Welcome to Day 2531 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Healing Serpent – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2531 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2531 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   Today is the thirty-sixth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “The Healing Serpent.” Many people can recite John 3:16, but how many know what John 3:14- 15 says? Jesus’ words in these two verses have generated confusion and controversy: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:15 presents no problem; it declares the gospel—that Jesus, the Son of Man in this passage, is the true object of faith for all who would have eternal life. The difficulty lies in verse 14, where Jesus compares His destiny on the cross to a serpent “lifted up” in the wilderness. In this analogy, Jesus draws on Numbers 21:4-9, one of many incidents in which the Israelites complained about their circumstances on their journey to the promised land. God punished their impatience and lack of faith by sending venomous “fiery serpents” into the camp (Num 21:6). After many fatalities, the people begged Moses to intercede with God on their behalf. God relented and instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a serpent would be healed by gazing at the bronze serpent. Although the parallel between the serpent on the pole and Jesus on the cross is apparent, the incident raises questions. Why didn’t God heal the people directly? Was the bronze serpent an idol, and thus a violation of the second commandment? Wouldn’t the Israelites have recoiled at the association of healing with a serpent? Not Out of Eden We might incorrectly link the serpent on the pole (Num 21) and the serpent in the garden (Gen 3), but the only similarity between these two passages is the word “serpent” (wm, nachash). The nachash of Genesis 3 is a figure acting independently of—and in opposition to—the will of God. In Numbers 21 the biting serpents are God’s instrument of judgment for sin, and the nachash on the pole is God’s instrument of healing for those punished for sin. Maybe Magic In part the answer to “why a serpent?” is found in the ancient practice of sympathetic magic—the idea that a person afflicted by an object can be cured or delivered by an image of that same object. In the absence of sophisticated medical knowledge, ancient cultures sought cures for physical ailments or perceived curses by such means. We can find several examples of this ancient medical...

Welcome to Day 2530 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2530 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 38:9-16 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2530 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2530 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll continue our journey through Psalm 38 by focusing on verses 9 through 16 from the New Living Translation. This section is a heartfelt cry from David as he navigates the pain of guilt, the loneliness of isolation, and the hope he clings to in God’s faithfulness. In these verses, David pours out his heart with raw honesty, offering us a model for bringing our struggles to God. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 38:9-16 (NLT) 9 You know what I long for, Lord; You hear my every sigh. 10 My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. 11 My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. 12 Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery. 13 But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. 14 I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. 15 For I am waiting for You, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. 16 I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall.”

• An Honest Cry to God (Verses 9-10):

David begins this section with a vulnerable confession: “You know what I long for, Lord; You hear my every sigh.” Here, David acknowledges that God is fully aware of his deepest desires and struggles. He doesn’t need to explain or justify himself because God already knows. This verse highlights the intimate relationship David shares with God, where even his unspoken sighs are understood. In verse 10, David describes the physical toll of his anguish: “My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind.” His distress is so overwhelming that it affects him physically—his pounding heart, depleted strength, and dimming vision all reflect the depth of his suffering. This vivid description reminds us that emotional and spiritual struggles can manifest in our bodies, leaving us feeling completely drained. David’s honesty here is a powerful reminder that we can bring every part of our pain to God. Sometimes, we may not have the words to express what we’re feeling, but as David shows, even our sighs and longings are heard by a compassionate God. Illustration: Have you ever had a moment where the weight of your emotions left you feeling physically exhausted? Perhaps after a difficult conversation, a heartbreak, or a significant loss? I remember hearing about a woman who, after the loss of her spouse, found herself sitting in silence on her porch, unable to form words in prayer. She later shared that in those moments of quiet sighs, she felt God’s presence most profoundly....

Welcome to Day 2529 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2529 – Third Week of Advent – Living in Joy, Daily Putnam Church Message – 12/15/2024 Living in Joy, Daily Last week was the second Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in peace, Daily. We were encouraged by the promise from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” This is a reminder of the peace that is found only in Christ, who calms our hearts and directs our steps each day. This week is the Third Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Joy” in a message titled “Living in Joy, Daily.” As mentioned previously, during the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You this Advent season to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior. Today, as we reflect on the joy that Christ brings into our lives, we ask that You fill us with that unshakable joy that is found only in Your presence. Help us understand the depth of joy You give and to carry it into our daily lives as a testament of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. Introduction: The Season of Joy The third Sunday of Advent is about joy, a word we often associate with Christmas. When we think of joy, we might picture laughter, excitement, or the delight of receiving something we’ve longed for. But the joy we focus on today, the joy we celebrate in Advent, is much deeper than any temporary happiness. Luke 2:10 (NLT) records the angel’s announcement to the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” This joy wasn’t just for a few; it was for everyone. And it’s not fleeting. The joy of Christ’s coming brings a lasting sense of peace, security, and hope—because God is with us. Today, we’ll explore what it means to “Experience True Joy in Jesus,” a joy that stays with us regardless of life’s ups and downs.

