WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:02.870 Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. 00:00:02.990 --> 00:00:03.700 Day 300. 00:00:04.076 --> 00:00:09.446 Immersed in Proverbs, the creator intends for us to flourish 00:00:09.446 --> 00:00:10.676 in our life on this earth. 00:00:11.366 --> 00:00:15.446 There is a way of wisdom rooted in deep respect and reverence for God 00:00:15.446 --> 00:00:18.056 himself that leads us to this good life. 00:00:19.166 --> 00:00:22.736 One particular literary tradition in Israel was centered on 00:00:22.736 --> 00:00:24.296 exploring and teaching this path. 00:00:25.331 --> 00:00:28.571 Today we can find it reflected in the Bible's wisdom books. 00:00:29.711 --> 00:00:33.071 The first example of this tradition is found in the book of Proverbs. 00:00:33.881 --> 00:00:37.121 Proverbs does not take the form of a narrative, but its wisdom. 00:00:37.121 --> 00:00:40.031 Teachings are an integral part of the story of the Bible. 00:00:40.751 --> 00:00:45.941 In this book, the ancient Israelites collected wise sayings or proverbs to 00:00:45.941 --> 00:00:47.981 help them follow the right course in life. 00:00:48.791 --> 00:00:53.201 These proverbs are not absolute promises about what will happen in all situations. 00:00:53.846 --> 00:00:57.986 But our short, memorable sayings that offer practical advice for good 00:00:57.986 --> 00:01:02.906 living, it's a universal phenomenon for cultures to produce maxims 00:01:02.936 --> 00:01:06.446 that express their perspectives on how life is to be lived wisely. 00:01:07.106 --> 00:01:11.006 For example, we might say, don't put all your eggs in one basket. 00:01:11.666 --> 00:01:12.746 Measure twice cut. 00:01:12.986 --> 00:01:18.776 Once a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, Israel's 00:01:18.776 --> 00:01:21.146 Proverbs offer such practical wisdom. 00:01:21.761 --> 00:01:24.851 But also have the incomparable advantage of being informed by 00:01:24.851 --> 00:01:28.961 the nation's experiences in its covenant relationship with God. 00:01:30.131 --> 00:01:33.911 The proverbs in the Bible display the basic literary device found 00:01:33.916 --> 00:01:37.121 in all Hebrew poetry parallelism. 00:01:37.811 --> 00:01:42.221 Hebrew proverbs are usually expressed in poetic couplets, two line 00:01:42.221 --> 00:01:47.231 compositions in which the second line echoes, contrasts or elaborates. 00:01:47.231 --> 00:01:47.981 On the first. 00:01:48.761 --> 00:01:49.901 Here are a few examples. 00:01:51.086 --> 00:01:56.156 Just as the rich rule, the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. 00:01:56.936 --> 00:01:59.246 Sensible children bring joy to their father. 00:01:59.816 --> 00:02:02.216 Foolish children despise their mother. 00:02:02.996 --> 00:02:07.106 Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips. 00:02:08.276 --> 00:02:10.946 Such proverbs are not like lyric poetry. 00:02:11.426 --> 00:02:15.956 That is, they probably weren't originally sung like the poems in Israel Songbooks. 00:02:16.751 --> 00:02:21.521 But the brevity, repetition, and imagery of the proverbs, for example, 00:02:21.911 --> 00:02:26.741 as a door swings back and forth on its hinges so the lazy person turns over 00:02:26.741 --> 00:02:31.511 in bed, nevertheless, make them just as memorable as words set to music. 00:02:31.871 --> 00:02:36.701 The biblical book of Proverbs contains six collections of such sayings. 00:02:37.496 --> 00:02:41.666 They have been gathered from named figures, including Solomon, ager 00:02:41.666 --> 00:02:46.436 and Lemuel, as well as from unnamed figures known simply as the wise 00:02:47.276 --> 00:02:48.626 to introduce these collections. 00:02:48.926 --> 00:02:53.966 The book offers a series of exhortation also in poetry, though in stanzas longer 00:02:53.966 --> 00:02:59.216 than couplets, praising the benefits of learning from the sages of the past by 00:02:59.216 --> 00:03:01.226 feasting on the banquet of their wisdom. 00:03:01.976 --> 00:03:05.456 The book ends with an acrostic poem following the letters 00:03:05.456 --> 00:03:06.386 of the Hebrew alphabet. 