Summary #23

Weekly Summary
Proverbs 1-21

Beware summarizing proverbs -- it'll make you crazy. Because proverbs refer to specific things, and defy thematizing with great gusto.

Embedded in the story of Solomon, who prayed for wisdom and received it in great quantity are the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs -- the wisdom books. While they are powerful and beautiful, they don't much move along the narrative of the true story of the whole world. So how to do a weekly summary?

What I have decided to do is list a couple of my favorites as an enticement to you to dig in to a chapter or two today, even if you didn't get a chance to keep up this week. Here we go:

"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Prov. 3:6 How wonderful to trust that God will direct us if we honestly intend to follow him, even when the way doesn't seem clear.

So what is my excuse for my (sometimes) messy desk? "Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4. I know the oxen comparison isn't so flattering, but probably better than Vanna White.

Ending thought: "Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,but blessed is he who is generous to the poor." Proverbs 14:21 One of the foundational themes to Proverbs, this is a great way show not only wisdom, but also love.

Read on this week!