Reading the Bible with a Friend

Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:21Deuteronomy 17–18Romans 11–12Psalms 31 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:21) An inheritance claimed too soon     will not be blessed at the end. Meditation Today’s verse focus is a proverb that has been a favorite of mine for many years. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.” When I read this proverb, I think of inheritance in terms of the LORD, rather than in terms of my earthly parents. David wrote, in Psalm 16, verses 5 and 6, “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:19Deuteronomy 15–16Romans 9–10Psalms 30 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:19) A gossip betrays a confidence;     so avoid anyone who talks too much. Meditation Proverbs 20:19 says, in the NIV of 1984, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” The NKJV says, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” And the NRSV translates this verse, saying, “A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.” Each version gives a slightly different view of the person we want to avoid. He…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:18Deuteronomy 13–14Romans 7–8Psalms 29 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:18) Plans are established by seeking advice;     so if you wage war, obtain guidance. Meditation Proverbs 20:18 says, in the CSB, “Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.” Even though I like the NIV, it’s being a little sneaky with this verse. They’ve added the word “if” to the second phrase. If you wage war, obtain guidance. But with the Hebrew, there’s no “if” about it. It simply says “by wise counsel wage war.” It’s interesting that the NIV wants to raise the subject as to whether or…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:17Deuteronomy 11–12Romans 5–6Psalms 28 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:17) Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,     but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. Meditation Our verse focus today, Proverbs 20:17, says, in the NIV, “Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.” Bread that we did not labor for honestly is appealing — after all, everyone wants something for nothing! But this food was actually gained by deceit of some kind. Our sin nature takes pleasure in getting the better of someone else, and thus the food tastes sweet…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:15Deuteronomy 9–10Romans 3–4Psalms 27 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:15) Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,     but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Meditation Proverbs 20:15 says, in the NIV, “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Speaking wisdom is both rare and precious; its value surpasses monetary wealth and riches. Indeed, gold and precious gems are commonplace by comparison. This proverb speaks not only of what is, but of what should be. God values wisdom and knowledge. So, we too should value wisdom and knowledge. When the…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:13Deuteronomy 7–8Romans 1–2Psalms 26 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:13) Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;     stay awake and you will have food to spare. Meditation Proverbs 20:13 speaks against slothfulness that is expressed by spending too much time in bed asleep. As the NIV says, “Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.” This is a verse that I memorized many years ago. As someone who battles against laziness, I also have to battle against the desire to stay in bed. I find it interesting that…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:10Deuteronomy 5–6Matthew 28JudePsalms 25 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:10) Differing weights and differing measures —     the LORD detests them both. Meditation Proverbs 20:10 says, “Differing weights and differing measures — the LORD detests them both.” Or, as the ESV says, “They are… an abomination to the LORD.” When I read this proverb, I think of the way items were bought and sold in traditional markets. By weight, and by volume. There would be standard weights that would be used to weigh the goods, and standard measuring cups or baskets or jars — to measure an equal volume of goods…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:5Deuteronomy 3–4Matthew 27Psalms 24 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:5) The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,     but one who has insight draws them out. Meditation Proverbs 20:5 says, in the NKJV, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Or, as it says in the NIV, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” There are many different layers to this proverb. To understand what is going on within your own heart, or within someone else’s heart,…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:4Deuteronomy 1–2Matthew 26Psalms 23 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:4) Sluggards do not plow in season;     so at harvest time they look but find nothing. Meditation Proverbs 20:4 says, in the NIV, “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.” I like this translation, even though it is not a strictly literal translation of the Hebrew. The ESV, which follows the Hebrew more closely, says, “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.” Being an urban dweller, I found the reference to plowing in the…

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Scripture Readings Proverbs 20:3Haggai 1–2Matthew 25Psalms 22 Verse Focus (Proverbs 20:3) It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,     but every fool is quick to quarrel. Meditation Our verse focus today is Proverbs 20:3, which says, in the NIV, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” It is familiar Biblical wisdom packaged in an apt and succinct verse. The upright and righteous are peacemakers — they avoid strife. But fools are known for their lack of patience and self-control. We have seen these same principles in some of the earlier proverbs we have…

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