00:03:07.031 --> 00:03:09.221 About a virtuous and capable wife. 00:03:10.331 --> 00:03:13.511 This may be seen as an application of the book's overall teaching 00:03:13.511 --> 00:03:15.101 to a particular person's life. 00:03:15.671 --> 00:03:20.441 To offer an example of how the way of wisdom might be played out, the 00:03:20.441 --> 00:03:24.461 collective proverbs presented throughout the book share a Common Vision of Life. 00:03:25.151 --> 00:03:31.091 There are two paths that can be followed that of the fool or the wicked, and 00:03:31.091 --> 00:03:33.461 that of the wise or the righteous. 00:03:34.241 --> 00:03:38.381 The Proverbs appeal to experience and common sense to make the case that 00:03:38.981 --> 00:03:44.171 everything else being equal, the wise, prosper in this life, enjoying financial 00:03:44.171 --> 00:03:48.671 success, health, good relationships, and a good reputation through diligence 00:03:48.671 --> 00:03:53.711 and hard work, while the fool foolish take shortcuts, get rich, quick schemes, 00:03:54.011 --> 00:03:58.421 shady friendships, cutting corners, et cetera, and end up missing out. 00:03:59.606 --> 00:04:04.676 The other Wisdom books in the First Testament, Ecclesiastes, and Job will add 00:04:04.676 --> 00:04:06.686 important qualifications to this view. 00:04:07.526 --> 00:04:10.946 But the place to begin the journey is with the down to earth advice 00:04:10.946 --> 00:04:12.386 offered in the Book of Proverbs. 00:04:13.136 --> 00:04:17.786 It offers a solid presentation of wisdom rooted in a right relationship with 00:04:17.786 --> 00:04:23.786 God, seeking to follow the way that leads to a life that is truly life. 00:04:29.951 --> 00:04:34.961 The book of Proverbs, these are the Proverbs of Solomon, 00:04:35.051 --> 00:04:37.781 David's son, king of Israel. 00:04:38.681 --> 00:04:42.911 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline to help them 00:04:42.911 --> 00:04:45.251 understand the insights of the wises. 00:04:46.151 --> 00:04:52.151 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help 00:04:52.151 --> 00:04:55.091 them do what is right, just and fair. 00:04:55.796 --> 00:04:59.666 These Proverbs will give insight to the simple knowledge 00:04:59.666 --> 00:05:01.376 and discernment to the young. 00:05:02.576 --> 00:05:06.476 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. 00:05:06.896 --> 00:05:11.576 Let those with understanding, receive guidance by exploring the meaning 00:05:11.576 --> 00:05:16.226 in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 00:05:17.216 --> 00:05:21.716 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools 00:05:21.716 --> 00:05:23.906 despise wisdom and discipline. 00:05:26.501 --> 00:05:27.401 My child. 00:05:27.881 --> 00:05:33.281 Listen, when your father corrects you, don't neglect your mother's instruction. 00:05:34.151 --> 00:05:37.811 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a 00:05:37.811 --> 00:05:39.821 chain of honor around your neck. 00:05:40.631 --> 00:05:41.501 My child. 00:05:42.131 --> 00:05:45.431 If sinners and entice you, turn your back on them. 00:05:46.181 --> 00:05:48.731 They may say, come and join us. 00:05:48.941 --> 00:05:51.911 Let's hide and kill someone just for fun. 00:05:51.916 --> 00:05:53.471 Let's ambush the innocent. 00:05:54.056 --> 00:05:56.576 Let's swallow them alive like the grave. 00:05:56.936 --> 00:06:00.986 Let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. 00:06:01.736 --> 00:06:03.656 Think of the great things we'll get. 00:06:04.076 --> 00:06:06.896 We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. 00:06:07.106 --> 00:06:09.356 Come throw in your lot with us. 00:06:09.596 --> 00:06:11.156 We'll all share the loot. 00:06:12.206 --> 00:06:14.966 My child, don't go along with them. 00:06:15.296 --> 00:06:17.396 Stay far away from their paths. 00:06:17.756 --> 00:06:19.976 They rush to commit evil deeds. 00:06:20.306 --> 00:06:22.076 They hurry to commit murder. 00:06:22.871 --> 00:06:27.191 If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. 00:06:27.881 --> 00:06:30.641 But these people set an ambush for themselves. 00:06:31.031 --> 00:06:33.101 They're trying to get themselves killed. 00:06:33.701 --> 00:06:36.851 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money. 00:06:37.541 --> 00:06:39.311 It robs them of life. 00:06:40.841 --> 00:06:42.971 Wisdom shouts in the streets. 00:06:43.391 --> 00:06:45.491 She cries out in the public square. 00:06:45.911 --> 00:06:49.601 She calls to the crowds along the main street to those gathered 00:06:49.601 --> 00:06:51.041 in front of the city gate. 00:06:51.641 --> 00:06:56.351 How long you simpletons will you insist on being simple-minded? 