Devotions on the Proverbs

Rev. Daniel R. Hyde

Table of Contents

Introduction

Opening Prayers

Proverbs Chapter 01

Proverbs Chapter 02

Proverbs Chapter 03

Proverbs Chapter 04

Proverbs Chapter 05

Proverbs Chapter 06

Proverbs Chapter 07

Proverbs Chapter 08

Proverbs Chapter 09

Proverbs Chapter 10

Proverbs Chapter 11

Proverbs Chapter 12

Proverbs Chapter 13

Proverbs Chapter 14

Proverbs Chapter 15

Proverbs Chapter 16

Proverbs Chapter 17

Proverbs Chapter 18

Proverbs Chapter 19

Proverbs Chapter 20

Proverbs Chapter 21

Proverbs Chapter 22

Proverbs Chapter 23

Proverbs Chapter 24

Proverbs Chapter 25

Proverbs Chapter 26

Proverbs Chapter 27

Proverbs Chapter 28

Proverbs Chapter 29

Proverbs Chapter 30

Proverbs Chapter 31

Introduction

"Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her" (Prov. 8:11). To be wise is to skillfully apply knowledge in everyday life. To be wise is to mimic God, who applied his knowledge in making all things: "O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all" (Ps. 104:24). The ultimate application of God's knowledge was in his plan of redemption for us by Jesus Christ—a plan that is, sadly, foolishness to the world (1 Cor. 1:18–31). This all-surpassing wisdom is supremely found in Jesus Christ himself, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3). And because we as believers are in Christ, he "became to us wisdom from God" (1 Cor. 1:30) so that we can say in truth, "But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16; cf. Phil. 2:5).

As God's newborn and adopted children, he calls us to the cultivation of his wisdom in our daily lives—in thoughts, words, and deeds. And because this is our calling, the world around us assaults us with it's own "wisdom" that it seeks to put in the place of God's wisdom. Our own sinful nature, the "flesh," strives against this wisdom, calling us to rest in our own abilities and plans. And the devil himself, our archenemy, uses every means at his disposal to get us from not only learning God's knowledge but also applying that in our interactions with the world and each other as brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.

For this reason the Christian church has historically been committed to reading large portions of Scripture every time God's people gather to be served by him. But this public reading is just the beginning of our reading the Word, as we must take that example and apply it at home, as families, couples, and individuals. As the English Puritan, Thomas Manton (1620–1677), said, "A family is the seminary of Church and State." When we read the Word we grow, the church matures, and society is affected by our godliness.

The following devotions through the Proverbs were produced as a weekly guide for the benefit of the Oceanside United Reformed Church. They are intended to assist you in reading through the Word daily and systematically. Because many of us have little children and because many of us have difficulty with finding the time necessary to read the Word, the readings are intentionally short. Far too many of us start every year with the best intention of reading through the entire Bible, only to forget or become discouraged soon after, leading us to stop completely. With short readings, then, I intend to help you be in the Word regularly with manageable portions. Along with each reading I have also added a verse or verses to meditate on throughout the day. Highlight these in your Bible; try to memorize some of these; recite them as you drive in the car. I have also added brief bullet points under each reading as a way to stimulate personal and communal thought and discussion.

The Word of God is "sweeter…than honey and drippings of the honeycomb" (Ps. 19:10). Taste of your Father's goodness, dear child of God!

Rev. Daniel R. Hyde

Oceanside United Reformed Church, Carlsbad/Oceanside, CA

http://www.oceansideurc.org

Opening Prayers

Blessed Lord,

who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning;

grant that we may in such wise hear them,

read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,

that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word,

we may embrace, and ever hold fast,

the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

—"The Second Collect [short prayer] in Advent," Book of Common Prayer, 1662

That it may please thee

to give to all thy people increase of grace

to hear meekly thy Word,

and to receive it with pure affection,

and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit;

We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

—From "The Litany," Book of Common Prayer, 1662

Readings & Meditations

Proverbs 1:1–7

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 7

o Since Adam's sin caused drastic effects on humanity's knowledge of God, what aspect of the work of Christ do the Proverbs describe for us as God's people?

o Wisdom is the skill of applying the truth of God's will in godly living. How important is this according to verses 2–6?

o What is the "fear" of the Lord? Why is it "the beginning of knowledge?" Why do "fools despise" it? (v. 7)

Proverbs 1:8–19

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 10

o 1:8–9:18 are a father's appeal to his son. How can you read this section in particular as the Father's appeal to you?

o How does the appeal of the sinner "translate" in today's language? (vv. 10–14)

o How does greed "dehumanize" you? (v. 19)

Proverbs 1:20–33

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 19–20

o We think of the "wise man" as one who is detached from the world. How does God's wisdom engage the world? (vv. 20–21)

o How does repentance from your own wisdom lead to revival of God's wisdom in your mind? (vv. 22–23).

