Podcasts about lord stand

Preached on Sunday the 24th of May, 2026.Jeremiah 6:14-1614 They have healed the wound of my people lightly,    saying, ‘Peace, peace,'    when there is no peace.15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?    No, they were not at all ashamed;    they did not know how to blush.Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;    at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,”says the Lord.16 Thus says the Lord:“Stand by the roads, and look,    and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it,    and find rest for your souls.But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay

Message Take Aways:1. Paul urged Timothy to remain steadfast in his fidelity to the Word of God knowing that many would be tempted to turn away from sound doctrine—“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.'” Jeremiah 6:162. Paul exemplified faithfulness in his ministry by finishing well as he depended on the Lord's faithfulness to sustain him—“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:103. Paul's farewell salutations mark his final words in scripture and demonstrate a sincere love for his fellow believers—“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Life Lessons from Jeremiah Pt. 3: Faith of the Heart By Louie Marsh, 5-17-2026     1) The truth HURTS.   "4Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. 5Thus says the Lord: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? 6They did not say, 'Where is the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that none passes through, where no man dwells?'" (Jeremiah 2:4–6, ESV)   2) God Calls EVERYONE to Repentance: "12Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, " 'Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever. 13Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the Lord. 14Return, O faithless children, declares the Lord; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. 15" 'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:12–15, ESV)   · Repent of Empty Forms of GODLINESS.   3Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.' 5"For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another," (Jeremiah 7:3–5, ESV)   "8"Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations?" (Jeremiah 7:8–10, ESV)   "5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." (2 Timothy 3:5, ESV)   3) We must teach the whole, ESPECIALLY the unpopular parts!   "2"Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word." (Jeremiah 26:2, ESV)   "18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:18–25, ESV) 4) I must understand the power of CHOICE.   "23But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' 24But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. 25From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day. 26Yet they did not listen to me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. 27"So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28And you shall say to them, 'This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips." (Jeremiah 7:23–28, ESV)   We must do this just in case some might hear and repent. People will react very negatively to this – don't let that surprise you.   5) I must keep my heart SOFT. "18My joy is gone; grief is upon me; my heart is sick within me. 19Behold, the cry of the daughter of my people from the length and breadth of the land: "Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?" "Why have they provoked me to anger with their carved images and with their foreign idols?" 20"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." 21For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. 22Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" (Jeremiah 8:18–22, ESV) "41And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation."" (Luke 19:41–44, ESV) 6) The Bible says faith must come from our HEART.  "23Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." 25"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh— 26Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart."" (Jeremiah 9:23–26, ESV)   · No matter how PAINFUL that is.   Woe is me because of my hurt! My wound is grievous. But I said, "Truly this is an affliction, and I must bear it." My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken; my children have gone from me, and they are not; there is no one to spread my tent again and to set up my curtains. For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the LORD; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. A voice, a rumor! Behold, it comes!— a great commotion out of the north country to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a lair of jackals. I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:19-24 (ESV) But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut. 4:29   Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23  

Message from Amber Newman on January 18, 2026

Past, Present & Future Louie Marsh, 12-28-2025 Verse: 17  O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 18  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Psalm 71:17-18 (ESV)   THE PAST – A Great Place to Visit but don't LIVE THERE!   16  Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)   History is a great teacher, ·  LEARN from others mistakes · REFERENCE it to stay on course.   But A BAD Master!   62  Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 (ESV)   26  But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26 (ESV)   THE PRESENT – The Place Where…   · I can LIVE OUT my faith.   34  "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 (ESV   Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!  1 Cor. 9:19-23 (Mes)   ·  My FUTURE is born.   13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)   Example – Hezekiah.   · He started WELL!   2  He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. 3  And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. 4  He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5  He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 2 Kings 18:2-5 (ESV)   1  In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover." 2  Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3  and said, "Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Isaiah 38:1-3 (ESV)   · But he finished WEAK.   The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord…."The word of the Lord you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "There will be peace and security in my lifetime."   Isaiah 39:6,8   THE FUTURE – WHERE WE FINISH   17  "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Acts 2:17 (ESV)   How Can I Finish Strong?   1.  Keep my Eyes on GOD's WORD 2. Have a Healthy RELATIONSHIP  with the past. 3. Make Christ the unchallenged CENTER of my life! 4. Commit to die FACING the future.  

