Good Question - Day 02
Day 02: Tuesday, April 18
Read Proverbs 2
Highlight
Chapter 2 uses a metaphor that will be common throughout the Book of Proverbs: the “good path” versus “dark” or “crooked paths.” The word for path is “ma’gal,” which literally means the “track of a wagon wheel.” When we picture the path, think of not only a well-worn path, but think of a rut that a wagon wheel would fit into on that path. This is why a “crooked” path is portrayed as such a negative thing. A rut on a straight path is a benefit - keeps your wagon firmly in place and your wheels turning easily on a smooth track. But when the path twists and turns, that rut becomes an obstruction and a frustration.
Thus, the “good path” of verse 9 is not only a life that will lead to the benefit of the walker, but it is also the path with the least amount of resistance. Our God has designed the world to work a certain way. He has set the good paths. To leave those paths to tread “crooked paths” (v. 15) and “dark ways” (v. 13) is to try to push our “carts” over ruts and around curves. We choose paths that neither lead to the good nor are easy to walk. This is why Chapter 2 also discusses God’s protection of those who walk the good path and avoid the dark ways. We are not meant to picture God throwing lightning bolts at those who leave the path. Rather, think of God already setting up the good paths to be straight, well laid out, and guarded. And think of the crooked paths as places where God has removed all of that protection so instead we find ourselves in the ditch, covered in nettles and swatting at mosquitoes. This has been described as the “passive wrath of God.” As C.S. Lewis said, “You can’t go against the grain of the universe and not expect to get splinters.”
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Proverbs 2
Highlight
Chapter 2 uses a metaphor that will be common throughout the Book of Proverbs: the “good path” versus “dark” or “crooked paths.” The word for path is “ma’gal,” which literally means the “track of a wagon wheel.” When we picture the path, think of not only a well-worn path, but think of a rut that a wagon wheel would fit into on that path. This is why a “crooked” path is portrayed as such a negative thing. A rut on a straight path is a benefit - keeps your wagon firmly in place and your wheels turning easily on a smooth track. But when the path twists and turns, that rut becomes an obstruction and a frustration.
Thus, the “good path” of verse 9 is not only a life that will lead to the benefit of the walker, but it is also the path with the least amount of resistance. Our God has designed the world to work a certain way. He has set the good paths. To leave those paths to tread “crooked paths” (v. 15) and “dark ways” (v. 13) is to try to push our “carts” over ruts and around curves. We choose paths that neither lead to the good nor are easy to walk. This is why Chapter 2 also discusses God’s protection of those who walk the good path and avoid the dark ways. We are not meant to picture God throwing lightning bolts at those who leave the path. Rather, think of God already setting up the good paths to be straight, well laid out, and guarded. And think of the crooked paths as places where God has removed all of that protection so instead we find ourselves in the ditch, covered in nettles and swatting at mosquitoes. This has been described as the “passive wrath of God.” As C.S. Lewis said, “You can’t go against the grain of the universe and not expect to get splinters.”
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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