Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 13 (Proverbs 15–16; Psalm 69:1–18; John 10)

Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through selected passages from Proverbs 15–16, Psalm 69:1–18, and John 10. The readings focus on the themes of wisdom, humility, and righteousness in Proverbs; earnest pleas for deliverance in the Psalms; and Jesus’ self-revelation as the Good Shepherd in John. The selections emphasize God’s sovereignty, the importance of listening to divine guidance, and the hope found in Christ.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Proverbs 15–16: The Path to Wisdom and Life

[00:01 – 07:33]

• Power of Gentle Words and Wisdom
  • Highlights the value of gentle answers over harsh words in calming conflict.
  • Contrasts the actions and consequences for the wise versus fools.
  • Stresses attentive listening, humility, and seeking counsel as pathways to true understanding.
• Divine Oversight and Righteousness
  • Illustrates God’s omniscience: "The eyes of the Lord are in every place keeping watch on the evil and the good."
  • Righteousness is favored by God; pride and arrogance are condemned.
• Planning and Dependence on the Lord
  • Human plans are seen as subordinate to God's ultimate will: "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord."
• Notable Proverbs:
  • "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." [00:04]
  • "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." [07:17]
  • "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." [07:06]
  • "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." [07:22]

2. Psalm 69:1–18: Lament and Hope

[07:33 – 07:46]

• Desperate Cry for Salvation
  • David describes feeling overwhelmed, pursued by enemies, and alienated from even his family.
• Unworthiness and Humility
  • He acknowledges his own faults and pleads that his suffering does not bring shame upon fellow believers.
• God’s Faithfulness as Refuge
  • Despite distress, David turns to God’s steadfast love for deliverance:
    • “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord, at an acceptable time. O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me.” [07:40]
• Themes of Persecution and Loyalty
  • The passage references zeal for God's house and experiencing ridicule for faithfulness, anticipating Christ’s own sufferings.

3. John 10: Jesus as the Good Shepherd

[07:47 – 11:00]

• Allegory of the Shepherd and the Sheep
  • Jesus illustrates His relationship with His followers through the metaphor of the shepherd and the sheep.
  • The sheep know and trust the shepherd’s voice, symbolizing believers’ recognition of Christ.
  • Others who do not enter "by the door" are likened to thieves and robbers.
    • "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." [08:21]
• Promise of Abundant Life
  • Jesus makes a clear distinction between His intentions and those of false leaders:
    • "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." [08:26]
• The Good Shepherd’s Sacrifice
  • Jesus twice affirms: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... I know my own, and my own know me..." [08:29, 08:46]
  • He speaks of gathering "other sheep that are not of this fold," pointing to the inclusion of all people. [08:58]
  • Emphasizes His authority: "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again." [09:16]
• Reaction and Division
  • The crowd debates Jesus’ identity, some accusing Him of blasphemy, others of speaking profound truth:
    • “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [09:33]
• Assurance of Eternal Security
  • Jesus promises eternal life:
    • "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." [10:13]
  • Declares His oneness with the Father: "I and the Father are one." [10:23]
• Confrontation and Escape
  • Religious leaders seek to stone Him for making Himself God; Jesus points to His works as evidence of His divine mission:
    • “If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them... believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” [10:49]
  • Jesus withdraws, the chapter ending with many believing in Him.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Wisdom and Humility:
  • "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." (Proverbs 16) [07:06]
• On the Shepherd’s Role:
  • "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." — Jesus [08:29]
• On Salvation and Security:
  • "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." — Jesus [10:13]
• On Christ’s Authority and Divinity:
  • "I and the Father are one." — Jesus [10:23]

Important Timestamps

• Proverbs 15–16 Reading: [00:01 – 07:33]
• Psalm 69:1–18 Reading: [07:33 – 07:47]
• John 10 Reading & Quotes from Jesus: [07:47 – 11:00]
  • "I am the door..." [08:21]
  • "I am the good shepherd..." [08:29, 08:46]
  • "My sheep hear my voice..." [10:13]
  • "I and the Father are one." [10:23]

This episode richly interweaves wisdom literature with heartfelt lament and the hope and assurance offered by Christ in the Gospel, inviting listeners to deeper trust in God’s direction, comfort in His faithfulness, and confidence in Jesus as the Good Shepherd who selflessly leads and saves His flock.