All sorts of things can be represented by 21. But in this case it is a chapter in the Bible. I have a system (for now) that I am using to read the Bible. I started last July or August with reading the Old Testament. I am currently in Ezekiel. I’m not sure which is worse: Leviticus and Numbers or Isaiah through Ezekiel. But to give myself some variety I have also been reading certain section of the NT several times before moving on and also some chapters out of Psalms. Every other month I read the book of Proverbs. A chapter equals the day of the month.
Today (Monday) I read chapter 21. Found some interesting verses there which I wrote in my journal.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (v.2) I like the way The Message puts it: “We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.” ‘Nuff said.
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” (v.31) We can make all the preparations in the world but ultimately the victory is God’s. I tire of trying to do things in my own strength. I know better, but I often revert to old ways of thinking and doing battle.
There is more, of course. But I’m curious. What is a favorite Proverb of yours?
That is a moving target. It can change from time to time. Consistently it is the without vision the people perish one.
Mine also changes since I read a chapter a day. 🙂
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
Love that one Daniel. So much truth to that for sure.
Having recently read through Jeremiah and Zephaniah, I feel your pain. Except for a few verses here and there, I was glad to get out of there. ha. Nonetheless, it’s still profitable reading and makes me appreciate even more being on this side of the cross. My daily Bible reading structure is somewhat similar to yours. I read two weeks in the Old Testament then one in the New Testament, with Psalms and Proverbs sprinkled throughout.
Glad you can feel my pain Lisa. 🙂 But I do agree: it definitely gives me a greater appreciation for living this side of the cross.
I find contemporary aphorisms much more relevant than ancient ones.
From “The True Believer”
“Faith in a holy cause is to a considerable extent a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves.”
I can take that two ways Jeff. It is either a good one in that the author realizes faith in ourselves is empty or he is saying it in a negative saying we have substituted one false idol for another.
I think it is a positive in saying faith in ourselves is important and should not be substituted for faith in a holy cause.
That is pure humanism and i disagree with that Jeff. But would expect anything less? 🙂
The author is just pointing out what he believes is fact. The less a person believes in himself the more likely he will be gung ho in a holy cause or a political or a National movement. He is not advocating for anything.
“The less justified a man is in claiming excellence for his own self, the more ready is he to claim all excellence for his nation, his religion, his race or his holy cause.
13:20 is good!
I think an important one to remember is 14:12.
Both are good Jacci. That last one is especially appropriate.
I don’t have a favorite that jumps right out at me – think I need to plunge back into reading Proverbs? I think so!
Blessings, Bill!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (knowledge) …
Prov 1:7, 9:10 also Ps 111:10
… my wisdom’s been waning of late
… … trying to find my way back home …
My all time favorite is 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Reading straight through the OT is just painful for me. I like the balance of reading the NT at the same time … the perspective of Christ arriving helps me get through the wars and the kings and the prophets.
Not much of a biblical scholar, am I …
“The generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25) I learned that in high school and wrote a personal paper about learning generosity. It stuck with me!