Good Question - Day 09
Day 09: Thursday, April 27
Read Proverbs 9
Highlight
The personification and comparison continues into a new chapter, this time set up explicitly as a comparison between Wisdom and Folly. The image painted is that both women are hosting banquets and inviting “the simple,” or those who currently lack wisdom and understanding. Both make their appeals, and the difference between the two is stark. Wisdom offers life without any mention of pleasure. In fact, the things she talks about are long-term - a long life spent walking wisely will be a rewarding life. There is no immediate benefit or pleasure. Folly, on the other hand, talks only of immediate gratification. Interestingly, she doesn’t lie. There is immediate pleasure to be found in foolish choices! But she omits the long-term consequences from her appeal. It is the author that reminds us of the long-term consequences.
This chapter closes out the introductory section of the Book of Proverbs, and it does so by emphasizing the foundational lesson of Proverbs about wisdom: Wisdom is fundamentally choosing the long over the short, or the lasting over the temporary.
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 9
Highlight
The personification and comparison continues into a new chapter, this time set up explicitly as a comparison between Wisdom and Folly. The image painted is that both women are hosting banquets and inviting “the simple,” or those who currently lack wisdom and understanding. Both make their appeals, and the difference between the two is stark. Wisdom offers life without any mention of pleasure. In fact, the things she talks about are long-term - a long life spent walking wisely will be a rewarding life. There is no immediate benefit or pleasure. Folly, on the other hand, talks only of immediate gratification. Interestingly, she doesn’t lie. There is immediate pleasure to be found in foolish choices! But she omits the long-term consequences from her appeal. It is the author that reminds us of the long-term consequences.
This chapter closes out the introductory section of the Book of Proverbs, and it does so by emphasizing the foundational lesson of Proverbs about wisdom: Wisdom is fundamentally choosing the long over the short, or the lasting over the temporary.
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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