READING:
One-year plan: Proverbs 1-3
Two-year plan: Song of Solomon 6-8, Ephesians 1:1-19
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Godly wisdom and discretion matter as we strive to navigate Christian living in a chaotic world. The writer of Proverbs certainly understood this point; it is, he said, that by seeking these things that we alleviate fear and find sweet rest. In them we find our confidence in the Lord.
At the same time, though, we must work at seeking wisdom and discretion, striving never to “lose sight of them” (Prov 3:21). How easy it is to become self-sufficient, to live independently of God’s guidance, running after wisdom in a given situation only when we can’t first “figure it out” on our own in the first place. How quickly we can make unwise choices that rob us of the peace that comes from following God faithfully.
So easy is it, in fact, that Matthew Henry’s words about seeking instruction, wisdom, and discretion are a good reminder: “never imagine that thou hast looked upon them long enough and that it is time now to lay them by; but, as long as thou livest, keep up and cultivate thy acquaintance with them.”* No matter what comes our way today, may we keep our eyes on God and His Word!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What are your eyes focused on today?
PRAYER: “God, help me not to lose sight of You and Your teachings today.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: Proverbs 4-7
Two-year plan: Isaiah 1:1-2:4, Ephesians 1:20-2:10
MEMORIZATION VERSE (July 1-15)
“Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.” (Psa 98:4)
*Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume(p. 961). Hendrickson.