End your day entrusting your times to the Lord's plans. No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Lucy. Meet the team at https://bit.ly/3WDJ3eU.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Jeremiah 6:10–17 (Listen) 10   To whom shall I speak and give warning,    that they may hear?  Behold, their ears are uncircumcised,    they cannot listen;  behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn;    they take no pleasure in it.11   Therefore I am full of the wrath of the LORD;    I am weary of holding it in.  “Pour it out upon the children in the street,    and upon the gatherings of young men, also;  both husband and wife shall be taken,    the elderly and the very aged.12   Their houses shall be turned over to others,    their fields and wives together,  for I will stretch out my hand    against the inhabitants of the land,”      declares the LORD.13   “For from the least to the greatest of them,    everyone is greedy for unjust gain;  and from prophet to priest,    everyone deals falsely.14   They have healed the wound of my people lightly,    saying, ‘Peace, peace,'    when there is no peace.15   Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?    No, they were not at all ashamed;    they did not know how to blush.  Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;    at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,”      says the LORD. 16   Thus says the LORD:  “Stand by the roads, and look,    and ask for the ancient paths,  where the good way is; and walk in it,    and find rest for your souls.  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'17   I set watchmen over you, saying,    ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!'  But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.' (ESV)

Message from Aron Kirk on September 21, 2025

This week Pastor Andrew reminds us that even in the crazy times we can find rest in the Lord Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'

Message from Tim Schieck on December 29, 2024

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

What path are you walking on today? Jeremiah 6:16: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.' But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'” Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Pastor Darren continues our series, The Day Of The Lord, out of 2nd Thessalonians and has such an encouraging message for us to stand firm as the Day Of The Lord approaches. Thank you for listening to our podcast! We hope you have been encouraged today.Check us out on social media, or to learn more, you can visit our website at www.freedomcanyon.com.

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

End your day entrusting your times to the Lord's plans. No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Lucy. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the Show.Thank you to everyone who asked for easy ways to share the Evening Meditations! We're working on including this in the Our Daily Bread app. In the meantime, you can share episodes with the press of a button on any podcast-streaming platform.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 3rd of June, 2024, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Jeremiah 6:16: “Thus says the Lord:“Stand in the ways and see,And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,And walk in it;Then you will find rest for your souls.”Then we go to the Book of Matthew 11:29, Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The old paths. Why do we always want to reinvent the wheel? Let us not become so arrogant and let us start to listen to the Lord Jesus Christ. He has walked this old path before, He knows the way home. He knows about the pitfalls and the dangers. You know the mighty Comrades Marathon that takes place in South Africa every year? It is two standard marathons, back to back. It is a killer, let me tell you. I tried it once and I didn't finish. Why? Because I didn't listen and I did not take advice, and I did not keep to the old ways. You and I are running the marathon of our lives at the moment. We need a good bus driver. You might ask what is a bus driver. Well, I will tell you what he or she is. In the Comrades Marathon, you get an experienced runner who has run many, many marathons. They put a little reed on the back of their belt of their running gear and it has a little flag on it, and you get onto that bus and you run with that bus driver, and that bus driver will guarantee that he will take you home in the given time if you listen to him. He will tell you where to stop, he will tell you where to drink, when to eat, he will tell you when to walk and he will tell you when to run. He will tell you to swing your arms and sing songs when you are taking strain, and he will guarantee that he will take you home - if you listen to him.Now, Jesus Christ is the absolute, all-time champion. He is offering you and I, today, the best way home. Let's follow His instructions and enjoy the journey. Jesus bless you and goodbye.

