Today's Reading: Proverbs 4:10-23

Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:1-15

“Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” (Proverbs 4:13 ESV)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There are two roads: the Way of Wisdom and the Way of Folly. The Way of Folly is the Road of Unbelief and Sin. It is the path that leads to death. This is the path that Jesus walked for you. He bore your sins and went to the cross to die in your place.

According to Proverbs, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight,” (9:10 ESV). The fear of the Lord is contrition over your sin and confidence that the Lord will save you from those sins. Simply put, those who repent and believe are on the Way of Wisdom—a path that leads to life. 

How do you remain on that path? Proverbs tells us to keep hold of the instruction and to guard it. The instruction is your life! Likewise, we read these words: “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh,” (Prov. 9:20-22 ESV).

The Word of the Lord creates faith. The Word also nourishes, sustains, and strengthens faith. The Word delivers Jesus to you. The life won on the cross is delivered through the good news: “You are absolved for the sake of Jesus!” When you doubt, return to the Word. When you have sinned, cling to the Word. This is how you stay on the Way of Wisdom.

And those that remain attentive to the gracious Word and guard it in their hearts will receive eternal life on the Last Day, when their decaying flesh is healed by the risen Lord. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world, so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (For Blessing on the Word, LSB pg. 308)

-Pastor Alexander Lange is pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.