Old Testament reading: Proverbs 25-27
Today’s reading beings with an interesting fact. Proverbs 25:1 notes that the proverbs that follow are Solomon’s, but were copied by the men of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s reign began more than 200 years after Solomon’s ended. Thus, we see the book of Proverbs was completed much later than the reign of Solomon. Jesus made reference to Solomon’s wisdom (Matt 12:42), and there are numerous New Testament citations and parallels from Proverbs 25-27. Some will be easily recognized while others are a bit more obscure. When you have time (after you do your reading today!), compare these proverbs with their New Testament counterparts: Proverbs 26:6-7 = Luke 14:8-11; Proverbs 25:21-22 = Romans 12:20; Proverbs 26:11 = 2 Peter 2:22; Proverbs 27:1 = James 4:13-16; Proverbs 27:19 = Matthew 15:18-20; Proverbs 27:24 = Luke 12:16-20.
New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 6-10
2 Corinthians 7:10-11 clarifies what constitutes genuine repentance and reminds us that godly sorrow and genuine repentance are never to be regretted. Consider the vast difference between repentance and sorrow for sin, labeled here as “the sorrow of the world.” The sorrow of the world can be the shame of getting caught and having one’s name and crime exposed on TV or in print. Similarly, it might be sorrow associated with the punishment for one’s unrighteous deeds. These might include the payment of a fine, being sent to jail, or suffering physical retribution for one’s misdeeds. None of these things are associated with changing the way one thinks about the act committed. On the other hand, godly sorrow produces repentance, that is, a change in the way one views his deeds. Repentance recognizes that one’s actions are an affront to the God of heaven, and with this recognition earnestly desires the ability to go back and “undo” what has been done. Repentance says, “I wish I had never done that; I am sorry I did, and I will do my best to repair whatever damage I have done.” In this context, the Corinthian church repented of their toleration of sin as recorded in 1 Corinthians 5, and Paul commends them for their diligence and zeal to be cleared in the matter. Repentance is never to be regretted because it leads to everlasting life.
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