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The Book of Proverbs falls under the designation of Wisdom Literature (the biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes are other examples), as does philosophy. Given that this book is authored by Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 971 to 931 BC, we would be hard pressed to make the case that it was the Greeks who invented philosophy, as I was always told. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two that suggest that the Hebrew language and culture might have been instrumental in much of what we think of as uniquely Greek. In any case, we give our listeners the famous Book of Proverbs. We have divided it into three sections, with an introduction. The first section (Chapters 1-9) contains two different types of poetry - 1) speeches from a father to his son(s), and 2) the words of Lady Wisdom. It begins with an introduction (1:1-9). The second section consists of a collection of proverbs. It is easy to get lost here if you try to rush through. These proverbs are not meant to be read in large groups, but rather pondered in relative isolation from one another. In philosophy, we call these "aphorisms," short sayings meant to provoke thought. It is a style of philosophy that has many examples in both Eastern and Western literature. In the modern era Friedrich Nietzsche was its most famous practitioner. Try choosing one or two of these sayings and pondering them throughout a full day. It would be better to study Proverbs over the course of a year than a couple days, weeks, or even months. The video introduction contains a great deal of helpful information. The third section (chapters 30 and 31) present a sort of precis of wisdom at the level of the individual life. Chapter 30 gives us the words of Agur, a man who suggests to me the wisdom of Socrates, who claimed that the one certainty of knowledge in his life was his own ignorance and limitation, suggesting that above all we must avoid the sin/blindness of intellectual arrogance.   Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. (30:2–3 (ESV))   As Socrates tells us, it is only by acknowledging our ignorance that we can BEGIN to know. In that sense, Agur is the ideal example of the phrase with which Proverbs begins: "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Chapter 31 makes the case that another fundamental source of wisdom for living in God's world is the advice of those who know better - in this case, King Lemuel's mother, who gives him advice on how to be a good King and on marrying a good woman. The prophet Jeremiah, likewise, points to the wisdom of tradition:   Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." (ESV)   We strongly suggest that you watch, listen, and understand the following video introduction to the Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzmYV8GNAIM Refer back to it often as you listen to our reading. Remember that we are reading from the American Standard Translation, which has its limitations. So ... study what is said for yourself. Read the same text in other translations. Consult Hebrew language lexicons and investigate the meaning of words and phrases. Study cultural contexts. Much of what is difficult will come clear, as you allow God's word to expand your thinking and understanding. Indeed ... for the listeners to The Christian Atheist podcast, the words of Solomon should ring out with a familiar and welcome message: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," and "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Psalm 33:10-15 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. What does this say about God? About people? What is your response? A full transcript can be found at amyburgin.com.

download the notes here:https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3.30.2024-Service-Notes-Cong-TM-2.pdf___________________________________________________Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and Iwill give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle andlowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and myburden is light.Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD: Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for theold paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest foryour souls. But they said: We will not walk therein.Leviticus 22:17,18 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron,and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them,Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offerhis oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offerunto the LORD for a burnt offering.

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________LentLet my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.Psalm 141:2 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. O Gracious Light Phos hilaronO gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,and to be glorified through all the worlds. Psalm 72Deus, judicium1Give the King your justice, O God, *and your righteousness to the King's Son;2That he may rule your people righteously *and the poor with justice;3That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *and the little hills bring righteousness.4He shall defend the needy among the people; *he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.5He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *from one generation to another.6He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *like showers that water the earth.7In his time shall the righteous flourish; *there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.8He shall rule from sea to sea, *and from the River to the ends of the earth.9His foes shall bow down before him, *and his enemies lick the dust.10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.11All kings shall bow down before him, *and all the nations do him service.12For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *and the oppressed who has no helper.13He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *he shall preserve the lives of the needy.14He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *and dear shall their blood be in his sight.15Long may he live!and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; *may prayer be made for him always,and may they bless him all the day long.16May there be abundance of grain on the earth,growing thick even on the hilltops; *may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,and its grain like grass upon the earth.17May his Name remain for everand be established as long as the sun endures; *may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.18Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *who alone does wondrous deeds!19And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *and may all the earth be filled with his glory.Amen. Amen. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsJeremiah 6:9-21English Standard Version9 Thus says the Lord of hosts:“They shall glean thoroughly as a vine    the remnant of Israel;like a grape gatherer pass your hand again    over its branches.”10 To whom shall I speak and give warning,    that they may hear?Behold, their ears are uncircumcised,    they cannot listen;behold, the word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn;    they take no pleasure in it.11 Therefore I am full of the wrath of the Lord;    I am weary of holding it in.“Pour it out upon the children in the street,    and upon the gatherings of young men, also;both husband and wife shall be taken,    the elderly and the very aged.12 Their houses shall be turned over to others,    their fields and wives together,for I will stretch out my hand    against the inhabitants of the land,”declares the Lord.13 “For from the least to the greatest of them,    everyone is greedy for unjust gain;and from prophet to priest,    everyone deals falsely.14 They have healed the wound of my people lightly,    saying, ‘Peace, peace,'    when there is no peace.15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?    No, they were not at all ashamed;    they did not know how to blush.Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;    at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,”says the Lord.16 Thus says the Lord:“Stand by the roads, and look,    and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it,    and find rest for your souls.But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'17 I set watchmen over you, saying,    ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!'But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.'18 Therefore hear, O nations,    and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.19 Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people,    the fruit of their devices,because they have not paid attention to my words;    and as for my law, they have rejected it.20 What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba,    or sweet cane from a distant land?Your burnt offerings are not acceptable,    nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.21 Therefore thus says the Lord:‘Behold, I will lay before this people    stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble;fathers and sons together,    neighbor and friend shall perish.'”Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Mary - MagnificatMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. John 11:45-57English Standard Version45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Simeon - Nunc dimittisLord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord.That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord.That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Second Sunday in Lent (BCP 1979)O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.A Collect for PeaceMost holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.A Collect for Aid against PerilsBe our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.For MissionKeep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionMay the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Romans 15:13

