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Wise Up – a Study of the book of Proverbs (31 Days)

April 5, 2024

2024–Daily Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs (31 Days)–Text “Wisdom” to 703-454-5990

Proverbs is a book found in the Old Testament that is filled with wisdom that has survived generation after generation. This wisdom will lead you closer to God and guide you toward a life of true fulfillment and joy. Just read a chapter a day and in 31 days you’ll have read the whole thing. We recommend reading the chapter based on the day of the month. So on the first day of the month, read chapter 1. On the second, read chapter 2. And so on.

Ever feel like you just can’t understand what it says or what it means? Try reading a modern translation such as the ESV or NLT. Each translation tries to balance staying true to the original meaning with being readable in today’s English vernacular. We find the ESV to balance these well. The NLT is even easier to read but loses some of the power and depth of meaning found in the ESV.

Whatever translation you chose, the important part is to get in the Bible every day. Before reading ask God to help you to understand what you read. Then sit back, read the daily reading in your Bible or using the links below, and trust God to teach you something about His love for you.

April 18

In this chapter of Proverbs, we find guidance for making smart decisions, keeping the peace, and having lots of friends. It's as easy as not being foolish, wicked, or proud, but as we all know, it's not that easy. The change begins with getting our eyes off ourselves and pleasing ourselves, and instead focusing on God. We must be willing to listen and learn by praying and reading the Bible, instead of turning to society or ourselves for answers. Proverbs 18:12 tells us a haughty heart (proud and thinking we know everything) brings destruction. God has a lot to say if we are just willing to listen instead of being foolish…He'll eliminate any confusion. Proverbs 18:15 says, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." And 18:10, the name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. This chapter reminds us again that our words can build people up or tear people down. Proverbs 18:4 encourages us that when we are filled with God's wisdom our speech will be like a gentle flowing brook that soothes and is a continual blessing rather than words that gush out without thinking how they could hurt other people. The chapter warns us that wicked people spread untruths about people meant to destroy, but Proverbs 18:8 tells us that the person listening is just as guilty as the talebearer so be careful that you don't swallow up the lie. I think Proverbs 18:12 really sticks out to me as a reminder for how to live each day. "Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." I want to live - not as wicked, foolish, or proud - but rather to honor God, my family, and my friends in every circumstance and thought, and that starts with being humble. Remembering the picture of Jesus, a humble servant, who had every reason to be proud, yet He washed His friends' feet – He was never entitled. And it's when I get too caught up in myself and lose sight of God's wisdom, thinking that I know it all, that I experience heartache, hurts, and challenges. And it's the humble person who goes out of their way for others and has lots of friends. Proverbs 18:24 ends the chapter with a reminder to love people like Jesus, not because of what they have done but despite what they have done. Choose your friends carefully but be the friend who sticks closer than a brother. I love Proverbs because it makes you take a hard look at yourself. Do my actions tell of my love for Jesus?

Read Proverbs 18