Proverbs 2:1–5

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 4–5

o Where do you as God's child find his commandments, wisdom, understanding, insight, and understanding? (vv. 1–3)

o How diligent are you to seek the above? (v. 4)

o Notice the close relationship between fearing God and truly knowing him. (v. 5) How do you grow in this?

Proverbs 2:6–22

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 21

o Describe the close relationship between wisdom and godliness in this section.

o How does this section say wisdom helps you live in the world while not being of the world?

o Specifically, how does true godly wisdom guard you from sexual immorality? (vv. 16–19)

Proverbs 3:1–8

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 8

o What are the benefits of knowing the Lord's commands and applying them with wisdom in the world? (vv. 1–4)

o How can renouncing your own wisdom actually be the wise thing to do in your relationship with the Lord? (vv. 7–8)

o As we come to the end of this first week of readings through Proverbs, reflect on how Jesus Christ is the summary of all that Proverbs says in Colossians 2:1–3.

Proverbs 3:13–20

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 18

o Here is another exhortation on the benefits of wisdom, which is found in Christ (Col. 2:1–3) and accessed in the Word.

o Reflect on the comparisons and contrasts in verses 14–15.

o When we seek for wisdom in Christ we gain access to the tree of life (v. 18); what does this mean in terms of the renewal of our minds? (Col. 3:10; Rom. 12:1–2)

Proverbs 3:21–35

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 34

o What does the image of putting wisdom around your neck communicate to you about its importance?

o How does the wisdom of having the mind of Christ help us in our daily living among the world? (vv. 28–31)

o Reflect upon the series of contrasts in verses 32–35.

Proverbs 4:1–9

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 8

o Solomon uses a story from his childhood to speak to his son (vv. 3–9). What does this say about God's speaking to us in his Word?

o How does wisdom benefit us in this life? (vv. 4–6).

o How does wisdom benefit us in the life to come? (vv. 8–9)

Proverbs 4:10–19

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 18

o How is wisdom an encouragement to us in the race of the Christian life? (v. 12; Heb. 12:1–2)

o Although we have taken the narrow path of life, why are we exhorted not to change and take the broad road? (vv. 14–17)

o How does wisdom give us light? (v. 18; 1 Thes. 5:1–11)

Proverbs 4:20–27

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 26

o How can wisdom be life and healing to us? (v. 22; John 6:68)

o Why is it important for us to self-examine our lives as Christians in the light of God's wisdom? (vv. 23–27)

o Notice that wisdom requires us to examine our hearts, mouths, eyes, and feet. (vv. 23–27)

Proverbs 5:1–6

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 3–4

o Wisdom is the skillful application of the knowledge of God in concrete situations, thus we to be ready. (v. 2)

o Concretely, we need to be ready to apply the word when tempted morally. (vv. 3–6) How is the "forbidden woman" also a symbol of temptation philosophically and theologically?

o God doesn't exist. The Bible isn't true. Jesus didn't rise again. It doesn't matter how you live because there is no judgment. How are these manifestations of verses 3–6.

Proverbs 5:7–23

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 21

o These verses continue an exhortation against adultery. How does verse 8 apply in our day when we don't need to go to the door of another to commit adultery, but can do so on our computers?

o How is satisfaction in the spouse the Lord has given a remedy? (vv. 15–19)

o How is the Lord's all-seeing eye a motivation to holiness? (v. 21)

Proverbs 6:1–11

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 10–11

o How can promising to pay another's debts be a spiritual trap? (vv. 1–5)

o Godly wisdom includes meditating on the things God created and applying them. What does the ant teach you about work? (vv. 6–8)

o How is laziness a sin as well as unwise? (vv. 10–11).

Proverbs 6:12–19

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 16

o How should you be wise enough to recognize the man in verses 12–15?

o What does it mean that God "hates?" (v. 16).

o Reflect on the thoughts, words, and deeds that the Lord hates (v. 17–19).