1. The Source of True Joy (Bulletin – 4 Aspects of Joy)

Let’s start by looking at the source of this joy. In the Bible, joy is always connected to God’s presence and His promises. The joy of the Lord is not based on external circumstances but on a relationship with Him. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning it’s something God plants and grows within us as we walk with Him. Christmas Tradition: The Advent Wreath and the Candle of Joy The Advent wreath is a beloved Christmas tradition that symbolizes the journey toward the birth of Christ. The pink candle, also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Candle of Joy,” is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. It reflects the joy of the shepherds who heard the angel’s announcement of Jesus’s birth in Luke 2:10 (NLT): “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” The pink color stands out against the other candles, symbolizing the joyful...

Welcome to Day 2528 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2528 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 38:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2528 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2528 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll explore Psalm 38:1-8 from the New Living Translation, a deeply personal and heartfelt prayer from David as he cries out to God in a time of anguish. These verses give us a glimpse into David’s raw emotions, his recognition of sin’s weight, and his desperate plea for God’s mercy and healing. Psalm 38 is often referred to as a penitential psalm, one in which David expresses sorrow for his sins and reflects on the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll of his transgressions. It’s a powerful reminder of our need for God’s grace and the hope we have in His unfailing love. Let’s start by reading the passage together: Psalm 38:1-8 (NLT) 1 O Lord, don’t rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your rage. 2 Your arrows have struck deep, and Your blows are crushing me. 3 Because of Your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins. 4 My guilt overwhelms me— it is a burden too heavy to bear. 5 My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. 6 I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. 7 A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. 8 I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.

• A Cry for Mercy (Verses 1-2):

David begins this psalm with an urgent plea: “O Lord, don’t rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your rage.” These opening words reveal David’s deep awareness of his sin and his fear of God’s righteous judgment. He knows he has fallen short, and he acknowledges God’s right to discipline him. Yet, he appeals to God’s mercy, asking that His discipline not come from a place of anger or rage. In verse 2, David continues, “Your arrows have struck deep, and Your blows are crushing me.” Here, David uses vivid imagery to describe the intensity of his suffering. The “arrows” symbolize the conviction he feels, piercing him deeply, while the “blows” represent the weight of God’s discipline. David’s words remind us that sin has real consequences, not only in our relationship with God but also in our overall well-being. This cry for mercy brings to mind the story of a young boy who accidentally broke his father’s prized antique clock. Overwhelmed with guilt and fearing his father’s anger, the boy confessed, trembling as he awaited judgment. Instead of responding in rage, the father knelt down, embraced his son, and explained the importance of honesty and responsibility. The father’s response was firm but loving, showing the boy that discipline and mercy can coexist. Similarly, David appeals to God’s mercy, trusting His discipline is rooted in love.

• ...

Welcome to Day 2527 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2527 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 37:35-40 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2527 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2527 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll conclude our study of Psalm 37 by exploring verses 35 through 40 from the New Living Translation. This final section offers powerful reflections on the fleeting success of the wicked, the enduring security of the godly, and the faithfulness of God as our refuge and deliverer. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 37:35-40 (NLT) 35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. 36 But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them. 37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. 38 But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. 39 The Lord rescues the godly; He is their fortress in times of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in Him.

• The Fleeting Success of the Wicked (Verses 35-36):

David begins this passage in verses 35-36 with a sobering observation about the wicked: “I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them.” These verses acknowledge a reality we’ve all encountered: there are times when the wicked seem to thrive. David compares them to a tree planted in its native soil, growing strong and spreading its influence. This imagery reflects how the wicked often appear deeply rooted, prosperous, and invincible. Their success can be intimidating or even disheartening to those striving to live righteously. But David quickly contrasts this perception with reality. He looks again, and the wicked are gone. Their apparent strength and permanence are revealed to be temporary. No matter how deeply rooted they seem, their time is limited, and their influence fades away. David’s inability to find them serves as a reminder that the success of the wicked is fleeting and ultimately insignificant in the grand scope of God’s justice. These verses encourage us to maintain an eternal perspective. When we see wickedness flourishing, it’s easy to feel discouraged or envious. But David reminds us that such success is short-lived. God’s justice will prevail, and the wicked will vanish like a fleeting shadow.

