Reading the Word Proverbs 12:9 (ESV)9 Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. Understanding and Applying the Word This proverb is all about humilty. So many like to boast and … Continue reading It Is Better To Be Humble
Reading the Word Proverbs 12:4 (ESV)4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. Understanding and Applying the Word This passage focuses on the benefit of a good … Continue reading An Excellent Wife
Reading the Word Proverbs 11:16–17 (ESV)16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Understanding and Applying the Word At first glance these verses may … Continue reading Honor or Riches
Reading the Word Proverbs 9:7–9 (ESV)7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love … Continue reading Willing to Learn
Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I do not publish supplemental material on Sundays, but I do include a suggested Scripture reading. Be sure to subscribe to this page so you can follow along every day. Thanks … Continue reading Seven Things the Lord Hates
Reading the Word Proverbs 6:6–11 (ESV) 6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.9 How long … Continue reading Consider the Ant, O Sluggard!
Reading the Word Proverbs 3:19–20 (ESV) 19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. Understanding and Applying the Word It was by wisdom that God established all of creation. The idea of these verses is that a person who rejects wisdom and understanding rejects what the Lord has built into the world. To do so goes against the way things were designed to be and will result in hardship and struggle. This message is developed more fully in … Continue reading Made for Wisdom
Reading the Word Proverbs 3:11–12 (ESV) 11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Understanding and Applying the Word The Book of Proverbs is about growing in wisdom. One of the primary ways we do that is through failure and discipline. We have the choice to learn from such correction or become hardened and unteachable. In today’s reading, we see that the Lord is compared to a father who disciplines his children. As the … Continue reading The Father’s Discipline
Reading the Word Proverbs 3:5–8 (ESV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Understanding and Applying the Word We all want to be our own authority. We want to make our own decisions about right and wrong and what is best for us. This is the very … Continue reading Trust in the Lord
Reading the Word Proverbs 1:20–23 (ESV) 20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Understanding and Applying the Word Wisdom is personified as a woman who calls … Continue reading Lady Wisdom Calls Out
Shaped by the Word 