00:06:57.191 --> 00:07:00.101 How long will you mockers relish your mocking? 00:07:00.701 --> 00:07:03.371 How long will you fools hate knowledge? 00:07:03.881 --> 00:07:05.921 Come and listen to my counsel. 00:07:06.371 --> 00:07:09.131 I'll share my heart with you and make you wise. 00:07:10.211 --> 00:07:13.241 I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. 00:07:13.871 --> 00:07:17.021 I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. 00:07:17.636 --> 00:07:22.736 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered, so I 00:07:22.736 --> 00:07:24.536 will laugh when you are in trouble. 00:07:25.286 --> 00:07:27.896 I will mock you when disaster overtakes you. 00:07:28.286 --> 00:07:31.106 When calamity overtakes you like a storm. 00:07:31.376 --> 00:07:36.356 When disaster engulfs you like a cyclone and anguish and distress 00:07:36.356 --> 00:07:42.326 overwhelm you when they cry for help, I will not answer though. 00:07:42.331 --> 00:07:44.126 They anxiously search for me. 00:07:44.366 --> 00:07:45.686 They will not find me. 00:07:46.361 --> 00:07:49.871 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. 00:07:50.831 --> 00:07:55.211 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 00:07:55.811 --> 00:07:59.201 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their 00:07:59.201 --> 00:08:01.511 own way, choking on their own. 00:08:01.511 --> 00:08:06.521 Schemes for simpletons turn away from me to death. 00:08:07.241 --> 00:08:11.231 Fools are destroyed by their own complacency, but all who 00:08:11.231 --> 00:08:13.361 listen to me will live in peace. 00:08:13.721 --> 00:08:18.191 Untroubled by fear of harm, my child. 00:08:18.281 --> 00:08:21.491 Listen to what I say and treasure my commands. 00:08:22.331 --> 00:08:27.041 Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. 00:08:27.941 --> 00:08:31.451 Cry out for insight and ask for understanding. 00:08:32.261 --> 00:08:34.721 Search for them as you would for silver. 00:08:35.291 --> 00:08:37.301 Seek them like hidden treasures. 00:08:37.781 --> 00:08:41.591 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and 00:08:41.591 --> 00:08:43.061 you will gain knowledge of God. 00:08:43.916 --> 00:08:49.196 For the Lord Grants wisdom from his mouth, come knowledge and understanding. 00:08:50.036 --> 00:08:52.346 He grants a treasure of common sense. 00:08:52.346 --> 00:08:56.576 To the honest, he is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 00:08:57.206 --> 00:09:02.276 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. 00:09:03.416 --> 00:09:08.396 Then understand what is right, just and fair, and you will 00:09:08.396 --> 00:09:09.866 find the right way to go. 00:09:10.466 --> 00:09:12.296 For wisdom will enter your heart. 00:09:12.851 --> 00:09:18.041 And knowledge will fill you with joy Wise Choices will watch over you. 00:09:18.551 --> 00:09:20.831 Understanding will keep you safe. 00:09:21.911 --> 00:09:26.891 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. 00:09:27.431 --> 00:09:31.421 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. 00:09:32.081 --> 00:09:37.031 They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. 00:09:37.661 --> 00:09:41.351 Their actions are crooked and their ways are wrong. 00:09:42.461 --> 00:09:45.371 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman. 00:09:45.671 --> 00:09:49.871 From the seductive words of the promiscuous woman, she has 00:09:49.871 --> 00:09:54.191 abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. 00:09:55.001 --> 00:09:57.281 Entering her house leads to death. 00:09:57.761 --> 00:09:59.351 It is the road to the grave. 00:10:00.101 --> 00:10:02.051 The man who visits her is doomed. 00:10:02.201 --> 00:10:04.511 He will never reach the paths of life. 00:10:05.591 --> 00:10:10.181 So follow the steps of the good and stay on the paths of the righteous. 00:10:10.841 --> 00:10:14.951 For only the godly will live in the land and those with integrity 00:10:14.951 --> 00:10:19.601 will remain in it, but the wicked will be removed from the land and 00:10:19.601 --> 00:10:21.581 the treacherous will be uprooted. 00:10:23.051 --> 00:10:23.951 My child. 00:10:24.461 --> 00:10:27.041 Never forget the things I have taught you. 00:10:27.881 --> 00:10:30.161 Store my commands in your heart. 