Proverbs 6:20–35

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 18–27

o What do verses 20–22 say to you as a parent or as one preparing for parenthood?

o How is the heart the key to refraining from actual sins? (v. 25; see Matt. 5)

o How is adultery destructive and disastrous? (vv. 27–35)

Proverbs 7:1–9

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 26

o How is wisdom life-giving in this life and the life to come? (v. 1)

o Notice the steps to sin found in verses 6–9. Does sin "just happen?" Is there a pathway to it that you can be aware of?

o How does Scripture equate the darkness of night with sin? (v. 9; 1 Thess. 5)

Proverbs 7:10–20

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 3–4

o In these verses, reflect on how the worldly allurements of the world tempt Christian girls and women. In other words, is how you present yourself as a godly woman "neutral?"

o In our terms, verse 14 is saying that the adulteress was a "Sunday Christian"—she did the outward requirements of worship, and thought they allowed her to sin the rest of the week. How are we tempted to think and act this way?

o How do verses 19–20 show that sin is often a product of taking advantage of your opportunities and surroundings?

Proverbs 8:1–11

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 10–11

o How does God wisdom "call" out to us? (vv. 1–5)

o How can we sit and listen to the voice of the Lord as we read his Word? (vv. 6–9)

o In all the words you hear daily in writing or in voices, how do verses 10–11 encourage us to seek to hear the Lord's words?

Proverbs 8:12–21

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 18–19

o Compare v. 13 with 1:7. How does knowing God's wisdom in his Word cause us to respond?

o Based on the examples in verses 14–16, how important and stable is God's wisdom to you?

- Note the call to diligence in searching for the Lord’s wisdom in verses 17–19. What rewards do you gain when you follow it?

Proverbs 8:22–36

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 35

- What do verses 22–31 say about how “old” God’s wisdom is? If this is so, what does that mean for what it says to our culture?

- Reflect on verses 22–31 in relation to Genesis 1.

- Why are the Proverbs so passionate about us listening to God’s wisdom (vv. 32–36) like we would listen to our fathers?

Proverbs 9:1–18

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 10

- How do we cultivate the kind of “fear” envisioned in verse 10?

- How can we discern which voices in the world are “Folly” and which are “Wisdom”? (v. 13)

- How can the world’s “wisdom” be seductive? How can it lead to eternal death? (vv. 13–18)

Proverbs 10:1–10

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 7

- Write out the contrasts with the righteous and the wicked in this section. What do you learn?

- How does verse 7 encourage us to live now in a way that matters later?

- How can verse 9 encourage us in living a godly life when it is hard to do so?

Proverbs 10:11–20

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 17

- Why do your words matter? (vv. 11–14)

- In what ways can our love cover the sins of others? (v. 12)

- Why do we need the wisdom of others in living the Christian life? (v. 17)

Proverbs 10:21–32

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 27

- Note the juxtaposition of “lips” and “feed” in verse 21. In what way does speaking the wise words of God feed the soul?

- Again, the Proverbs mention “the fear of the Lord” (v. 27). How does this fear give us quality of life?

- How does future hope give present joy? (v. 28)

Proverbs 11:1–15

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 4

- How do verses 1–4 teach us to honor the Lord is our finances?

- In what ways can our prayers and godly living before the world be a blessing to the world?

- Verse 14 teaches us that we need leaders. Yet we also need the wisdom of many. Why are many counselors a blessing?

Proverbs 11:16–31

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 30

- In what ways can you grow in the areas mentioned in verses 16–17 in order to bless others?

- In what ways are generosity and compassion on others a blessing to you as well as others?

- Our fruits are the good works we do before the world (v. 30). How do our outward deeds lead souls to come to Christ? (see Matt. 5)

Proverbs 12:1–14

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 10

- Reflect on the concept of discipline as the Lord’s guidance through his Word and leaders and the blessing it brings to your soul. (v. 1)

- God has made every living thing. While not believing that animals are holy as some other religions (e.g., Hinduism), how can verse 10 help us as Christians relate to other creatures of God?

- What do verses 11 and 14 say about the so-called “Protestant work ethic?”

Proverbs 12:15–28

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 14

- Reflect on what verses 17, 18, 19, and 22 say to you about truth and your speech to others.

- How can verse 15 help you become a better listener?

- There are many anxieties in life. They weight us down and even “paralyze” us. How can the good words of Christ cheer us? (v. 25)

Proverbs 13:1–12

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 11

- How can verse 7 help us cultivate an attitude of honesty and transparency as a congregation?

