Month: July 2021

Scripture Readings Proverbs 19:5Numbers 21–22Matthew 11Psalms 8 Verse Focus (Proverbs 19:5) A false witness will not go unpunished,     and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Meditation Proverbs 19:5 says, in the ESV, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” Although the verse does not mention God directly, we understand that it is God who will punish the false witness, and God who will imprison the one who pours out lies. God may use people to bring about His justice, but these are very serious offenses. Indeed, this is even one…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 19:4Numbers 19–20Matthew 10Psalms 7 Verse Focus (Proverbs 19:4) Wealth attracts many friends,     but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. Meditation Proverbs 19:4 says, in the NRSV, “Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless.” Since friendship is one of the best blessings that God has given us, it’s rather distressing to think that friendship can be merely a function of how much money you have. Of course, this has been the plot of many a television drama — we see the superficiality of relationships among the very wealthy and thereby learn to…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 19:3Numbers 17–18Matthew 9Psalms 6 Verse Focus (Proverbs 19:3) A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,     yet their heart rages against the LORD. Meditation Our verse focus today, Proverbs 19:3, says, in the ESV, “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.” It is ironic, and somewhat ridiculous that a person will blame God for his or her own failures, but it is also very true. When things go wrong, we look for someone to blame. Preferably anyone other than ourselves. That’s hardwired into us as part of our sin nature.…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 18:23Numbers 15–16Matthew 8Psalms 5 Verse Focus (Proverbs 18:23) The poor plead for mercy,     but the rich answer harshly. Meditation Today’s verse focus is Proverbs 18:23. This verse only came to my attention recently, and I’m still not sure I’ve got a good grasp on what it means or how I should apply it. The NIV says, “The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.” The ESV says, “The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.” The NASB says, “The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly.” I also like what the GNT…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 18:21Numbers 13–14Matthew 7Psalms 4 Verse Focus (Proverbs 18:21) The tongue has the power of life and death,     and those who love it will eat its fruit. Meditation Our verse focus today, Proverbs 18:21, says, in the NKJV, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” As the NIV says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” I have always loved this verse. Such impact! Like a one-two punch, the verse collides with my heart. This is…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 18:20Numbers 11–12Matthew 6Psalms 3 Verse Focus (Proverbs 18:20) From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;     with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. Meditation Our verse focus today, Proverbs 18:20, is intriguing. The ESV says, “From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.” To me, what is interesting about this proverb is that there is no mention of good or harm. Most proverbs about the tongue speak of the power to heal or to hurt. Yet this proverb only says that…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 18:18Numbers 9–10Matthew 5Psalms 2 Verse Focus (Proverbs 18:18) Casting the lot settles disputes     and keeps strong opponents apart. Meditation Proverbs 18:18 says, “Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.” At heart, this proverb recognizes the sovereignty of God. And we have a very different mindset in today’s culture. We think of random happenings, and chance. We do not consider the toss of the dice to be directed by God. Nor could we imagine that a coin throw might settle a dispute between angry parties. As I meditate on this verse, I think the lesson for…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 18:15Numbers 7–8Matthew 4Psalms 1 Verse Focus (Proverbs 18:15) The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,     for the ears of the wise seek it out. Meditation Happy Fourth of July (for those of you who began this plan on January 1st)! Our verse focus today is Proverbs 18:15. As the ESV translates it, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” The CSB says, “The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.” So the intelligent mind, or the discerning mind, acquires knowledge. As you recall, in Hebrew…

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Scripture Readings Psalms 90:12Numbers 5–6Matthew 3Habakkuk 3 Verse Focus (Psalms 90:12) Teach us to number our days,     that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Meditation Psalms 90:12 has been one of my favorite verses for a very long time. “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Time management. Oh, yes! Yesterday, I was asked what kind of superhero I had wanted to be when I was a child. I wasn’t into comic books much, and there weren’t many movies or television shows that featured superheroes when I was young. So there wasn’t…

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Scripture Readings Psalms 86:11Numbers 3–4Matthew 2Habakkuk 2 Verse Focus (Psalms 86:11) Teach me your way, LORD,     that I may rely on your faithfulness;give me an undivided heart,     that I may fear your name. Meditation Ta dah! Today is the official half-way point, at least in terms of number of days. So congratulations, once again, for completing one half year. 🙂 Our verse focus today comes from Psalms 86:11. As the ESV says, “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” I especially love the second part of this verse. As…

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