 The Bible Challenge, Day 206: Proverbs 29-31, Psalm 18:21-50 and
Philippians 3
The Book of Proverbs offers insight into successful and blessed living.
Here we learn that opposites can be true, and that the advice comes with a kind of “sometimes but not always” caveat. That being said, I admit that I find
the book a bit depressing, perfectionist as I am. It keeps me ever mindful
of failings and the common traps that snag us human beings in our daily
dilemmas. The hymn in praise to the capable wife seems especially
daunting. (The Common English Bible translates the adjective as
competent.) Here is Super Woman, a perfect companion, seamstress who makes her own cloth, cook, home accountant and negotiator, merchant, staff director,
and farmer. She runs her own personal soup kitchen and home schools her
children in the ways of wisdom. And she even works out! Sigh. Ordinary challenges are awesome enough without this kind of bar before my eyes.
Not long ago I learned that in a traditional Jewish household, the father of
the family recites this hymn to his wife at Sabbath Supper every week.
That information softened my feelings about this passage. I imagine
receiving praise for my contribution to my husband, family and household week by
week, even though I cannot meet the Proverbial standard. We will do well
to acknowledge the contributions of those who work for the welfare of their
families and community, including the Church. Gratitude encourages us to
strive for the great.
Philippians 3 is a wonderful complement to Proverbs today. Here Paul
talks about the high bar of religious teachings. He notes that he has
fulfilled all the expectations – circumcision on the 8th day, being born to the
best tribe in his religious heritage, having the right parents (literal
descendants of Abraham), a student and teacher of Holy Scripture, zealous for
righteousness in himself and others. However – and this is a big however –
he says that his life in Christ is more important than any of these
perfections. As we strive to be our best and to please God, we remember
that we have been redeemed – we stand forgiven, healed and free. This
gives us strength for today and hope for eternity. Thanks be to
God!
The Rev. Jennie Lou Reid
 Proverbs 26 -28
Psalm 18:1-20
Philippians 2
As we ponder on the words found in the Book of Proverbs, we cannot help but wonder where does such wisdom come from? Are these advices all perfect? Some may dismiss many of them yet we realize that the foundation of this teaching is humility and obedience.
These days more than ever, we face so many situations and so many
alternatives; we have to question the various voices that we hear. Do the
promises found in Psalm 18 always hold, is the righteous always rewarded?
Yes, if we trust God’s everlasting goodness, because whatever happens in our
lives cannot separate us from God’s love, this is all that matters.
“Trials dark on ev’ry hand,
And we cannot understand,
All the ways that
God would lead us
To the blessed Promised Land;
But he guides us with his eye
And we’ll follow till we die.
“For we will understand it better
by and by.”
We are called to be imitators of Christ, but chiefly imitators of his
humility. This humility reminds us that we know very little. “Being
found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death,
even death of a cross” (Philippians 2:8.)
This is our calling; this is true wisdom, this is perfect understanding –
again faith and obedience grounded in humility will bring us the crucial answers
even if we must wait and accept ambiguity and paradoxes.
The Venerable J. Fritz Bazin, D. Min.
Archdeacon for Immigration and
Social Justice Ministries
Diocese of Southeast Florida
 Reflection for Day 204 or July 29
Proverbs 23-25; Psalm 17; Philippians 1
As I read Proverbs 25:21-22, which instructs us to feed our enemies when they are hungry and if they are thirsty to give them something to drink, I was reminded that Jesus quotes these verses in his teaching. Jesus, of course, regularly quotes passages from the Hebrew Scriptures, but as I paused on this passage I had an image of Jesus as a small boy hearing these words read or, perhaps reading them with a teacher of the Torah. I imagined these words sinking into Jesus’ heart with the clarity and force of the Father’s, of Abba’s Spirit. In this moment I felt myself being drawn by the Spirit closer to Jesus and to Proverbs through this text so alive with Abba’s abiding presence. I think most of us find it challenging to love and care for those who terrorize and abuse others--our enemies--especially innocent ones such as a terrorist who casually ignites a bomb or a child abuser who molests small children. To provide our enemies with food and drink does not mean we condone their actions or call what is evil good,; it is, however, to wish that their hearts would turn, that true repentance might through an acceptance of God’s grace happen. Maybe that’s the way to understand the part about hot burning coals being poured on their head that ends this verse.
Today we begin Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In the first chapter, the words “joy” or “rejoice” appear four times. Paul, writing from prison, is brimming with a tender, overflowing joy for this small, growing community of believers. He prays with joy for them. He rejoices that his imprisonment serves as a living witness to the good news of God’s saving love in Jesus to others. He continues to rejoice in the strength and hope he receives from the prayers of the community for him and through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Finally, he commends them to continue in the joy of the faith which they have embraced.
Here’s a gift that we can pray for: that we would experience more fully the renewing flow of joy from the Spirit that connects us to God and others in and through prayer. Paul’s letter also inspires and challenges us to discover and give voice to the joy that is present even in the midst of adversity.
