Proverbs, Day 3 Readings

The Different Outcomes of Good and Evil and the Limits of Human Wisdom  

Today's first reading begins the lengthy section of Proverbs which collects the brief wise sayings of King Solomon.  Usually, each proverb is a single verse, strung together like pearls on a necklace.  The underlying theme of these wise teachings is that the wise lead good lives, while the foolish and evil do not.

Read Proverbs 10:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading is another selection from among the short wise sayings of King Solomon.  Here is a group reminding people of the limitations of humans, particularly the limits of human wisdom.  People who forget these limits -- or try to live beyond them -- usually fail in spectacular ways.  In the memorable phrase among these verses: "pride goes before the fall."

Read Proverbs 16:1-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Proverbs 13-18 today.