Scripture of the Week – 12th to 18th June
Proverbs 4:20-27
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Consider reading this Scripture every day, slowly, intentionally, allowing the words to linger. What strikes on first reading? What changes during the week? What might Jesus be saying to you?
Please leave a comment below.
I’ve been really struck by the word “penetrate” this week, especially as I have tried to memorise this passage as the week has gone on.
It takes time for things to penetrate, just as it takes time to memorise Scripture – at least when you brain doesn’t soak up information as much as it used to!!
Allowing God’s words and wisdom to penetrate my heart takes time. I need to create space for that to happen, take it slowly, keep coming back to things. But it is vitally important as what is in my heart, “determines the course of my life”.
The verse ‘Do not lose sight of them’ made me think. How can I see words that are spoken? But then I thought: I read them too, in the Bible. I am gently asked to pay attention, listen, not to lose sight, have my heart engaged… It seems that our whole being needs to be involved in words of our Father, for they bring life and healing.