Bible Reading Plan

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes to point out the vanity of seeking earthly accomplishments as a means of satisfaction. The great cycles of the earth and the inhabitants of it cannot fulfill the emptiness man seeks to fill through them. Solomon was a very rich, powerful, and wise man, yet none of these things gave him fulfillment. Only God, the creator, could provide joy and satisfaction. Solomon described the search for knowing all things under heaven as the vanity of man and like chasing the wind. All is done in vain unless understood as a gift from God who brings wisdom, knowledge, and joy.

This proverb was given by a mother to her son, an existing or future king. She warned him against sexual temptation and strong drink. She encouraged him to care for the sick and the poor, and to judge rightly. The mother described the excellent wife for her son to seek. The excellent wife is trustworthy and contributes greatly to the home. She cares for others who are in need, and she fears the Lord. Her works are a witness to her excellency.

Solomon reminded us in chapter twenty-nine of the importance of discipline. The ways of the wicked lead to heartache and poverty. The ways of the wise lead to obedience to God, peace, joy, and safety. Proverbs thirty is known as “The Words of Agur”. This name means collector, or the collector of proverbs. He wrote of the greatness of God and His creation. The proverb expresses great value for the Word of God. He desired to know and follow God’s Word. He depended on God for his provisions. He feared the possibility of living without need, and as a result, denying God.

Solomon gave words of wisdom concerning relationships. He provided wise counsel that will result in blessings, and he warned against a foolish and prideful heart. Solomon contrasted the righteous and the wicked. He described the ability of money and pride to draw a man to ruin. His continued message was to trust in God and be filled with wisdom and blessings.

Today’s proverbs teach purity, humility, patience, and self-control. They include important truths concerning the power of the tongue. Solomon warned against the folly of the fool. The wise man should not associate with the fool. The deceiver causes strife and quarrels. The tongue may be used to cause hurt, but the truth will become known. The one who causes problems will be consumed with problems.

Solomon taught of the importance of seeking what is right. Those who seek after worldly desires will fall short. Discipline will lead a son to what is right. The one who drinks much wine is led to woe, sorrow, strife, complaining, wounds without cause, and confusion. It will entangle you and destroy. It will become your guide. Wisdom and knowledge are of great value. They will lead you to success. Do not seek to repay evil for evil. The Lord will judge the evil one. The wise man will stand firm, and the wicked man will fall. Do not allow the wicked to lead you astray. Laziness will lead to poverty, and hard work will lead to blessings.

Solomon described the ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous. The way of the wicked lead to death. The way of the righteous are upright and lead to knowledge and life. The tongue of the evil man tells lies and seeks to do evil to others. The tongue of the righteous man is kind and upright. A man is known by others according to his acts. Solomon gave instruction for a life of blessings and honor among others and before God. The ways of the righteous will not be ensnared by the wicked. They are led by God and are blessed by Him.

Solomon encouraged the reader to be wise and teachable. He condemned the one who acted without thought and responded to correction with anger. He encouraged love and condemned a false witness. He rebuked the scoffer and the fool. He condemned the one who is controlled by strong drink. He encouraged the faithful and the one who walked with integrity. He condemned the sluggard because they will be led to poverty. Justice belongs to the Lord. Discipline purifies and maturity is a man’s honor.

Solomon wrote statements of wisdom to encourage the reader to seek wisdom and knowledge. He warned against evil and praised the righteous. He wrote proverbs concerning the tongue. He explained the tongue reveals what is in the heart of the man, whether good or evil. The wicked are eager to speak to be heard, but the righteous seek to understand. Men may possess many friends and still be destroyed. The Lord is the One who sticks closer than a brother.

Solomon continued to contrast the righteous and the wicked. He focused on the words of each and the importance of listening to wise counsel. He calls for humility and for honest gain. The Lord loves the humble and will not bless the proud. The dishonest man causes disunity between friends. He whispers and seeks to cause trouble.