grieve difficult experiences our sons would go through), or we learn through earnestly studying God’s Word. We grow in a crisis or in the classroom of God’s Word. We cannot and will not go through life unscathed. But we can allow life’s experiences to teach us about God’s love, His steadfast faithfulness, and how much we can trust Him. Our Father in Heaven can be trusted. Take a few minutes to think about a time when God grew you through a difficult life experience. And then praise Him for the wisdom you attained.

While I’ve been writing this, a song has been going through my head based on Psalms 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” And as I also look at Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding,” I am praying for all of us as we read the Proverbs – that we would remember to ask God to reveal Himself through His Word. Let’s not just read to become knowledgeable; let’s ask God to grow us in wisdom. We are His children, and He wants nothing more than to answer that prayer. – Michelle Yeager

• Check out The Bible Project’s overview video of the book of Proverbs. It is an excellent source for background information and context that walks through the book’s sections and themes. It can be really helpful for those who appreciate some visuals while learning.
• Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing, you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question you have, provide you with some clarity, or point you in the right direction for further study.