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Rector
St. Gregory’s Church, Boca Raton
 Psalm 16, Ephesians 6
Life seems to be a constant battle ground against evil. I see this constantly happening in southern Madagascar; evil forces of greed corrupt the police who demand payment by local transporters, politicians don’t think twice about lying to the public, local business owners pay bribes to custom officials to receive imported goods at reduced cost, cattle rustlers don’t think twice about taking someone’s life. Then we have the oppression of the few, controlling masses of those living in poverty. My heart breaks for the Malagasy.
Evil forces surround the Christian and are constantly knocking at one’s door. The devils’ schemes are ever so present, just looking for a slip-up so the enemy can take advantage of the situation.
However, we are reminded from Ephesians 6, that in the midst of all of this, we are to put on the full armor of God and stand firm (v11, v13, v14).
1) It implies that we have something good going for us NOW.
2) It implies that we have something more powerful to combat evil.
3) It implies that we have a plan from God to follow.
So what is our plan to stand firm and combat evil?
1) The belt of truth
2) The breastplate of righteousness
3) The feet fitted with readiness of gospel of peace
4) The shield of faith
5) The helmet of salvation
6) The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
A number of things are missing in today’s society: a sense of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the knowledge of the Word of God. As Children of the King, let us put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, gaining knowledge and strength through reading through the Bible in a year, and fight this battle with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
 Proverbs 16-19, Psalm 15, Ephesians 5
I love the book of Proverbs. Where else in the Bible can you find this kind of nuts-and-bolts wisdom about keeping one’s mouth shut:
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.” ( Proverbs 17:28)
Or this jewel on relationships:
“He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)
Speaking as a wife, I find that last verse remarkably insightful.
Besides three jam-packed chapters in Proverbs, today we also read chapter five of Ephesians. Since we’ve been talking about wives, it makes sense to note that much has been made of the apostle Paul’s injunction for wives to be subject to their husbands as the church is subject to Christ, its head. Personally, I find the image of Christ loving us, his church, as a husband loves his wife to be tender, intimate and moving. But in the shuffle that frequently arises about men’s and women’s roles we can lose Paul’s message that we are all called to live in love toward one another, imitating Jesus in self-sacrifice (verse two). The Christian life (and marriage, for that matter) is not about putting self first, or even keeping a safe, frosty distance. It is about serving one another in love.
Yet
the phrase that intrigues me most in chapter five is verse ten: “Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” It puts a spin on all the practical wisdom in Proverbs. Do this or that, Proverbs suggests, and it will go well with you. But when we are transformed by the love of Jesus, we become a little less concerned about wisdom for its own sake. We are caught up in a relationship with the beloved, the one whom we want to please. May we all learn more every day about what truly pleases God, and be empowered by the Spirit to do it.
 Proverbs 13-15, Psalm 14, Ephesians 4
He who guides his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion,
that it may impart grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
I feel that another bit of wisdom of a parental source is deserving of expression here also. Some of us from childhood may have actually heard or even experienced this wisdom at the hand of a mother as I had:
Dirt is washed away with a good amount of soap
Likewise for lies and potty words there is no hope!
Harmful words from your lips did give rise
so now open wide for this cleansing surprise!
So often our words fly from our lips indiscriminately. Sometimes we forget to use filters and blame it on the fact that our brains are not engaged when we speak. Words, especially those intended for gossip and slander can be so destructive and harmful, even killing another’s spirit or self image. Why is it that we need to use such words? Is it all about our insecurities? Is it about grasping power to feel important as we crush others down with our words? Is it because we do not feel loved and affirmed? Is it because we cannot love others because we cannot love ourselves? As one who ministers to young people in an educational system, such behavior is often witnessed. But then I realize that such behavior is not inherent to the children, but rather a reflection of what they witness and imitate from their home environment. We as adults are not as conscious and intentional as we need and ought to be in being good examples for our children, each other, and the world.
In Ephesians, Paul says:
You did not so learn Christ! – assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20-24)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
No longer are we children! But we have grown up in all aspects of Christ as Paul so strongly reminds us (Ephesians 4:14-15). We must consider this awesome call and new life that we have because of our life in Christ. The test is not that we aspire for perfection, or to win in life at the expense of others, but rather the real test is allowing God to work in and through our humanity, to love as God loves us, and that we may share his love in all that we say and do.
The Very Rev. Dr. William L. Stomski,
Chaplain and Sacred Studies Educator, Saint Joseph’s Episcopal School, Boynton Beach
Dean of the Diocesan School for Christian Studies
 The Bible Challenge
Proverbs 10-12 Psalm 13 Ephesians 3
Prologue: Today’s reflection is being offered in the form of an open prayer to God. I hope this method is helpful as you discern God’s request for your total surrender to Him.
Dear God, I want Solomon’s wisdom! A part of me wants it because it inspires within me a great Truth for living a life wholly dedicated to You. However, Lord, a larger part of me desires Your wisdom because I am self-absorbed. It feeds my carnal desires for personal power, control, and strivings for success in spite of knowing these priorities cause conflicts within my self and with others.
