Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 12 (Proverbs 13–14; Psalm 68:19–35; John 9)
Release Date: September 12, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through selections from the books of Proverbs, Psalms, and the Gospel of John as part of the year-long plan to read the entirety of the ESV Bible. The texts presented focus on practical wisdom for life (Proverbs 13–14), a powerful psalm of praise and deliverance (Psalm 68:19–35), and the transformative healing of a man born blind by Jesus (John 9). The readings invite reflection on the blessings of wisdom, God’s active intervention in history, and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Wisdom and Folly (Proverbs 13–14)

[00:01–05:14]

• Themes: The practical outcomes of wisdom versus folly, the value of discipline, the consequences of character, and the blessing of diligence and generosity.
• Contrasts:
  • The wise versus the scoffer: “A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” [00:01]
  • Diligence versus laziness: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” [00:01]
  • The importance of speech: “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” [00:01]
  • Wealth and righteousness: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” [00:01]
  • Generosity to the poor: “Blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” [00:01]
• Memorable Proverbs:
  • “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” [00:01]
  • “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” [00:01]
  • “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” [00:01]
• Discipline in Parenting:
  • “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” [00:01]
• Reflection: The recurring message is that living wisely — marked by humility, restraint, generosity, and reverence for God — brings life, protection, and satisfaction.

2. Praise for God’s Deliverance (Psalm 68:19–35)

[05:14–06:53]

• Main Message: Proclaims God as the one who “daily bears us up” and celebrates His power to deliver from death. It describes God's victorious procession into the sanctuary and envisions a future where all nations recognize His authority.
• Exultation:
  • “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” [Beginning of this section]
• God’s Universal Reign: Praise extends beyond Israel, calling “O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.” [Around 06:30]
• Mighty Deeds: Recounts God defeating His enemies, summoning His people, and exerting power from His “sanctuary.”
• Notable Imagery:
  • “To God the Lord belong deliverances from death.” [05:16]
  • “He is the one who gives power and strength to his people.” [06:50]
• Closing Blessing:
  • “Blessed be God.” [06:50]

3. Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind (John 9)

[06:53–End]

• Narrative: Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. His disciples question whether the blindness is due to his or his parents' sin. Jesus denies both, saying “that the works of God might be displayed in him.” [07:00]
• Miracle: Jesus heals the man by making mud with saliva, applying it to the man’s eyes, and instructing him to wash in the pool of Siloam.
  • Quote: “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” [08:20]
• Controversy among Religious Leaders:
  • The healing occurs on the Sabbath, prompting debate among the Pharisees about Jesus' identity and authority.
  • Division: “Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?’” [08:40]
• Interrogation and Courage:
  • The formerly blind man’s parents are questioned but speak cautiously out of fear.
  • The man himself testifies boldly:
    • Quote: “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” [09:19]
    • Memorable moment: When repeatedly pressed, the man asks, “Do you also want to become his disciples?” [09:29]
    • He asserts, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” [09:56]
• Faith and Jesus’ Revelation:
  • Following his expulsion from the synagogue, Jesus seeks him out and reveals himself as the Son of Man.
  • The man responds, “Lord, I believe,” and worships Jesus. [10:40]
• Spiritual Vision and Blindness:
  • Jesus declares: “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” [10:59]
  • In response to the Pharisees, Jesus says, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.” [End]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Proverbs:
  • “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” [00:01]
  • “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” [00:01]
• Psalm:
  • “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” [05:16]
  • “He is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God.” [06:50]
• John 9:
  • “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – Jesus [07:00]
  • “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” – The healed man [09:19]
  • “Lord, I believe.” – The healed man [10:40]

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 – 05:14: Proverbs 13–14 (Wisdom and practical living)
• 05:14 – 06:53: Psalm 68:19–35 (Praise for God’s salvation and power)
• 06:53 – End: John 9 (Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals himself)

Summary Tone and Takeaways

This episode blends practical wisdom, heartfelt praise, and the miraculous power of Christ. The tone is reverent, direct, and meditative—inviting listeners to consider how God’s wisdom, daily help, and redemptive work intersect in their own stories. Whether contemplating the path of wisdom, singing exuberant praise, or marveling at Jesus' compassion and authority, listeners are pointed to the life-giving presence of God in every moment.