- Work hard. Save. Don’t pursue get rich quick schemes. That’s the message of verse 11. Apply this to your life.

- In what ways should we be “homesick” for heaven? How do God’s promises fulfilled keep you satisfied? (v. 12)

Proverbs 13:13–25

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 25

- Despising the Word of God is dangerous, but revering it is beneficial (v. 13). In what ways can you show this reverence?

- How does verse 20 help you in considering with whom you invest our time?

- What does verse 25 teach you about spiritual contentment?

Proverbs 14:1–12

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 9

- As with 13:20, how does verse 7 give you God’s guidance on those you spend time with and whom you consider close friends?

- The unbeliever mocks God’s method of sacrifice and acceptance (v. 9). How can you rest in your acceptance through the cross?

- How does verse 12 call you to follow God’s wisdom?

Proverbs 14:13–24

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 21

- Why is it important to be wise in what you listen to, whether theological discussion or political talk? (v. 15)

- How is verse 21 describing what you as a Christian should be known for?

- Genesis 1–2 describes the goodness of work before sin entered the world. Why, therefore, is hard work good for you? (v. 23)

Proverbs 14:25–36

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 26–27

- How does fearing or reverencing God bring spiritual benefit to you? (vv. 26–27)

- What is the relationship of our knowing God and his wisdom and our attitude and temper? (v. 29) How can you grow in this?

- Why would it be a good thing for our nation to exhibit genuineness righteousness (uprightness, justice)? (v. 34)

Proverbs 15:1–16

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 16

- How can your words be used by God to change people’s attitudes and actions towards the gospel? (v. 1)

- Why are your prayers acceptable to the Lord? (v. 8)

- Why is having the Lord Jesus Christ of far more value than having riches? (v. 16)

Proverbs 15:17–33

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 11

- How can you consult other godly people in making important decisions in life? (v. 22)

- James says be slow to speak and quick to listen. How does verse 28 speak of this to us as we seek to be witnesses for Christ?

- Verse 30 speaks of good news in general that refreshes the body. How do the good news of Jesus Christ refresh your soul?

Proverbs 16:1–16

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 16

- Several verses contrast your plans with God’s (vv. 1, 2, 9). This teaches the sovereignty of God in your life. How is this comforting to you?

- What does verse 6 say to you about Jesus?

- The “good life” is America includes lots of money. But again, how do the Proverbs challenge what you value most? (vv. 8, 16)

Proverbs 16:17–33

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 18

- In what ways can your words be used by God for his glory, the salvation of the lost, and the building up of the church? (vv. 21, 24)

- Considering our culture of youth, what does verse 31 teach you?

- How does verse 33 say you are to use any available means to make a decision, but ultimately to rest in the Lord’s guidance?

Proverbs 17:1–14

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 9

- How does the Lord’s testing our your heart motivate you to love and fear him? (v. 3)

- How does your forgiving in love mimic God’s love for you? (v. 9)

- Verse 12 is a very graphic image. What does it teach you about the company you keep, the things you listen to, etc.?

Proverbs 17:15–28

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 17

- In what ways can you apply verse 17?

- We all know life is difficult. How is verse 22 helpful guidance?

- In what ways can you apply verses 27 in your discussions with unbelievers?

Proverbs 18:1–12

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 10

- How is verse 1 so important in your own Christian life among the body of Christ?

- What does God think about laziness? (v. 9)

- In Scripture, names reflect the person who bears them. How is the name of the Lord important? How does it provide refuge? (v. 10)

Proverbs 18:13–24

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 24

- We’ve all been guilty of verse 13 in a class or conversation. But how is it a virtue to listen in our age of self-help talk?

- Reflect on verse 22 and then compare it to Genesis 2. How is marriage “good?”

- Verse 1 began this chapter with the need for companions instead of isolation. But even if we have lots of them, we can still fall. Why is it important to have a close confidant in times of need? (v. 24)

Proverbs 19:1–15

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 2

- Verse 1 gives another example of saying it is better to be poor and godly than not. How does this encourage you?

- More than once (vv. 5, 9) the Proverbs say ungodliness will be punished. How does this help you be patient when you see the opposite happening all around you?

- What does verse 2 say to you about having zeal and knowledge?

Proverbs 19:16–29

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 21

- Is there benefit in this life and the life to come in keeping the Lord’s commands? (vv. 16–17)

- What does verse 20 say to you about listening to those in authority over you or who are more experienced than you?

- All of us have dreams and plans. How does verse 21 help?

