(215) 3 August : Proverbs 15v24 / Ecclesiastes 9-12 / Psalm 51v4-8

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 15:24

Understanding to grow in

This latter section of the book focuses on how we might live wisely given how uncertain life is. But it concludes with the thing that matters most: We are to remember our creator. We are to fear and obey him, knowing that no matter how random the events of life seem, he will eventually bring all to judgment. The writer doesn't have the clear view of everlasting life that we have through Christ. He has written throughout of the same destiny overtaking all in the sense that, whether someone is righteous or wicked, they all face death. This is the "evil" of this present life, for it seems so unjust, and makes everything so meaningless (9v3). However, the writer points us beyond to God weighing whatever is done. This is the perspective of faith. And it means that however unfair things have seemed in life, it won't be in the end. Every act of sin will be punished, either in the sinner or in Christ on the cross. And every act of faith will be rewarded, as it receives its praise from God, and the believer enters the world to come (1 Cor 4v5). As you read note the individual lessons in this section.
Ecclesiastes 9-12

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 51:4-8

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here.