Oh, if my heart could be like Solomon’s-humbled and surrendered to Your will and purpose for Your people. I am conflicted, Lord, for I am locked in spiritual warfare between the desire for Your wisdom and my self-interests. God, to whom shall I turn for help?
Yes, Lord, it is to Jesus and to Him alone!
Jesus, you know my needs and necessities even before I ask help me to ask only what accords with Your will. Please grant to your servant Wisdom. Let your Holy Spirit of Grace transform my heart that I may be totally dedicated to you.
To Paul, who once chose to conquer and divide for personal reward, You revealed your Grace to love, heal and build up your Church. You gave to him a transformation of heart. You empowered him with the will to selflessly serve only Your will and purposes despite the hostility and opposition of his own people. In the face of personal loss to self he boldly brought into your fold those who were previously labeled outcast.
Jesus, heal my heart from selfish pursuit that I too may perfectly desire Your Heart-Your Wisdom. Please let Your purpose become my purpose as I serve You. No longer let self-interests, desires for success, prejudices of race, gender or sexuality and other fears of my heart separate Your purpose for living. Give to me a humble and contrite heart that I may become a holy vessel like Solomon, Paul, and yes You, my Savior. Give to me the Grace to daily surrender all to You.
My daily mantra to you, Jesus: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.” Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
The Reverend Bernard J. Pecaro
St. Martin, Pompano Beach
 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CLOUDS
Proverbs 7-9, Psalm 20, Ephesians 2
As I walk the beach at dawn before I begin my pastoral duties on the small tropical island of Mauritius, part of the Episcopal Province of the Indian Ocean, I look to the east and see a cloud bank which hovers over the Black River Gorge. I know it is raining in another part of the island, and yet I watch the sunrise without any cloud cover and enjoy the warm ocean breeze. I am thankful I live on the other side of the clouds.
Today’s readings remind me that we can live victorious, joy-filled Christian lives on the other side of the clouds. God himself is our peace, in spite of the storm. We are reminded in Eph. 2 that we are made alive in Christ and are dead in our transgressions and sins. Now, as Christians made alive in Christ, we are raised up with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, because it is by grace that we have been saved. It is the gift of God, not by works, but because of the Christ living in us. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Praise be to the living God. We live on the other side of the clouds.
Peace is a by-product of humility. Humility is a by-product of living a wisdom-filled, life in Christ. Proverbs reminds us of the importance of living a life of wisdom. Wisdom and peace call us to value one another, to respect and care for one another. Wisdom and peace call us to laugh in spite of ourselves; urge us to be gentle with ourselves, gentle with others and gentle with the earth. Wisdom and peace remind us to keep a quiet heart, seeking God in the present moment. Wisdom and peace come from living a grace-filled life with Christ, on the other side of the clouds.
 Proverbs 4-6, Psalm 11, Ephesians 1
We continue in Proverbs a series of instructions and admonitions, posed as a father teaching his child. Again, wisdom is heralded as the queen of virtues, with examples that at times are graphic and specific, and at times universal and comprehensive. All the advice given is summed up in seven things that are abominations to the Lord: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family. A very clear message indeed…and applicable for all time!
Throughout the chapters of Proverbs, it is clear that the pursuit of wisdom is more important rather than the attainment of knowledge or truth, fact or certainty. It is the joy of the journey rather than the reaching of a destination that is vital and life giving. For the person of faith, the engagement, the inquiry, the ambiguity, is that which is enriching…savoring the questions along the way without the need to have certainty and absolutism…for that belongs to God alone. In the first chapter of his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, “with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…” Certainly, that is part of our call as adult believers: to have the eyes of our hearts enlightened…to not accept things on a surface level, to dig deep, to search and ask. That is why, in church parlance, we have moved from talking about “Christian Education” to “Christian Formation.” Growing in the faith is about growing…it is not about simply conveying facts and information. It is about embarking on the journey to seek…to seek wisdom and to seek that we might be enlightened in heart and mind to journey toward the Divine, knowing that there is no delight greater than the road that leads us there.
TVR Doug McCaleb
Dean, Trinity Cathedral
 Today we begin Proverbs. Proverbs is kind of like the sayings portion of Benjamin Franklin’s "Poor Richard’s Almanac". The sayings in Poor Richard Almanac give advice like “‘Tis easier to prevent bad habits than to break them" and “If your riches are yours, why don’t you take them with you to the other world?”
Proverbs gives similar advice. Proverbs gives practical advice for practical living with advice like “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs is about doing and acting the right way. The key piece of advice from Proverbs comes in the first chapter. “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear can compel us to action and motivate us. I believe that peace is the the culmination of wisdom that comes from working through fear. New fears will always arise, but the trick is to know God so well that we are both motivated and peaceful.
Contrastingly, the sixth chapter of Galatians concludes with a letter whose main point is that faith and belief are more important than action, and specifically more important than the action of circumcision. Paul is clear to say that works are important, but works are not the source of our salvation. Salvation comes from God alone. Salvation does not come through circumcision. Taken together, Proverbs 1-3 and Galatians 6 give us a good balance between practical advice for practical action, and the importance of believing, not just doing.
Keep Reading. Spencer
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