Good Question - Day 12

Day 12: Tuesday, May 2
Read Proverbs 14-15

Highlight
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”  The image being painted is of a traveler on a straight road; it seems safe, but it is fatal.  This proverb is about how deceptive evil is.  In addition, the implication is that we are too easily deceived to be trusted to determine which path is actually right.  This harkens back to the many proverbs on the importance of seeking wisdom from God and His Word.

Proverbs 15:16-17 “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.  Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.”  These two proverbs describe the greater worth of spiritual over material things.  Using the definition of wisdom we’ve had from the beginning, that’s because wisdom is choosing the things that last over the things that are temporary.  This proverb is creating a connection between wealth and worry, implying that often they go together.  There is a similar connection being made in the second proverb, namely that frequently the collection of wealth is done at the expense of familial love.

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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