Members of our congregation are taking the 31 days of December to read the 31 chapters of Proverbs. It’s a simple, laudable concept, and I accepted the idea willingly – but, alas, I’ve fallen behind.
I know. It’s not that hard a program to follow, and I’m peeved with myself, but …
I’ve worked out a new plan, and by Dec. 31, I should have, indeed, read all 31 chapters.
The thing is, though, just reading through all these verses isn’t cementing the ideas into my brain – unless it’s one of the verses that most of us have heard all our lives. Like, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Or, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
It’s just that there are so many good thoughts, one after the other, that soon sensory overload looms on the horizon. I’ve taken to reading the verses out loud – and I’m really enjoying that – and now the meaning seems to more actively engage with my brain.
So that has led me to another plan. January has 31 days, too, and I’m planning to re-read Proverbs, one chapter a day – this time with the aid of a good commentary. I think I’ll come out on the other side a wiser woman. I mean, who wouldn’t become more astute after reading such a collection of wise sayings, plus good advice for daily living? Twice in two months.
I’d like to invite you on this journey with me in January. It would bring me joy to know that some of my readers are looking at the exact same scripture each day as I am. Also, as the minister at my congregation said, we will probably see truths from what we read mirrored in our lives as we go forward into the near future. Maybe I’ll write another column to report whatever transpires in that realm.
Meanwhile, here are a couple of things about Proverbs that I have discovered since beginning my readings. The first few chapters don’t follow the form of the rest of the book. Most of Proverbs is a collection of short, two-lined sayings, many times with the second line contrasting with, explaining or amplifying the first. Not the first few chapters, however. These are written more in prose style, concentrating on wisdom with many warnings against adultery. I was surprised by this.
Yes, confession time: I have never read Proverbs in its entirely in my entire life. I haven’t read all of the Psalms either. And I want to.
So … I have another idea. Starting in February, I’m planning to read one psalm a day, and in exactly five months – on June 30 – I will have read the entire book. You’re invited to join me in this pursuit as well.
Meanwhile, let’s close with some of the proverbs that remain closest to my heart after my recent rediscovering of them. You probably know and love them, too.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” – Proverbs 4:23.
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” – Proverbs 12:25.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” – Proverbs 17:17.
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues” – Proverbs 17:28.
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” – Proverbs 3:13.
As I continue this pathway through Proverbs and beyond, I hope you’ll join me in embracing the wisdom these verses offer. In the New Year, let’s search for the insight that speaks to our hearts and leads us toward lives of greater understanding and peace.
After all, as Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” May we all seek and find those treasures in the days ahead.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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