Good Question - Day 13
Day 13: Wednesday, May 3
Read Proverbs 16-17
Highlight
Proverbs 16:2 - “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” This proverb builds on one that we read yesterday about the inability of people to always know what the best choice is. This proverb uses the word “innocent,” or ‘zak’ in Hebrew. It’s a word used to describe undiluted, pure olive oil. In this metaphor, it would represent that we often think we understand our one motivation but in reality there are others mixed in that we are blind to. The conclusion of the matter is that we deceive ourselves so easily and therefore cannot fully evaluate ourselves. God, by his Spirit and through his Word, provides the penetrating evaluation.
Proverbs 17:19 - “He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.” This proverb can be difficult to understand. In the ancient middle east, a ‘gate’ often signified a mouth. So this proverb is ultimately about quarrelsome speech. A ‘high gate’ refers to bragging and arrogant speech. In our divided society, it is easy to ‘love a quarrel,’ whether that’s by watching other people argue or joining in argument ourselves. But this invites destruction, and we ought to be careful about enjoying such conflict.
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 16-17
Highlight
Proverbs 16:2 - “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” This proverb builds on one that we read yesterday about the inability of people to always know what the best choice is. This proverb uses the word “innocent,” or ‘zak’ in Hebrew. It’s a word used to describe undiluted, pure olive oil. In this metaphor, it would represent that we often think we understand our one motivation but in reality there are others mixed in that we are blind to. The conclusion of the matter is that we deceive ourselves so easily and therefore cannot fully evaluate ourselves. God, by his Spirit and through his Word, provides the penetrating evaluation.
Proverbs 17:19 - “He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.” This proverb can be difficult to understand. In the ancient middle east, a ‘gate’ often signified a mouth. So this proverb is ultimately about quarrelsome speech. A ‘high gate’ refers to bragging and arrogant speech. In our divided society, it is easy to ‘love a quarrel,’ whether that’s by watching other people argue or joining in argument ourselves. But this invites destruction, and we ought to be careful about enjoying such conflict.
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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