READING FOR JULY 15, 2025: PROVERBS 1, 2 THESSALONIANS 3, PSALM 68:28-35 PROVERBS 1 This is a book of short wisdom sayings largely written and/or entirely collected by Solomon. As we have read before in 1 Kings 3:12, God granted Solomon exceptional wisdom: “I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.” Thus, by virtue of God’s own statement, we can know that this wisdom has not superseded by any more recent viewpoints. The opening verses affirm that this book has value for all readers: the naive gain prudence, the young knowledge and discretion, and the wise even greater knowledge and understanding. The overarching summary statement of the book is verse 7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” If we don’t deeply revere God and seek to obey all He reveals, there is no hope to gain wisdom and knowledge. We will remain foolish, falsely believing that we, in our extreme limitations, know it all without seeking God’s viewpoint.
These proverbs speak as general principles, not as truths that will apply 100% of the time. For example, the proverb to follow our parents’ instructions (verses 8 and 9) is most often the best advice. There could be times, however, when our parents tell us something in contradiction to the overarching truth found in verse 7 to fear the Lord. The Proverbs themselves expect us to read them with such discernment: “Like useless legs to one who cannot walk, so is a proverb in the mouths of fools” (Prov. 26:7).
Verses 10-19 warns us against just following the crowd without considering the moral consequences. How apt this is today when violence, drugs, illicit sex, materialism, and mindless hedonism are so often advocated by those around us. (Turn on the TV.) Proverbs remind us that this crowd is like those who set a trap only to ambush themselves. We must determine now not to consent when tempted by those who practice such behaviors.
By contrast verses 20-33 portray wisdom as a woman who cries aloud in public. This is not any secret knowledge but available to all those who listen. Yet, in our fallen condition we scoff at such direction and even enjoy our scoffing. If we turn toward wisdom, she will pour her spirit on us and give us more wisdom. Yet, if we ignore her, she will laugh at us in our misery (verse 26). This does not appear to be a literal description of what God does when we sin, but of how those who had mocked and rejected wisdom before perceive of how wisdom views their current plight. The timeless truth is our bad actions will bring dire consequences (verse 31-32). Those who seek and follow wisdom will ultimately not fear the dread of evil (verse 33).
READING FOR JULY 15, 2025 CONTINUED: 2 THESSALONIANS 3, PSALM 68:28-35
2 THESSALONIANS 3 The first two verses are Paul’s prayer requests. Before we reflect on them, consider what we ask for when prayer requests are solicited in church. Paul asks that the word of God spread and be glorified. Let’s start praying this for our lives and our church. He also asks that they pray for rescue against evil people who are unbelievers. That might be a good one for us also. It would certainly get everyone’s attention. His attitude toward the Thessalonians is one of confidence in God’s work in and through them. Do we tell our fellow believers that kind of thing? Once again, Paul is such a good model for us. Then Paul becomes more authoritative in tone as befitting his apostolic position. As he did to the church in Corinth (1 Cor 5:9-13), he tells them to disassociate with any Christians who lead a disorderly life, not according to the guidelines Paul gave them (vs. 6-15). This includes those not working and those who are busybodies. It is rare that a church today practices this kind of discipline. Possibly the feeling is we need everyone who is willing to attend and thus should not be offensive, but also there is fear that this would be judgmental.
All this is understandable, but less than the fully functional church Paul envisioned. Rom. 2:1-4 suggests that those who would judge a person for a certain sin should not be involved the same sin. Also, Romans 2:4 implies the person inappropriately judged was not a Christian, not yet having received saving faith that follows repentance. Paul said give our patient God more time to lead this unbeliever to faith. Paul makes this clear distinction to Corinth: “For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves” (1 Cor. 5:12-13).
PSALM 68:28-35 David looked back at how God acted before and asked Him to show Himself strong again in their behalf. Is that selfish? Only if his agenda is not God’s agenda. David looks at dangers on the horizon and asks God to scatter them. In fact, he is bold enough to believe God can also turn past enemies into fellow worshippers of the one true God. Such a wonderful thought. He doubles down on this by inviting all kingdoms of the earth to a service of praise and worship to God. Perhaps we have been overly pessimistic about those who seem the least likely to be interested in God. God can reach them. Which of our friends who we have always considered resistant to the Gospel might be open to an invitation to church or a small group?David says God is in control and gives us strength and power. Let’s see if David is right.
