When our children were young we began to use a 31 chapters/31 days of the month plan. Whatever day we thought about it (sometimes we were more intentional than others) we would read the chapter and day which corresponded (24th = chapter 24 and so on). This allowed our kids and ourselves a steady flow of Proverbs throughout the years, and looking back we have seen many benefits of this within our family.
Recently I revisited Proverbs and as I read listed those which fit our situation at this point in our lives. I have done this from time to time over the years – it allows us to remember things God has taught us and illuminate what He is currently teaching us.
From the 31 chapters I came up with about 40 proverbs which stood out, and then I noted the ones which currently knocked at the door of my heart. Perhaps it will encourage you the way it did me. I really need to do this every year…
Proverbs 2:10,11: “For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you…” Wisdom is God-knowledge activated into our lives. It is a freedom-gift from God!
Proverbs 4:18,19: “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” God alone is good, His goodness within us expands and illuminates our path. This is SO true!
Proverbs 10:22/M: “God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.” God gives to His loved ones even in our sleep (Psalm 127:2). Contentment in the providence and protection of God guards me from envy and futility. For sure.
Proverbs 15:15: “All the days of the miserable are unfulfilling, but a God-connected heart has a continual feast.” There really are two food choices for each of our days – the path of righteousness or the path of futility. How beautiful to enjoy the same food Jesus consumed from His Father (John 4:32). It is available to us as well!
Proverbs 17:6: “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers.” I texted this to our six grands last week. I wanted them to know their personal God-value to me. Our daily intercession is for each to encounter God on their path.
Proverbs 20:27: “The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts of his being.” When God has our attention we live as children of light. His Light is inside-out light – and He liberates our spirit. Wow. Freedom!
Proverbs 22:20,21: “Have I not written to you excellent, specific counsels and knowledge, to help you know the certainty of words of truth so you may correctly answer him who sent you?” These excellent things come from God’s throne – it is what makes them excellent. I am so privileged to know His counsel as I speak with the kings around me.
Proverbs 23:15,16: “My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; and my core being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.” I am not counting on perfection from my sons and daughter. In their trials and travels I wish for them to find connection with their King. This is the greatest hope of a dad!
Proverbs 24:17,18: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. The Lord will see it and be displeased, and turn His anger away from your enemy.” What a great admonition to pray for our enemies and bless those who persecute us. God does not need me to explain justice for Him. He IS justice.
Proverbs 25:20: “Like the shock of taking off your coat on a cold day, or like treating a painful wound, is the one who sings songs to a troubled heart.” There are so many ways to sing God-songs to others. Perhaps this is what a new song is? We pray for singing Psalm hearts in our city every week!
Proverbs 28:9: “He who turns away from listening to the law, even his prayer is disgusting to God.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 has always animated this Proverb for me. Check it out. Joyfulness and sober respect can certainly walk arm in arm.
Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no revelation, the people are unrestrained, but the successful in heart are the ones who keep God’s law.” How can we walk a successful path without God’s law? Revelation is Light and God’s Word is Light – because God IS Light. The connection is clear. To be free I must be restrained in the Spirit – which flows through God’s powerful Word.
Proverbs 31:26: “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” This IS my wife Burnadette. She is filled with Word wisdom and life wisdom. And she is always processing kindness. I am one lucky guy. 48 years with this remarkable woman. I praise my God!
Dave – selah!
Your complete meditating guide to Proverbs
Lady Wisdom Teaching
A Good Family Wisdom Song