With the Summer Study over and the Qualifying Test results released, we have reached one of the most exciting parts of the National Bible Bee Competition: preparing to compete in the fall. Right now you are preparing to dive into both Hebrew and Greek original language, cross references for both passages, and geography and context for the passages. Many of you have likely already memorized the Early Release Passages and are well on your way to finishing the Final Release as well.
I understand that preparing for Nationals is a busy season, but for the next few minutes take the time to reflect on the passages you will be studying. Proverbs 3-4 and Matthew 5-7 are filled with wisdom, both for practical everyday matters and for the spiritual walk of believers. And no matter how familiar the passages are, the depth hidden in them makes them worth examining now and over the next few months.
Proverbs
At first glance both of these passages are bursting with practical advice for the Christian’s daily walk. Proverbs 3:2 states that if we follow the writer’s commandments “length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” At first glance this may seem to be a guarantee that believers will live long and prosperous lives if they follow the commands of Scripture. However, obeying the Lord does not mean that life automatically becomes easier. Instead, the commandments in Proverbs, and Matthew, are to be viewed and employed as guidelines for life. They should structure decision making and patterns of daily life. And while they do not guarantee that life will be smooth they assist believers in avoiding trouble that they might otherwise run into.
An example of this is Proverbs 3:27-35, which gives instructions on how to relate to those around us, whether they are neighbors or simply acquaintances. These instructions may seem obvious in some ways but are an important part of a believer’s daily walk. It is good to be generous with others if it is possible for us to give. We should not plan evil against others or attempt to deceive them, especially if they are living peacefully with us. It is best to avoid fighting with those who have not fought with you. And it is not good to desire the path of a wicked man. Again, living with the purpose of doing good to others does not mean that blessings will immediately result. However, the Lord has promised to bless the dwelling of the righteous (Proverbs 3:33), and pleasing the Lord is a reward in itself.
In Proverbs 4, the writer addresses the reader several times as his son. He tells him not to forsake his teaching because the instruction he has is good. In addition, the writer relates that his own father shared the same wisdom with him. It is God’s design for parents to faithfully study God’s Word and then to teach it to their children. In the same way, children are to treat their parents with respect by listening to the wisdom they share. When the Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai He instructed the people of Israel to “Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” It is clear that God takes seriously the relationship between children and parents, and while it is possible for parents to make mistakes their children are still to treat them with the honor that the Lord commands of them.
What may be the most well-known verses in these chapters is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” These verses recenter on the priority of a believer’s walk with the Lord. Our perception of life is flawed and narrow; God knows and understands all things. It is only when we stay close and trust His guidance that we obtain wisdom to navigate this life.
Matthew
The Sermon on the Mount is also overflowing with wisdom. What makes the words equally special is that they are spoken by Jesus Himself. He begins Matthew 5 with a section that we call the Beatitudes, telling His followers who are lowly and persecuted that they will receive blessings from the Lord. He does not promise that their lives will be easy; in fact, Jesus uses the word “when,” not if, when describing the persecution that believers will suffer. But He does promise that the Lord will not forget the struggles of His people.
Much of the remaining portions of Matthew 5-7 contain Jesus’ teaching on commandments found in the Old Testament. He states that what is found in the Law on anger, divorce, sexual immorality, and judgment are just as applicable in the present as the past. While it may seem too difficult to follow so many commands, Jesus was not reiterating them to make our lives more difficult. The rules provide protective barriers for the Christian’s life and help them to follow the Lord more closely. And while that means denying fleshly desires our walks with God are blessed as we draw closer to Him.
One of the most well known portions of this study passage can be found in Matthew 6: the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus instructs His disciples how they should pray to their heavenly Father, including making requests and repenting of their sins. Believers are to have a posture of humility as they present themselves to the Lord, remembering that He is the One who gives them all things. Our Lord desires His people to converse with Him, bringing their needs and struggles before His throne. He does not want to have a one-sided conversation with us; instead, He speaks through His Word and wants us to talk to Him through prayer. Our every prayer is always heard, and we can be confident that God is working in our lives even if we do not yet see the evidence.
Proverbs 3-4 and Matthew 5-7 are filled with much more than has been discussed, and there will certainly be more to discover even after your studies for the National Bible Bee Competition. As you dig into these rich passages over the next few months, remember the main purpose in studying these passages: to know God more and to gain wisdom from Him. May you be blessed in your studies on Thrive this NBBC season!
Written by NBB Alumna: Rachael English
