Day 311 Bible Readings – Proverbs 13: 11-12 (ESV)

Ezekiel 13-15, Hebrews 8, Proverbs 13: 10-19

Proverbs 13: 11-12 (ESV)

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

I like verses 11 and 12 from Proverbs 13. Solomon tells us that if you gain wealth too easily or by dishonest it will dwindle. Some would call this kind of wealth “easy money.” The bible commentarians have said that this kind of wealth will not last because it was not gained by providence or the blessing of God. Instead, Solomon tells us that wealth gained over time will increase. Wealth that is gained by hard work and good habits. This type of wealth has God’s blessings and providence. There are many tv shows that talk about people who have gained money by winning the lottery, and then how they lost or ended up being poor again in few years. I also think that if you have to work hard for your money, you appreciate it more and spend it more wisely.

Solomon then talks about how when you hope for something, pray for something, and it doesn’t come it makes your heart sick. People can only take frustration for so long before they give up in despair and depression. But when your hope, your prayers are fulfilled it sustain you for a long time because you have a permanent reminder of the goodness of God in your life. I think the only way to keep your heart from getting sick when your prayers are not fulfilled for a long time, is to keep your focus on God. You need to read the Bible and dwell in God’s words. You need to remember all the times God did answer your prayers, and remind yourself that God is always faithful and keeps his promised to those who are faithful to him.

Day 310 Bible Readings – Hebrews 7: 23-25 (ESV)

Ezekiel 10-12, Hebrews 7: 11-28, Proverbs 13: 1-9

Hebrews 7: 23-25 (ESV)

“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Verses 23 through 25 from Hebrews 7 shows another reason why Jesus Christ is superior to any priest on earth. Since Christ was resurrected he holds the office priesthood forever. Christ is able to save all those who faith in him. Pastor Guzik has commented on these verses that the salvation that Christ “gives is also unchanging, permanent, and secure.” Others have also interpreted the word “utmost” to mean that Christ can save us in the most comprehensive sense. Christ also lives to pray for us, and he never gives up on us. Even if we have given up on ourselves, Christ will never give up on us. I know that I have hit rock bottom at times in my life and was ready to give up on everything, but then Christ came to me and told me to not give up. Christ is the only person who was ever able to bring me back from the brink of the deep hole of hopelessness and depression. I’m still not sure why Christ saved me because I was never an obedient follower, but as long as he had faith in me, I felt like I could never give up on life.

Day 309 Bible Readings – Proverbs 12: 18-19 (ESV)

Ezekiel 7-9, Hebrews 6: 13-20, Hebrews 7: 1-10, Proverbs 12: 18-28

Proverbs 12: 18-19 (ESV)

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

In verses 18 and 19, Solomon tells us how a wise person needs to communicate to people. When a wise person speaks to someone, their words need to bring healing. A wise person’s words shouldn’t speak words that hurt and can feel like sword thrusts. Solomon then tells us God loves a wise person who loves and speaks the truth. God will ensure that their words of truth will last forever. But if you lie, your words will not last especially compared to the words of truth. I like this advice because words can hurt people, and who wants to do that? Isn’t it better to always speak words that bring health and healing. I also like the concept of always telling the truth because the truth is beautiful and it does last forever. Who doesn’t want their words forever remembered?

Day 308 Bible Readings – Proverbs 12: 15-16 (ESV)

Ezekiel 4-6, Hebrews 5: 11-14, Hebrews 6: 1-12, Proverbs 12: 8-17

Proverbs 12: 15-16 (ESV)

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”

In verses 15 and 16 from Proverbs 12, Solomon tells us how a wise man needs to behave. If you are a fool then you will always think you are right, while a wise man is more cautious and always listens to advice. I can see myself as the fool when I was younger when I thought I was right about everything. But as I grew older, I learned through some hard lessons that I wasn’t always right about everything, and I needed to always listen to the advice of people that I trusted.

Solomon also says that when a fool is frustrated, he will let you know. A wise person will keep their emotions to themselves and ignore insults. It’s always good advice to keep your emotions to yourself and not let others know what you think, in case they hold it or use it against you. This is advice that has been carried down over the years and continues to this day with every person who considers themselves a success guru. This is a lesson I am still struggling with, but I am getting better at not getting so frustrated when things don’t go my way. With coaching from the Holy Spirit, I know I will continue to improve in becoming a wise person.