Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Proverbs 22
Exodus 19:17-19 (NIV); Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they
stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD
descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain
trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder.
From Mount Sinai, God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments – the moral law. This was not
something that God randomly made up on that day; He was only speaking what has always been
the case – that mankind is unique and valuable and that his relationship with God is of primary
importance.
The Ten Commandments themselves are redemptive. They, along with the 600+ laws God relayed to
Moses, gave the people a standard of holiness to live by, revealing the holiness of Yahweh and the
corruption of human nature. Through the Law, the need for a Saviour was made screamingly evident!
And today the Ten Commandments remain as our moral guide. In order to be redeemed, we must
recognize our need for God and then we must call out to Him. But we will never see Him as worthy to
be called upon if we do not honour Him. The Ten Commandments teach us to honour God as Most
High, setting nothing in our lives above or akin to Him. He alone is worthy. And when we have that
established, and we are loving and obeying Him, we will see others with the value He has give them
and we will love and respect them too.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Imagine what life would be like if God never revealed His moral law. Thank Him that He has
shown us how to live life to the fullest!
2. Read through the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:3-17). Confess as necessary and ask for God’s
help in areas where you are struggling.
3. Today’s verses give us a glimpse of how the Israelites experienced the presence of God from
time to time. We have the Holy Spirit in us and we have direct access to God anytime, though
the fire and smoke is not so common. Spread your hands out in front of you and ask God to fill
you with His Spirit today so that you can hear His voice and accomplish His will. Ask that you
would grow in intimacy with Jesus. Is there anything God wants to say to you today?
