Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Proverbs 31
Psalm 74:3-4 (NIV); Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You
as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.
Though the people rejected God and begged for a king He would still not abandon them. In fact, He
worked with their decision, and chose a passionate and godly young man to be their second king.
Though chosen by God, David’s life was not trial-free and his kingly character was refined through
years of running from his jealous predecessor. David is a sharp contrast to the rest of Israel who
for so long have set aside God’s promises in return for cheap thrills. David waited for the Lord. He
knew God had promised him the kingship and he waited faithfully for God’s timing, proving himself
quite capable of governing God’s chosen people.
Through David the promise of eternal redemption continues on. For through him God makes a
promise that the sceptre will never depart from the tribe of Judah and David’s line. Of course when
we step back we realize that David didn’t know the implications of this. He didn’t know that the Son
of God would be called the Son of David and would save the people from their sins. No – David
was merely living his life in response to God’s direction. He had a mouldable heart – responsive to
the commendation and the correction of God.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. We never know how God might use our legacy. Therefore, leaving a legacy requires faithful
obedience in the day-to-day. Is there any temptation towards disobedience in you today? If so,
let God know how you feel and ask Him to help you to be strong in resisting.
2. Think of a difficulty in your life, perhaps a relational issue or a character struggle or a health
problem. Ask God to give you His perspective on your trouble and allow that to comfort you.
3. Choose one of David’s Psalms and spend some time meditating on it. Use it to help you pray.
As you read the words, read them as your own prayer to God. Expand on the words and let
them lead you into further, more personal prayer.
