Proverbs 7: This chapter continues the theme from the previous chapter which was to avoid dangerous and cunning women. The father encourages the son to rely on wisdom and understanding in order to avoid people like this. The father then tells what happened to a man who didnāt do this and was seduced by a married woman. Apparently the man died.
3/3 Reading (Proverbs 1-3; Psalm 89)
To anyone reading this, if you donāt have a study bible, get one! I recommend either the CEB study bible or the NRSV study bible. Both are very interesting.
Introduction to Proverbs: The CEB study bible has a nice introduction to Proverbs. I especially like part of it. Instead of rewriting the whole part, Iām just going to include a screenshot below (p. 1006 OT):
3/2 Reading (Job 40-42; Psalms 86-88)
Job 40: God asks Job to respond and he does in the beginning of this chapter. But with a very short response. Job pretty much tells God that heās already said what he needed to say and he wonāt say it again. God gives his second speech.
3/1 Reading (Job 37-39; Matthew 1)
Job 37: The theme from the end of the last chapter continues here. Elihu continues to describe Godās power and control over natural events. Most of the events are focused on weather related disasters. His point here is that he wants to emphasize that God is a powerful being who controls everything. Elihu ends his speech telling Job that God is pretty much too busy to listen to him specifically.
2/27 Reading (Job 31-33; 2 Timothy 3)
Job 31: This chapter marks the end of Jobās tenth speech. In this chapter he asks God to directly face him. Job actually declares an oath, declaring his innocence against seven possible charges: ādeceit (vv. 5ā8), adultery (vv. 9ā12), disregard of servants (vv. 13ā15), disregard of the poor (vv. 16ā23), trust in wealth (vv. 24ā28), rejoicing at the misfortune of others (vv. 29ā34), and assault on the land (vv. 38ā40b)ā (NRSV Study Bible notes, p. 757). In essence, Job is presenting his case again. He is so confident he is right that he says he is willing to accept punishment if he is lying.
2/26 Reading (Job 28-30; 2 Timothy 2)
I had a great chat last week with Father Kevin. Itās been a while since we talked, but it felt good to share how this is all going. I mentioned the idea of writing a book someday and how Iāve noticed that at the foundation of all of this is asking questions. Itās important for us to ask questions while reading the Bible as well as questions associated with religion. And guess what…itās also important for us to ask questions in science too. This is not to argue that science and religion are the same, but perhaps if people started to view religion with this mindset then maybe not everyone would leave. Just throwing ideas out there now.
2/17 Reading (Job 25-27; Psalms 82-85)
I’ve been so swamped at work these past few weeks that I got behind, again. So I adjusted the schedule, again. But, it’s my schedule, so it’s all good.
Job 25: We see Bildadās very short third response here. He seems to be arguing that God is simply too important and great to be questioned by Job. Bildad does directly ask Job āHow can a person be innocent before Godā (25:4), seeming to challenge Jobās earlier arguments that he has done nothing wrong. Still sticking to their arguments.
2/1 Reading (Job 19-21; Titus 3)
Job 19: Job responds to Bildad. He asks them why do they continue to treat him this way and talk to him in such a negative way. He wants to know if it will end soon. Job then shifts his tone to state again that God is purposefully targeting him and doing bad things to him. First Jobās examples focus more on violence. He then talks about how Godās actions toward him have ostracized him from the community. He then directly challenges his friends again, wanting to know why they are so nasty to him like God is. He desires to finally come face to face with God hoping that God will acknowledge that he has done nothing wrong.
1/29 Reading (Job 10-12; 1 Timothy 6)
Job 10: More direct challenging and questions toward God. He specifically questions God, asking why he is being punished. He asks God why sinners are ok, but he isnāt. Job seems to remind God that he is fully aware of his current predicament and that God knows Job isnāt guilty. He continues to want to know why God wonāt put an end to his suffering. More challenging by Job using different metaphors. No matter what, Job directly questions God and why this is happening. Job actually asks God why he ever let him live in the first place considering what he is currently experiencing.
1/25 Reading (Job 1-3; 1 Timothy 4)
Job 1: Iāve never read Job. In fact, whenever I hear anyone say Job I think of the movie Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise. Job 3:14 played a big role in that film. I know, a silly story, but thatās what happens.