Proverbs 20:1–15

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 9

- Verse 1 is not saying all alcohol is evil (see Ps. 104:15). What is it saying about drinking alcohol, though?

- Work hard now and you will have much later (v. 4). How can you apply this in your life?

- How can you find the most precious jewel described in verse 15?

Proverbs 20:16–30

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 22

- We live in a gossiping society. What does verse 19 say your part in this should be?

- Why is your conscience so important to keep clean and pure? (v. 27)?

- In what ways can pain and suffering be used for your good? (v. 30)

Proverbs 21:1–16

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 1

- How can verse 1 encourage us to pray for our leaders?

- Verse 3 says what the Old Testament says elsewhere: mercy is better than sacrifice. How is your heart motivation more important to God than your actual attempts at outward obedience?

- How does verse 13 warn us but also rouse us?

Proverbs 21:17–31

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 21

- Why is daily sanctification so important to your spiritual well-being? (v. 21)

- As you read verse 30, reflect on the spread of the Christian faith across times and cultures. How is verse 30 demonstrated? How is verse 30 hope-creating when you see our culture’s decline?

- Verse 31 is saying that in the end, everything is due to God’s good plans. How can you live your life to the glory of God in every way?

Proverbs 22:1–16

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 4

- This section begins and ends with God’s wisdom about money and how we use it. What is the Lord teaching you in these words?

- In a “dog eat dog world” where “it’s not personal, it’s business,” what does verse 4 say about your attitude in all this?

- What does verse 16 say about your interaction with those without as much as you? What does it say to our society?

Proverbs 22:17–29

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 28

- Again, this section has an exhortation to seek wisdom (v. 17). How can you through reading, praying, and consulting with others?

- You may not feel like God is watching you in your interaction with the poor, but what do verses 22–23 say?

- Landmarks help us navigate and give us boundaries(v. 28). How is God’s wisdom a landmark for us?

Proverbs 23:1–18

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 17

- How can the things of the rich deceive and tempt you? (v. 4)

- How are you to be wise in what you say and to whom you say it? (v. 9)

- How is envy of sinners contrasted with fear of the Lord? (v. 17)

Proverbs 23:19–35

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 23

- This section focuses mainly on the abuse of alcohol? What are the dangers of it mentioned in verses 20–21?

- Verses 26–28 mention the seduction of a prostitute, but how is this seduction true of other areas in your life?

- Verses 29–35 describe alcoholism. What is it’s end result?

Proverbs 24:1–22

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 3

- This section deals again with the theme of not envying the wicked but fearing the Lord (vv. 1, 19). How is this a temptation?

- Why is wisdom compared to honey? (vv. 13–14)

- How can you as a Christian show compassion when an unbeliever “falls” in this life? (vv. 17–18)

Proverbs 24:23–34

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 33–34

- How do verses 23–26 exhort you to the virtue of honesty? Why?

- How do verses 28–29 exhort you to love, not revenge?

- What lesson does the proverb draw from laziness in verses 30–34? Why is this important for you?

Proverbs 25:1–14

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 2

- Verses 2–7 are a lengthy section on the king. What do these verses say about rulers and our response to them?

- What do verses 7–10 say to you about gossip and truth?

- In contrast to verses 7–10 how can truthful words be a blessing?

Proverbs 25:15–28

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 25

- How does verse 16 apply in our culture of abundant food?

- How can hospitality and generosity be used by the Lord to change the heart of your enemies? (vv. 21–22)

- In what ways is verse 25 a picture of the word of the gospel?

Proverbs 26:1–16

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 4–5

- Notice how many times in this section the word “fool” appears. Why is the Lord so concerned that you reject the ways of the fool and turn to his wisdom?

- Verses 4–5 say completely opposite things? How can this be resolved? How is the Lord giving us wisdom in dealing with different kinds of people?

- This section ends with proverbs about the sluggard or lazy person (vv. 14–16). Why is laziness a sin?

Proverbs 26:17–28

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 24–26

- How is grabbing a dog by its ears dangerous? How is intruding into a quarrel similar? (v. 17)

- Imagine the imagery of verse 21. What does this say to you in interacting with people in a godly way?

- Verses 22–26 are powerful proverbs on the use of your words. Why is it so important to be open and honest in speaking?

Proverbs 27:1–14

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 6

- Our culture is so full of arrogance, pride, and self-promotion. How does verse 2 help you?

- Verse 6 is a famous proverb. What is it saying? How does it apply to you?