00:10:30.821 --> 00:10:36.461 If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying. 00:10:37.316 --> 00:10:40.526 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. 00:10:40.916 --> 00:10:43.196 Tie them around your neck as a reminder. 00:10:43.796 --> 00:10:45.926 Write them deep within your heart. 00:10:46.586 --> 00:10:50.456 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you 00:10:50.456 --> 00:10:52.106 will earn a good reputation. 00:10:52.336 --> 00:10:55.316 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. 00:10:55.586 --> 00:10:57.926 Do not depend on your own understanding. 00:10:58.676 --> 00:11:03.326 Seek His will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. 00:11:04.301 --> 00:11:06.641 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. 00:11:07.061 --> 00:11:10.601 Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 00:11:11.021 --> 00:11:15.341 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. 00:11:16.361 --> 00:11:21.341 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 00:11:22.091 --> 00:11:25.691 Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will 00:11:25.691 --> 00:11:29.131 overflow with good wine my child. 00:11:29.636 --> 00:11:34.106 Don't reject the Lord's discipline and don't be upset when he corrects you. 00:11:34.676 --> 00:11:36.926 For the Lord corrects those he loves. 00:11:37.196 --> 00:11:42.866 Just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights, joyful is the 00:11:42.871 --> 00:11:48.656 person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding for wisdom 00:11:48.656 --> 00:11:53.696 is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 00:11:54.551 --> 00:11:56.861 Wisdom is more precious than rubies. 00:11:57.161 --> 00:11:59.951 Nothing you desire can compare with her. 00:12:00.371 --> 00:12:05.111 She offers you long life in her right hand and riches an honor. 00:12:05.111 --> 00:12:05.951 In her left. 00:12:06.551 --> 00:12:08.951 She will guide you down delightful paths. 00:12:09.251 --> 00:12:11.351 All her ways are satisfying. 00:12:12.311 --> 00:12:14.021 Wisdom is a tree of life. 00:12:14.021 --> 00:12:19.871 To those who embrace her happy are those who hold her tightly by wisdom. 00:12:19.901 --> 00:12:21.551 The Lord founded the earth. 00:12:22.136 --> 00:12:26.846 By understanding, he created the heavens by his knowledge. 00:12:26.906 --> 00:12:30.446 The deep fountains of the earth burst forth and the dew 00:12:30.446 --> 00:12:32.306 settles beneath the night sky. 00:12:33.356 --> 00:12:37.586 My child don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. 00:12:38.306 --> 00:12:41.486 Hang on to them for they will refresh your soul. 00:12:42.056 --> 00:12:44.036 They are like jewels on a necklace. 00:12:44.456 --> 00:12:48.296 They keep you safe on your way and your feet will not stumble. 00:12:49.196 --> 00:12:51.176 You can go to bed without fear. 00:12:51.641 --> 00:12:53.981 You will lie down and sleep soundly. 00:12:54.821 --> 00:12:59.651 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the 00:12:59.651 --> 00:13:02.771 wicked for the Lord is your security. 00:13:03.731 --> 00:13:06.401 He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. 00:13:07.481 --> 00:13:10.481 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's 00:13:10.481 --> 00:13:11.861 in your power to help them. 00:13:12.791 --> 00:13:16.271 If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, come back 00:13:16.271 --> 00:13:17.981 tomorrow and then I'll help you. 00:13:19.046 --> 00:13:22.586 Don't plot harm against your neighbor for those who live nearby. 00:13:22.616 --> 00:13:23.306 Trust you. 00:13:24.206 --> 00:13:27.956 Don't pick a fight without reason when no one has done you harm. 00:13:28.946 --> 00:13:32.756 Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. 00:13:33.266 --> 00:13:37.136 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers 00:13:37.141 --> 00:13:38.726 his friendship to the godly. 00:13:39.746 --> 00:13:44.436 The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. 00:13:45.671 --> 00:13:49.391 The Lord mocks the mockers, but is gracious to the humble. 00:13:50.381 --> 00:13:54.311 The wise, inherit honor, but fools are put to shame. 00:13:56.021 --> 00:13:58.871 This concludes today's Immer reading experience. 00:13:59.021 --> 00:14:00.041 Thank you for joining us.