Proverbs 6-12 Bible Reading Challenge Summary
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Welcome to Friday’s Bible reading challenge summary and check-in! I encourage you to comment and let us know what you learned this week as we read through the book of Proverbs. From last Friday through today, we covered Proverbs chapters 6-12; I can’t wait to hear about what you’ve been learning! Here are my observations from this week:
Proverbs 6
Solomon warns his son of laziness in chapter 6, but he also outlines what is often known as the “seven deadly sins.” I don’t remember this list jumping off the page as much when I read through this chapter in January. I found it interesting that the first five are listed as a body part physically doing the sin, “haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil.” The last two listed seem to require more thinking or premeditation, in my opinion, “a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.” Quite the hefty list of sins to avoid- I love that Solomon didn’t sugarcoat the issues, but spelled it out plainly.
Proverbs 7
Towards the end of chapter 6, Solomon begins to warn his son of adultery and the dangers of an evil woman. In chapter 7, he continues to explain the importance of keeping all this instruction close to his heart where decisions are made. The dangers of an evil woman are thoroughly explained and Solomon explains the long term effects of involvement with her.
Proverbs 8
This chapter emphasizes wisdom from the first verse of the chapter and Solomon emphasizes the importance of wisdom over gold and silver. I wonder if Solomon worried that his children might rely on his riches to carry them through life. Verse 11:
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Which verse stood out to you in Proverbs 8?
Proverbs 9
Proverbs 9 is almost a repeat of Proverbs 8 in concept. Wisdom and instruction is emphasized and warnings of the foolish woman are outlined. Solomon paints a vivid picture of how foolishness destroys lives. The verse that struck a nerve for me this week had me thinking of how I process criticism or reproof.
Did you see where we can find the beginning of wisdom?
Proverbs 10
Proverbs 10 is a chapter of what we think of as “typical” proverbs. The verses are often statements that present stark contrasts in order to make the point. At times I have a tendency to divide these statements in parts, but I believe Solomon deliberately wrote these verses in a contrasting style to emphasize his message.
Proverbs 11
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. Proverbs 11:22
I couldn’t overlook this verse this week. I think this is one of my favorite Proverbs because you just can’t miss the message, can you? I wonder if Solomon might have used a different analogy today. Maybe something along the lines of “Like a perfect profile pic beside a mouthy social media status, so is a beautiful woman without discretion.” That Solomon sure makes me doublecheck my words!
What do you think Solomon’s modern day analogy might have been?
Proverbs 12
Proverbs 12 outlines the power of words over and over again. You can easily see how much Solomon believed in the importance of using words wisely. I think I may have chosen the same verse as last month for my focus verse of the chapter.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25
Wow- that’s a quick summary! There is so much richness in the book of Proverbs; I hope you are soaking up every minute of this book, even on the second month reading through. And now I’d love to hear about all you learned. Share it with us?
Enjoy the weekend!
Rachel
Proverbs 1-5 Bible Reading Challenge Summary
Chapter 9 held my gem for the week .
While pondering my lack of conviction in certain areas V. 2 …… “She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table” .literally jumped off the page and smacked me in the face!! .WOW .. there is the answer to conviction. she “has” set her table – she already knows what she is having for dinner… we don’t set the table before we cook a meal, we set it after the preparation, after the decision has been made as to what we will eat… Make up your mind what you want before you are faced with the situation you are most vulnerable in, and let God give you the strength to stick to it. Understand and know your vulnerability and be wise, keep yourself from situations that might entice temptation and stand strong knowing that God will be your strength. He always give you a way out.
Rachel, I appreciate your summary and your insight in these chapters. Thank you.
Which verse stood out to you in Proverbs 8? Vs 32: “Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.”
This verse it a good reminder for me—I think we all desire God’s love and blessing(s). We all have His love—there is no question about that. And, we all share many of His blessings—the sun, the beautiful sky, the oceans—all of God’s creation is a blessing for all. BUT, God blesses us individually according to our obedience, trust, and faithfulness. As we keep His ways, we receive more and more blessings. When we don’t keep God’s ways, we find ourselves unhappy, dissatisfied, with more problems. and less joy.
Proverbs 8:17 stuck out to me, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” And again verse 19, “My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.”
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Your question about this verse really made me think, yes, we have to take that step of reverential awe towards the LORD. A change in our heart and attitude has to transpire.
The only analogy I could think of is “Like rust on a sports car, so is a beautiful woman without discretion.”
Thanks again for your summaries and thought provoking questions. You help make these passages in Proverbs come together and become more applicable.
As a car dealer’s daughter, I love your analogy! 😉 Great stuff!
Jill, Perfect analogy!
No matter how many times I read Proverbs I will never tire of it. You learn something new everytime you read it! It’s one of my favorite books in the Bible.
Yep- that’s true!