Good Question - Day 19
Day 19: Thursday, May 11
Read Proverbs 28-29
Highlight
Proverbs 28:14 - “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” This proverb is interesting because in the original Hebrew there is no object of the fear mentioned. The first line literally reads, “Blessed is the man who always fears.” Most scholars believe that the full context of the Book of Proverbs (and the whole of Scripture!) makes God the most obvious thing to fear always. However, some scholars believe the context of Proverbs means that it could just as easily be foolishness that is feared. In that reading, this proverb is encouraging a healthy apprehension about the consequences of sin. Sin, nor its consequences, should be treated lightly. There is no such thing as a victimless or perfect crime.
Proverbs 29:8 - “Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.” The word “stir up” is yāpihu and it literally means to blow. The image is of someone blowing on coals to start a fire. In other words, mockers (“men of scoffing”) take a small fire and make it bigger and more destructive. But the wise do the opposite. It has been said that everyone has a bucket of water in one hand and a bucket of gasoline in the other. When we are faced with a tense situation, we choose which one to pour out.
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 28-29
Highlight
Proverbs 28:14 - “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” This proverb is interesting because in the original Hebrew there is no object of the fear mentioned. The first line literally reads, “Blessed is the man who always fears.” Most scholars believe that the full context of the Book of Proverbs (and the whole of Scripture!) makes God the most obvious thing to fear always. However, some scholars believe the context of Proverbs means that it could just as easily be foolishness that is feared. In that reading, this proverb is encouraging a healthy apprehension about the consequences of sin. Sin, nor its consequences, should be treated lightly. There is no such thing as a victimless or perfect crime.
Proverbs 29:8 - “Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.” The word “stir up” is yāpihu and it literally means to blow. The image is of someone blowing on coals to start a fire. In other words, mockers (“men of scoffing”) take a small fire and make it bigger and more destructive. But the wise do the opposite. It has been said that everyone has a bucket of water in one hand and a bucket of gasoline in the other. When we are faced with a tense situation, we choose which one to pour out.
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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