Robin J Johnson

As I woke on this first day of 2025 a number of thoughts were running through my mind. To wake up with one is good, but with several thoughts racing around, it can be a little challenging to grab one to focus on. Nevertheless, I captured one.

Though I had contemplated the great mystery of the God Head, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; considering the passion each one displays for the other, the following is true:

  • The Holy Spirit revealing and unfolding all the wonders of Jesus;
  • Jesus’ devotion and unrelenting desire to reveal the Father and honour Him in everything; and
  • The Father boasting of His Son and handing to Him all glory, power and authority putting all things in subjection to Him.

Yes, pretty intense stuff for the first day of a New Year. And this topic would certainly take a lot more of serious thought. It certainly is an exciting subject to pursue at another time. Watch this space.

Daily Dose of Wisdom

However, as I began my daily ritual (of over 50 years), which is to read a chapter of proverbs each day, I had barely finished the opening two verses of chapter one when I realised, what better way to start the new year than to exhort you to do the same; to read a chapter of Proverbs everyday. 

How it all Began

Eight months after my conversion (1970) in the following February I entered Bible College. Sometime during the first year of college a visiting speaker challenged the students to read a chapter of Proverbs everyday. He explained that the Book of Proverbs contains 31 chapters; one a day for each month of the year to read, to be encouraged by and trained in wisdom.

I cannot tell you how many times I have actually read the whole Book of Proverbs. What I can tell you is, that it is always fresh and even after so many years the words still rise off the pages and speak into my life in various ways just as the writer intended they should. Read it using your favourite translation. But as I do, from time to time read it using another translation, if you can, as it often brings fresh insight.

This year I am hoping to complete the first edition of a daily devotional based on the book of Proverbs. You can register your interest in receiving a copy by clicking here. 

Enormous Benefit 

There are many things I could say about the blessings and benefits of reading a chapter a day. Doing this along with your regular, essential, Bible reading schedule will certainly build you up, teach you godliness and produce great fruit in your life.

Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. 17 Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (TPT)

Now, rather than continuing to speak enthusiastically about the wonders of Proverbs, I thought it best to let the book briefly speak for itself. I have chosen to use The Passion Translation version in this instance. I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by reading Proverbs in this version along with the numerous comments and insights, which the author Brian Simmons provides.

By way of introduction to the book let me quote from Brian Simmons where he says: 

“For example, the Hebrew word for “proverb,” mashal, has two meanings. The first is “parable, byword, metaphor, a pithy saying that expresses wisdom.” But the second meaning is overlooked by many. The homonym mashal can also mean “to rule, to take dominion” or “to reign with power.””

And again Brian says, commenting on 1:2.

“There are six Hebrew words translated “wisdom” in the book of Proverbs. Some of them require an entire phrase in English to convey the meaning. The word used here is chokmah, and it is used in Proverbs forty-two times.”

1 Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life, written as proverbs by Israel’s King Solomon, David’s son.

2 Within these sayings will be found the revelation of wisdom and the impartation of spiritual understanding. Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge.

3 Those who cling to these words will receive discipline to demonstrate wisdom in every relationship and to choose what is right and just and fair.

4 These proverbs will give you great skill to teach the immature and make them wise, to give youth the understanding of their design and destiny.

5 For the wise, these proverbs will make you even wiser, and for those with discernment, you will be able to acquire brilliant strategies for leadership.

6 These kingdom revelations will break open your understanding to unveil the deeper meaning of parables, poetic riddles, and epigrams, and to unravel the words and enigmas of the wise.

7 How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.  Proverbs 1:1-7 (TPT) 

As you have read these verses you may find as I do that the Word speaks for itself.

Finally

I have shared this exhortation in numerous places over many years and received some great testimonies from people who took on the challenge of reading a chapter of Proverbs everyday. Obviously, in the demands of life there are days when one may miss reading. If you do miss a day just start again with the corresponding chapter for the day’s date. EG Second day of the month read chapter 2. Start today and be wonderfully blessed.

This challenge is not meant to be legalistic, but rather an encouragement to begin a discipline with great reward. My hope is that it will become a passion to do, which I am sure it will, once you experience the blessings and inspiration that overflows from the daily reading of Proverbs.

If you wait at wisdom’s doorway, longing to hear a word for every day, joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say. For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me, and this is the secret of growing in the delight and the favor of the Lord.  Proverbs 8:34-35 (TPT)