• The Future of the Godly and the Wicked (Verses 37-38):

David then shifts his focus in verses 37-38 to the contrasting futures of the godly and the wicked: “Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no...

Welcome to Day 2526 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – I Saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning - When? – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2526 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2526 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   Today is the thirty-fifth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “I Saw Satan Fall Like Lightning.”: When? In one of the more puzzling verses in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells His disciples, “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! (Luke 10:18). The question isn’t about what Jesus’ statement is about. It’s clear that Satan is under judgment. Instead, the confusion is over the when of the statement. It might sound like a reference to when Satan became Satan, before or in the Garden of Eden —abandoning his status among God’s heavenly host—but that conclusion would be too hasty. We essentially have three options when it comes to figuring out the timing of Satan’s fall: before, during, or after Jesus’ own time. Many people have offered opinions. Perhaps the most common interpretation is that Jesus is seeing or remembering the original fall of Satan. This option makes little sense in context. Before the statement, Jesus had sent out the disciples to heal and preach that the kingdom of God had drawn near them (Luke 10:1-9). They return amazed and excited by the fact that demons were subject to them in the name of Jesus (10:17). Jesus then says, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!” There is a connection between the kingdom, the defeat of demons, and Satan. But if Satan’s fall in Luke 10:18 speaks of an event in the remote past, why wasn’t the kingdom established then? Why was Satan still powerful when Jesus showed up on the scene? Even with the kingdom of Israel under David and the presence of God in the temple, the power and influence of Satan are evident on nearly every page of Old Testament history. The view that Jesus was referring to Satan’s fall during his own ministry is better, but it is not without problem. We don’t read anywhere in the Bible of anyone casting out demons prior to Jesus’ ministry. That display of power —as well as the announcements of the kingdom and the ruling authority of God on earth—is unmistakable. This is consistent with Luke’s writing in the next chapter (11:14-23), where he identifies Jesus as the “strong man” who binds Satan. With Jesus having bound the strong man (Satan), He and His disciples can plunder Satan’s realm. This seems to tie in with what Jesus says after His...

Welcome to Day 2525 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2525 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 37:30-34 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2525 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2525 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re diving into Psalm 37, verses 30 through 34, from the New Living Translation. This section of the psalm is packed with practical wisdom, highlighting the characteristics of the righteous, the protection God provides, and the importance of trusting in His justice. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 37:30-34 (NLT) 30 The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. 31 They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from His path. 32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. 33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial. 34 Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.

• The Speech and Teaching of the Godly (Verses 30-31):

David begins this section in verse 30 by describing the speech and character of the righteous: “The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.” The righteous, or godly, are those who live in alignment with God’s will. Their speech reflects wisdom and integrity, offering guidance and clarity to those around them. They use their words to counsel others and to teach the difference between right and wrong, helping others navigate life’s challenges. In verse 31, David explains the source of this wisdom: “They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from His path.” The righteous are rooted in God’s Word, internalizing His teachings and making them a part of their lives. This deep connection to God’s law provides stability, keeping them on the path of righteousness and preventing them from slipping into sin. These verses challenge us to consider how we use our words and where we root our lives. Are we speaking wisdom and offering encouragement to those around us? Are we immersing ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to guide our steps and shape our character? When we internalize God’s law, it becomes the foundation of our actions, speech, and decisions.

• The Schemes of the Wicked and God’s Protection (Verses 32-33):

In verse 32, David shifts his focus to the opposition the godly face: “The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them.” This verse vividly depicts the hostility and malice the righteous often encounter. The wicked, motivated by jealousy, hatred, or fear of God’s truth, actively seek to harm the godly. Their actions are deliberate and premeditated, aiming to undermine or destroy those who stand for righteousness.

Welcome to Day 2524 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2524 – Second Week of Advent – Living in Peace, Daily Putnam Church Message – 12/08/2024 Living in Peace, Daily Last week was the first Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in Hope, Daily. “We were reminded that Hope is alive because Jesus is alive. May we carry this truth with us this Advent season, lighting the way for others to see His love and faithfulness. This week is the Second Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Peace” in a message titled “Living in Peace, Daily.” During the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer: Lord, we come before You today with hearts open to receive the peace You promise. As we light the second candle of Advent, the Candle of Peace, it reminds us of the deep, lasting peace that can only be found in Jesus. In this season of anticipation and reflection, help us quiet our hearts and place our trust fully in You. In Jesus’s name, we pray,  Amen. Introduction: The Meaning of Advent Peace Today is the second Sunday of Advent, and we focus on peace. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, and the peace we remember today is not just an absence of conflict but a deep, abiding calm that comes from knowing Christ. Peace may feel elusive amid the busyness and sometimes stress of the holiday season. But true peace, the kind that quiets our hearts, is not tied to our circumstances or feelings. It’s rooted in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who entered our world to reconcile us with God and with one another.