- None of us likes being told we are doing something wrong. But how does verse 9 encourage you to listen to wise counsel?

Proverbs 27:15–27

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 21

- How does our fellowship, correcting one another, and encouraging one another make us “sharp?” (v. 17)

- When people praise us we get puffed up. How does the Lord use this to test our faith and humility? (v. 21)

- Although the proverbs continually tell you not to be given over to riches, how are verses 23–27 saying to be wise stewards with what God has given you?

Proverbs 28:1–9

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 6

- Reflect on the history of Israel’s and Judah’s kings in light of verse 2. How do you see this in our own nation?

- Many of the Proverbs compare and contrast riches and poverty; how, then, does verse 6 call you to walk with the Lord faithfully?

- How does verse 9 challenge you? If you want God to hear you, do you need to hear him?

Proverbs 28:10–18

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 14

- How is it a blessing to you if we fear God? (v. 14)

- Why are you still to pray for the cruel oppressing ruler? (v. 16)

- How does verse 18 encourage you now? How does it lift your heart to eternity?

Proverbs 28:19–29

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 26

- Verse 22 makes the ironic point that stinginess leads to poverty. Positively, how does this teach you to be generous?

- Why is trusting in your own mind foolish? (v. 26)

- Why does giving to the needy lead you not to be needy? (v. 27)

Proverbs 29:1–8

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 2

- Why is it beneficial to you to be humble and receptive when being disciplined by the Lord and other believers? (v. 1)

- What is the connection between righteousness and wickedness, joy and groaning? (v. 2)

- How can we who are righteous in Christ and being made more and more into his righteous image show love to the poor? (v. 7)

Proverbs 29:9–17

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 17

- How do verses 9 and 11 teach us to be self-controlled and patient in our speech?

- Although our nation has elected officials and term limits, how does the principle of verse 14 apply?

- How does discipline help children? How does it help us as God’s children? (v. 17)

Proverbs 30:1–10

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 5–6

- How do verses 1–4 cause you to reflect on your own frailty and mortality?

- In contrast to us in verses 1–4, how is the word of God firm and substantive? (vv. 5–6)

- How is Agur’s request in verses 7–9 so helpful for your growth in holiness?

Proverbs 30:11–20

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 15–16

- Who are “those” in verses 11–14? How can you avoid being one of “those?”

- How can reflection on verses 15–16 be applied to our culture of excess?

- In what ways does meditating on God’s goodness in the created realm fill us with wonder? (vv. 18–19)

Proverbs 30:21–33

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 24–28

- How do verses 21–23 teach us to be proactive in wisely understanding the world?

- What do we learn about God from verses 24–31?

- How does foolishness end? (vv. 32–33)

Proverbs 31:1–9

Verse(s) to Meditate on: vv. 8–9

- What does it say to us that ancient kings remembered and recorded their mothers’ wisdom to them? (v. 1)

- Why does character matter in whom we elect over us as our leaders? (vv. 2–7)

- How are those in power to be advocates of those who are weak? (vv. 8–9)

Proverbs 31:10–20

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 20

- How does verse 10 help us understand the goodness of marriage even after the Fall?

- What do verses 13–19 say about woman working?

- How does a woman’s labors express itself in generosity? (v. 20)

Proverbs 31:21–31

Verse(s) to Meditate on: v. 30

- How does the good wife reflect well on her husband? (v. 23)

- What does verse 26 say in terms of a woman’s mental life and abilities?

- Above all else, why is the fear of the Lord most important in a woman, especially a wife? (v. 30)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Opening Prayers

Proverbs Chapter 01

Proverbs Chapter 02

Proverbs Chapter 03

Proverbs Chapter 04

Proverbs Chapter 05

Proverbs Chapter 06

Proverbs Chapter 07

Proverbs Chapter 08

Proverbs Chapter 09

Proverbs Chapter 10

Proverbs Chapter 11

Proverbs Chapter 12

Proverbs Chapter 13

Proverbs Chapter 14

Proverbs Chapter 15

Proverbs Chapter 16

Proverbs Chapter 17

Proverbs Chapter 18

Proverbs Chapter 19

Proverbs Chapter 20

Proverbs Chapter 21

Proverbs Chapter 22

Proverbs Chapter 23

Proverbs Chapter 24

Proverbs Chapter 25

Proverbs Chapter 26

Proverbs Chapter 27

Proverbs Chapter 29

Proverbs Chapter 30

Proverbs Chapter 31