Good Question - Day 08
Day 08: Wednesday, April 26
Read Proverbs 8
Highlight
In this chapter the author chooses to personify (give human qualities to) Wisdom. A purpose of this is to create a contrast between foolishness and wisdom. The previous chapter had a “simple” youth being tempted into a foolish choice - a fun, no consequence sexual encounter with someone. The woman in that chapter “lurked” in ambush for the youth, metaphorically trapping and killing him. Wisdom is held in contrast. She doesn’t lurk, she calls out in public places. And Wisdom isn’t hunting certain people, she is offering her benefits to “all mankind.” In fact, her grace extends to the simple and foolish. She isn’t trying to take advantage of anyone, she wants to help everyone. Where the adulteress takes, Wisdom wants to give.
And we can see why: Wisdom is a creation of God. In fact, in the poetic language of the author, she was one of the first things God created. This pre-eminence of Wisdom is meant to show how close to the Father’s heart wisdom is and therefore how desirable it is for us to receive it for ourselves.
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 8
Highlight
In this chapter the author chooses to personify (give human qualities to) Wisdom. A purpose of this is to create a contrast between foolishness and wisdom. The previous chapter had a “simple” youth being tempted into a foolish choice - a fun, no consequence sexual encounter with someone. The woman in that chapter “lurked” in ambush for the youth, metaphorically trapping and killing him. Wisdom is held in contrast. She doesn’t lurk, she calls out in public places. And Wisdom isn’t hunting certain people, she is offering her benefits to “all mankind.” In fact, her grace extends to the simple and foolish. She isn’t trying to take advantage of anyone, she wants to help everyone. Where the adulteress takes, Wisdom wants to give.
And we can see why: Wisdom is a creation of God. In fact, in the poetic language of the author, she was one of the first things God created. This pre-eminence of Wisdom is meant to show how close to the Father’s heart wisdom is and therefore how desirable it is for us to receive it for ourselves.
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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