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________The Third Week of AdventThe glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.Isaiah 40:5 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. O Gracious Light Phos hilaronO gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,and to be glorified through all the worlds. Psalm 51 Miserere mei, Deus1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *in your great compassion blot out my offenses.2Wash me through and through from my wickedness *and cleanse me from my sin.3For I know my transgressions, *and my sin is ever before me.4Against you only have I sinned *and done what is evil in your sight.5And so you are justified when you speak *and upright in your judgment.6Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *a sinner from my mother's womb.7For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *and will make me understand wisdom secretly.8Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.9Make me hear of joy and gladness, *that the body you have broken may rejoice.10Hide your face from my sins *and blot out all my iniquities.11Create in me a clean heart, O God, *and renew a right spirit within me.12Cast me not away from your presence *and take not your holy Spirit from me.13Give me the joy of your saving help again *and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.14I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *and sinners shall return to you.15Deliver me from death, O God, *and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,O God of my salvation.16Open my lips, O Lord, *and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.17Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.18The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.19Be favorable and gracious to Zion, *and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.20Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,with burnt-offerings and oblations; *then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsJeremiah 26:1-7 English Standard Version26 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. 3 It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds. 4 You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, 5 and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.'”7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord.Jeremiah 26:10-15 English Standard Version10 When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house to the house of the Lord and took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the Lord. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Mary - MagnificatMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:14-4:8 English Standard Version14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Simeon - Nunc dimittisLord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord.That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord.That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. The Third Week of AdventO Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.A Collect for PeaceMost holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.A Collect for Aid against PerilsBe our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.For MissionKeep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionMay the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Romans 15:13

