Good Question - Day 10
Day 10: Friday, April 28
Read Proverbs 10 - 11
Before the Reading
Chapters 1-9 are the introduction section of the Book of Proverbs and we read one chapter a day through that section. Now we are entering the portion of Proverbs that most closely relates to the name of the book itself. The following chapters are made up of independent sayings that deal mostly with the consequences of right or wrong actions over a variety of topics. Because of this shift, we are going to shift how many chapters we are reading a day as well.
Highlight
As we enter this section of Proverbs, we should take a moment to remember what these proverbs are and what they are not. Proverbs are not formulas for success or promised results. Rather, Proverbs are about probabilities. They describe the “grain of the universe,” which means they describe how God has designed this world to work. To listen to these proverbs and put them to work in your life means that you are likely to experience the results they describe. However, that outcome is not meant to be read as a guarantee.
An example is Proverbs 10:27 - “The fear of the Lord prolongs your life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” Obviously there are faithful followers of Jesus who die young and wicked people who live a long time. However, the general rule is that to live a life committed to loving God and loving others will more than likely lead to a longer and better life. This is the concept behind all of the proverbs in this book and is how we ought to view the wisdom they communicate.
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 10 - 11
Before the Reading
Chapters 1-9 are the introduction section of the Book of Proverbs and we read one chapter a day through that section. Now we are entering the portion of Proverbs that most closely relates to the name of the book itself. The following chapters are made up of independent sayings that deal mostly with the consequences of right or wrong actions over a variety of topics. Because of this shift, we are going to shift how many chapters we are reading a day as well.
Highlight
As we enter this section of Proverbs, we should take a moment to remember what these proverbs are and what they are not. Proverbs are not formulas for success or promised results. Rather, Proverbs are about probabilities. They describe the “grain of the universe,” which means they describe how God has designed this world to work. To listen to these proverbs and put them to work in your life means that you are likely to experience the results they describe. However, that outcome is not meant to be read as a guarantee.
An example is Proverbs 10:27 - “The fear of the Lord prolongs your life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” Obviously there are faithful followers of Jesus who die young and wicked people who live a long time. However, the general rule is that to live a life committed to loving God and loving others will more than likely lead to a longer and better life. This is the concept behind all of the proverbs in this book and is how we ought to view the wisdom they communicate.
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)
Posted in Good Question