1. The Promise of Peace in Scripture (Bulletin Insert)

The Bible’s understanding of peace goes beyond what we often think of as peace today. It’s more than silence or a moment of calm; it’s a completeness, wholeness, and harmony only God can provide. This peace is found in the Hebrew word shalom, which means completeness or well-being. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” The prophet Isaiah spoke these words hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, yet they describe who Jesus would be to His people: the Prince of Peace. This title is not just a name; it’s a role and an identity. Jesus didn’t just bring peace—He is peace. Through Him, we find true harmony with God, ourselves, and others.   Illustration: The Christmas Truce of 1914 One remarkable story you may be familiar with that reflects this peace is the Christmas Truce of 1914, during World War I. For a brief time, soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and celebrated Christmas together. They sang carols, exchanged small gifts, and...

Welcome to Day 2523 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2523 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 37:23-29 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2523 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2523 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue exploring Psalm 37, focusing on verses 23 through 29 from the New Living Translation. These verses are filled with assurance and encouragement, reminding us of God’s faithfulness, guidance, and provision for those who follow Him. David, the author of this psalm, paints a beautiful picture of the security and blessings that come from living a life aligned with God’s will. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 37:23-29 (NLT) 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. 25 Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. 26 The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. 27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. 28 For the Lord loves justice, and He will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. 29 The godly will possess the land and will live there forever.

• God’s Guidance and Delight (Verse 23):

David begins this section in verse 23 with a profound truth: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” This verse reminds us that God actively guides the lives of those who trust Him. He doesn’t just set us on a path and leave us to figure it out—He is continually directing and ordering our steps, ensuring that we walk in His purposes. The second part of the verse is especially comforting: “He delights in every detail of their lives.” This shows the intimate and personal nature of God’s care for us. He is not distant or detached; He takes joy in every aspect of our lives, from the big decisions to the small, everyday moments. This verse encourages us to trust God’s guidance and to seek His direction in all we do. When we align our lives with His will, we can rest assured that He leads us with love and delight.

• God’s Support in Challenges (Verse 24):

In verse 24, David addresses a reality we all face: “Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Stumbling is a natural part of life. We all face moments of weakness, mistakes, or difficulty. But David assures us that those stumbles will not lead to ultimate failure or defeat when we belong to God. The image of God holding us by the hand is incredibly tender and reassuring. It speaks to His constant presence and support. Just

Welcome to Day 2522 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2522 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 37:16-22 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2522 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2522 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re continuing our exploration of Psalm 37, focusing on verses 16 through 22 from the New Living Translation. This passage contains profound wisdom about trusting God, valuing righteousness over riches, and understanding the fate of both the godly and the wicked. Let’s begin by reading Psalm 37:16-22 together: Psalm 37:16-22 (NLT) 16 It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. 17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. 18 Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. 19 They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. 20 But the wicked will die. The Lord’s enemies are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke. 21 The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. 22 Those the Lord blesses will possess the land, but those He curses will die.

• The Superiority of Godliness Over Wealth (Verse 16):

David opens this section with a powerful statement: “It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.” This verse challenges our cultural assumptions about success and prosperity. The world often measures value and significance by wealth and material possessions, but David reminds us that godliness holds far greater worth. The phrase “better to be godly” emphasizes the eternal value of living a righteous life. Even if we have limited resources, a life lived in alignment with God’s will is infinitely more meaningful than one filled with riches but marked by wickedness. The wealth of the wicked is temporary and can’t bring true fulfillment or peace. In contrast, the godly have the assurance of God’s presence and blessings, which far outweigh any earthly treasure. This verse encourages us to evaluate what we prioritize. Are we striving for temporary wealth or eternal righteousness? By choosing godliness, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and experience the lasting joy and peace that come from living in His will.

• God’s Care for the Godly (Verse 17):

In verse 17, David contrasts the fate of the wicked and the godly: “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.” The “strength of the wicked” refers to their power, influence, or resources—things they often rely on to assert their dominance or achieve their goals. David assures us that this strength is temporary and will ultimately be broken. God’s justice ensures that the wicked cannot sustain their power indefinitely. In contrast, the Lord...