Today, we look at chapters 19-21. These chapters are full of so much good wisdom for the living of our lives. We see the importance of helping the poor in a foreshadowing of Matthew 25. We are told to deal fairly with each other. Tell the truth. Don’t gossip. And understand that we must do our part and be faithful; it is God who wins the battle, it is God who is the one who brings victory. Let’s do our part, sure. But the results are up to God!

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Good morning! It’s great to be with you again on this Friday morning. It’s been quite the week with the weather here in Mississippi. Hopefully, we are going to have a normal weekend. I hope it’s not going to be too cold. I am tired of the cold, ice, and sleet, and I’m ready for the warmth of summer. I am over winter, and we need to get to summer as soon as possible. But hopefully, no matter what your plans are, you have a great weekend planned.

I’m looking forward to worship this Sunday at St. Matthew’s. We’re continuing in a series called “Balance,” where we’re exploring how we do theology as United Methodists. I’m excited about that, and it’s been a good opening to it. I’m looking forward to the rest of our series. This week we’re going to talk about scripture and the importance scripture plays in our theological reflection.

So, speaking of scripture, let’s continue with Proverbs. As we’ve done the last few Fridays, we’re going to look at three chapters. Remember, we’re reading one chapter of Proverbs a day. So on our weekend, we read three together. We’ll break it up, with tomorrow’s reading, and then one for Saturday and one for Sunday. Today, we’ll be exploring three different chapters: 19, 20, and 21 in our reflection time together.

As I read through these chapters, a few verses jumped off the page that I want to highlight. In chapter 19, verse 17 caught my attention: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and will be repaid in full.” This verse emphasizes the biblical obligation we have as Christians to care for the poor, aligning with the broader message seen throughout the Bible.

Verse 22 in the same chapter delivers a powerful message: “Whatever is desirable in a person’s loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a liar.” This verse challenges us to consider the worth of our integrity and the value of our word, emphasizing that it’s better to be poor than to compromise our honesty.

Moving on to chapter 20, verse 1 echoes a common refrain found in Proverbs: “Wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” This serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and be cautious of the areas in our lives where we may be prone to lose discipline.

Verse 10 in the same chapter addresses ethical business practices: “Diverse weights and measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” This stern language underscores the importance of treating others, especially the poor, with respect and fairness.

Jumping to chapter 21, verse 31 provides a valuable perspective: “A horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” This verse encourages us to put in the effort, like preparing a horse for battle, while recognizing that ultimate victory rests in the hands of the Lord.

In summary, these verses offer insights into themes of compassion for the poor, maintaining integrity, exercising self-control, ethical business dealings, and understanding the partnership between our efforts and God’s ultimate control.

As we engage with these Proverbs, let’s be mindful of the wisdom they impart and apply these principles to our lives. Remember, as we prepare ourselves for the battles we face, the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord. Have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to our continued reflections on Monday with chapter 22. See you then!