Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of August 8, 2021

Weekly reading: Proverbs 8-14
Passages referenced: Proverbs 8:6, 9:9, 10:19, 11:13, 12:15, 13:3, 14:3; 2 Timothy 3:16

I love Proverbs! It is an amazing book. Of course, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) But whenever I need a good dose of practical everyday living, I find myself gravitating toward Proverbs. Sometimes it reminds me of things I already know, but it always challenges me. And these are things I can put into daily practice right away.

As I have been reading through these chapters, I see something over and over that relates to our mouths: our talking, or better yet, not talking! Listening is stated or implied over and over. Here are just a few examples from each chapter:

Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. – Proverbs 8:6

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. – Proverbs 9:9

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. – Proverbs 10:19

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. – Proverbs 11:13

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. – Proverbs 12:15

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. – Proverbs 13:3

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. – Proverbs 14:3

Talk about practical everyday living! We can apply this immediately. The theme repeatedly is that we need to listen. Listen to God first and then to others.

So many times over the years, I have regretted something I have said and had to go back and apologize simply because I didn’t listen to the Holy Spirit’s warnings. When we listen to God, He prompts us. When we read God’s Word and meditate (listen), we hear from God. He gives us wisdom. When we pause in conversations and listen to God, only good will come out of that!

A great way to do ministry is to listen to people with interest. It gives them value. It not only shows we care but also as God’s representatives that He cares. It opens the door to spiritual conversations. Especially since COVID, people are lonely. They need a friend, someone who will listen.

In these trying times, with all these complex moral dilemmas thrown at us and our families, we need wisdom. Wisdom and understanding. We need the wisdom of the Bible. Not the kind the world offers but the kind of wisdom Proverbs talks about. Let’s listen to God and others for God’s glory and our good. – Jeff Pfeifer

• 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.