Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you. Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?1
In the NT, we learn of Jesus’ ministry; and he would constantly teach and quote from the OT. Knowing that his time had come to fulfill his mission, he said, “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.2
Then Paul warns us not to go beyond what is written.3 If so, what must we prioritize? What must we be intentional about? What must we include in our daily disciplines? Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.4 The author is not talking about worldly knowledge but Scripture. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction . . .5 Start with the Gospel—for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.6 Read at least a chapter per day, with context in mind.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. . . . Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”7
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.8
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.9 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.10
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.11
Notes:
1. Proverbs 22:17-21 (The 30 sayings are from Proverbs 22:22 to 24:22
2. John 14:25-26 (the complete open and close quote is from John 13:31-35, 14:12-16:33)
3. 1 Corinthians 4:6
4. Proverbs 23:12
5. 1 Corinthians 10:11
6. Romans 1:16
7. John 14:1-7
8. Acts 4:12
9. Hebrews 10:35-36
10. Hebrews 10:23-25
11. John 14:27
