Day Forty-Five -- The path of the righteous is like the morning sun
Psalm 135 to Proverbs 6:35
We have finished reading the last sixteen psalms, a mostly enjoyable experience save a few disturbing images (see Psalm 137, verse 9). The final psalm in the collection ends with a wonderful flourish of instruments leading people in singing and dancing to God in his sanctuary. "Praise" is the leading word of every line of this psalm, a good reminder to us that in all things we need to first give praise to God. While this might be difficult as we encounter situations that are filled with sorrow, we praise God even then if for nothing else than not leaving us to face those moments alone. God is in his sanctuary, but also wherever his people are in despair.
The rest of our reading today takes us into the Book of Proverbs and we are introduced to wisdom as understanding and knowledge, as well as the personification of Wisdom who "raises her voice in the public square" (Proverbs 1:20), and "is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her" (Proverbs 3:15). Wisdom is something to be passed along through parents - "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching" (Proverbs 1:8) - and if you hold on to the wisdom and understanding you receive "they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck" (Proverbs 3:22). It will take several days to travel through the rest of this enjoyable collection of philosophical and religious teachings. I will be keeping an eye out for some favorites to pass along.
We have finished reading the last sixteen psalms, a mostly enjoyable experience save a few disturbing images (see Psalm 137, verse 9). The final psalm in the collection ends with a wonderful flourish of instruments leading people in singing and dancing to God in his sanctuary. "Praise" is the leading word of every line of this psalm, a good reminder to us that in all things we need to first give praise to God. While this might be difficult as we encounter situations that are filled with sorrow, we praise God even then if for nothing else than not leaving us to face those moments alone. God is in his sanctuary, but also wherever his people are in despair.
The rest of our reading today takes us into the Book of Proverbs and we are introduced to wisdom as understanding and knowledge, as well as the personification of Wisdom who "raises her voice in the public square" (Proverbs 1:20), and "is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her" (Proverbs 3:15). Wisdom is something to be passed along through parents - "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching" (Proverbs 1:8) - and if you hold on to the wisdom and understanding you receive "they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck" (Proverbs 3:22). It will take several days to travel through the rest of this enjoyable collection of philosophical and religious teachings. I will be keeping an eye out for some favorites to pass along.
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