The Proverbs Challenge

(NOTE: "The Proverbs Challenge" was originally intended to begin on Monday, December 1st. However, due to inclement weather we did not meet and the bulletin article issuing this challenge was not published and distributed. So, the challenge was adapted slightly to begin on December 7th. Anyone wishing to participate in "The Proverbs Challenge" may simply begin on the day they read this blog. Previous chapters may be read as desired to complete the entire book by the end of the month.)

A few years ago I issued to our congregation ‘The Proverbs Challenge.’ I would like to do so once again and will explain in this article.

Even a casual reading of scripture tells us that there are different kinds of writings in the Bible. There are poetic sections and narrative sections. The poetry of Psalms is different than the Proverbs and the prophets. Likewise, the narrative of Genesis or Joshua is different than the gospel narratives. Because of the different kinds of writings in Scripture, we read and process them differently.

Today I wish to challenge you to read the book of Proverbs in December.

The Challenge
Read the entire book of Proverbs over the next month as follows. Each day read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month. (Since we missed last Sunday due to weather, you may begin in chapter 7 today. Of course, you can read the first six chapters to catch up if you wish.) Tomorrow, Monday the 8th, read chapter 8. On Tuesday the 9th, read chapter 9. You’ll finish Proverbs on New Year’s Eve.

Why Proverbs?

• Proverbs is easy to read and generally easy to understand.
• You will recognize wisdom you already know, and some that you don’t.
• Proverbs is about life in the present. So, it is practical.
• Proverbs presents the ideal when wisdom is applied to life.
• The wisdom of Proverbs is timeless and applicable to young and old.
• It’s not about reading the Bible for the sake of reading. It is about gaining wisdom without having to go learn from the ‘school of hard knocks.’

Things to Know about the Book of Proverbs

Proverbs is primarily a writing from a father to his son. The father pleads with his son to listen to wisdom and follow the instruction of his father and mother. In doing so he is assured a good life.

The first nine chapters in Proverbs have an overall theme. They flow together with connected thoughts. Then, in chapter ten, the writing changes with “The proverbs of Solomon,” the more familiar portion of the book comprised of individual sayings of only one or two verses in length.

While individual proverbs seem to stand alone, recurring themes appear throughout the book, such as: poverty, foolishness, righteousness, honesty, wealth, wisdom, laziness, generosity, good/bad speech, etc.

It is common for the second line of a proverb to extend or emphasize the thought in the first line. For example:

The generous man will be prosperous, and

He who waters will himself be watered. (11:25)

Often, a strong contrast is used in the second line. For example:

The merciful man does himself good,

But the cruel man does himself harm. (11:17)

Truth is sometimes taught by strong language or a stark illustration:

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,

So is the lazy one to those who send him. (10:26)

As you read The Proverbs enjoy the memorable ways that truth is presented. Then each day, pick out one verse or thought to remember and ponder throughout the day. I plan to draw from the Proverbs in some of my future articles and would be happy to hear from you about your ponderings.

Mark Stinnett

December 7, 2025