Old Testament: Jeremiah 25–26 Jeremiah 25–26 (Listen) Seventy Years of Captivity 25 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), 2 which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to all the people of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: 3 “For twenty-three years, from the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, to this day, the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened. 4 You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the LORD persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets, 5 saying, ‘Turn now, every one of you, from his evil way and evil deeds, and dwell upon the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers from of old and forever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve and worship them, or provoke me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.' 7 Yet you have not listened to me, declares the LORD, that you might provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm. 8 “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, 9 behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the LORD, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation. 10 Moreover, I will banish from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the grinding of the millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 Then after seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity, declares the LORD, making the land an everlasting waste. 13 I will bring upon that land all the words that I have uttered against it, everything written in this book, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations. 14 For many nations and great kings shall make slaves even of them, and I will recompense them according to their deeds and the work of their hands.” The Cup of the Lord's Wrath 15 Thus the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them.” 17 So I took the cup from the LORD's hand, and made all the nations to whom the LORD sent me drink it: 18 Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and officials, to make them a desolation and a waste, a hissing and a curse, as at this day; 19 Pharaoh king of Egypt, his servants, his officials, all his people, 20 and all the mixed tribes among them; all the kings of the land of Uz and all the kings of the land of the Philistines (Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod); 21 Edom, Moab, and the sons of Ammon; 22 all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea; 23 Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; 24 all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert; 25 all the kings of Zimri, all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of Media; 26 all the kings of the north, far and near, one after another, and all the kingdoms of the world that are on the face of the earth. And after them the king of Babylon1 shall drink. 27 “Then you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Drink, be drunk and vomit, fall and rise no more, because of the sword that I am sending among you.' 28 “And if they refuse to accept the cup from your hand to drink, then you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: You must drink! 29 For behold, I begin to work disaster at the city that is called by my name, and shall you go unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of hosts.' 30 “You, therefore, shall prophesy against them all these words, and say to them:   “‘The LORD will roar from on high,    and from his holy habitation utter his voice;  he will roar mightily against his fold,    and shout, like those who tread grapes,    against all the inhabitants of the earth.31   The clamor will resound to the ends of the earth,    for the LORD has an indictment against the nations;  he is entering into judgment with all flesh,    and the wicked he will put to the sword,      declares the LORD.' 32   “Thus says the LORD of hosts:  Behold, disaster is going forth    from nation to nation,  and a great tempest is stirring    from the farthest parts of the earth! 33 “And those pierced by the LORD on that day shall extend from one end of the earth to the other. They shall not be lamented, or gathered, or buried; they shall be dung on the surface of the ground. 34   “Wail, you shepherds, and cry out,    and roll in ashes, you lords of the flock,  for the days of your slaughter and dispersion have come,    and you shall fall like a choice vessel.35   No refuge will remain for the shepherds,    nor escape for the lords of the flock.36   A voice—the cry of the shepherds,    and the wail of the lords of the flock!  For the LORD is laying waste their pasture,37     and the peaceful folds are devastated    because of the fierce anger of the LORD.38   Like a lion he has left his lair,    for their land has become a waste  because of the sword of the oppressor,    and because of his fierce anger.” Jeremiah Threatened with Death 26 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD: 2 “Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. 3 It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds. 4 You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, 5 and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.'” 7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD. 8 And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, “You shall die! 9 Why have you prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant'?” And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. 10 When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house to the house of the LORD and took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the LORD. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.” 12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, and the LORD will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the LORD sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.” Jeremiah Spared from Death 16 Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve the sentence of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.” 17 And certain of the elders of the land arose and spoke to all the assembled people, saying, 18 “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and said to all the people of Judah: ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts,   “‘Zion shall be plowed as a field;    Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins,    and the mountain of the house a wooded height.' 19 Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him to death? Did he not fear the LORD and entreat the favor of the LORD, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster that he had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great disaster upon ourselves.” 20 There was another man who prophesied in the name of the LORD, Uriah the son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land in words like those of Jeremiah. 21 And when King Jehoiakim, with all his warriors and all the officials, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah heard of it, he was afraid and fled and escaped to Egypt. 22 Then King Jehoiakim sent to Egypt certain men, Elnathan the son of Achbor and others with him, 23 and they took Uriah from Egypt and brought him to King Jehoiakim, who struck him down with the sword and dumped his dead body into the burial place of the common people. 24 But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah so that he was not given over to the people to be put to death. Footnotes [1] 25:26 Hebrew Sheshach, a code name for Babylon (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 111 Psalm 111 (Listen) Great Are the Lord's Works 111   1 Praise the LORD!  I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.2   Great are the works of the LORD,    studied by all who delight in them.3   Full of splendor and majesty is his work,    and his righteousness endures forever.4   He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;    the LORD is gracious and merciful.5   He provides food for those who fear him;    he remembers his covenant forever.6   He has shown his people the power of his works,    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.7   The works of his hands are faithful and just;    all his precepts are trustworthy;8   they are established forever and ever,    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.9   He sent redemption to his people;    he has commanded his covenant forever.    Holy and awesome is his name!10   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;    all those who practice it have a good understanding.    His praise endures forever! Footnotes [1] 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (ESV) New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1 1 Corinthians 1 (Listen) Greeting 1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Divisions in the Church 10 I appeal to you, brothers,1 by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. Christ the Wisdom and Power of God 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,   “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach2 to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,3 not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being4 might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him5 you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Footnotes [1] 1:10 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 11, 26 [2] 1:21 Or the folly of preaching [3] 1:26 Greek according to the flesh [4] 1:29 Greek no flesh [5] 1:30 Greek And from him (ESV)