READING:
One-year plan: Proverbs 4-7
Two-year plan: Isaiah 1:1-2:4, Ephesians 1:20-2:10
———-
Again today, the writer of Proverbs is clear that we are to listen to wisdom and avoid the way of the wicked. Indeed, the repetitive phrases of today’s reading make that clear. On one hand, we are to not abandon the teachings of wisdom, keep the commands and live, keep the truths in our heart, keep our feet away from evil, and, overall, “Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life” (Prov 4:13). Guarding our heart and considering our path every day are important steps for those who want to walk wisely.
On the other hand, the mandate to avoid evil is perhaps even more clear: “Keep off the path of the wicked; don’t proceed on the way of evil ones. Avoid it; don’t travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by” (Prov 4:14-15). We could quickly add from today’s reading that “a wicked man’s iniquities will trap him; he will become tangled in the ropes of his own sin” (Prov 5:22). The force of repetition is again undeniable. If we didn’t hear it the first time—or if our heart simply didn’t want to listen at first—the writer makes it almost impossible for us to miss this call to avoid evil.
Apparently, our hearts are so easily deceived that we need these kinds of repetitive reminders. Our responsibility is to “hold on to instruction” (Prov 4:13)—that is, to love God’s commands and obey them.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you holding on to God’s instruction today?
PRAYER: “God, keep me from being foolish in my decisions today.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: Proverbs 8-11
Two-year plan: Isaiah 2:5-4:6, Ephesians 2:11-22
MEMORIZATION VERSE (July 16-31)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him,and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov 3:5-6)
