Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 17 – Proverbs 23–24; Psalm 72; John 14
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode continues the journey of reading through the ESV Bible in a year, featuring selected passages from Proverbs 23–24, Psalm 72, and John 14. The focus is on wisdom for everyday life, a royal prayer for justice and blessing, and Jesus’ pivotal teachings about his identity, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and comfort for his disciples.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Proverbs 23–24: Wisdom, Discipline, and Righteous Living

[00:01 – 06:50]

• Cautions on Wealth and Pleasures:
  • The text warns against pursuing deceptive pleasures and wealth (“Do not toil to acquire wealth. Be discerning enough to desist.” [00:10]).
  • There is a call for discernment and contentment, warning readers not to envy sinners or the rich.
• Discernment and Discipline:
  • Wisdom is framed as critical to building a secure life.
    • Quote: “Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” [00:38]
  • Strong recommendations for disciplining children and cherishing the teaching of parents.
• Consequences of Excess:
  • Warnings against drunkenness and gluttony, making vivid the loss and chaos that follow:
    • “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent…” [02:00]
• Justice and Integrity:
  • A call for rescuing those in danger and practicing impartial justice:
    • “Rescue those who are being taken away to death… Does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?” [04:10]
  • The wise cannot rejoice in the downfall of their enemies (“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls… lest the Lord see it and be displeased” [05:28]).
• Final Reflections on Laziness and Revenge:
  • Parable of the sluggard reinforces the dangers of laziness.
  • Repeated warnings not to repay evil for evil.

2. Psalm 72: A Royal Prayer for Justice and Blessing

[06:51 – 08:11]

• Justice and Compassion:
  • The psalm asks God to bless the king with righteousness and the ability to defend and deliver the needy.
  • The vision is of a reign marked by justice, peace, prosperity, and universal blessing.
• Universal Blessing and Praise:
  • Hopes for a kingdom that flourishes and brings all nations to worship God:
    • Quote: “May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him.” [07:30]
  • Ends with a closing doxology:
    • “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things… May the whole earth be filled with his glory.” [08:02]

3. John 14: Jesus’ Farewell and Promise

[08:12 – 15:00]

• Comfort for Troubled Hearts:
  • Jesus reassures followers, highlighting the reality of eternal life and a place prepared with God (“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” [08:14]).
• Jesus as the Way to the Father:
  • When Thomas expresses confusion, Jesus responds with a defining claim:
    • Quote: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [09:51]
• Revelation of the Father Through Christ:
  • Philip asks to see the Father, and Jesus insists that seeing him is seeing the Father himself (“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” [10:35]).
• Promise of Greater Works and the Spirit:
  • Jesus encourages them about continuing his works, with the help of the promised Holy Spirit (“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” [12:12]).
  • Jesus promises the Spirit will teach, remind, and dwell with them—believers will not be “left as orphans.”
• Peace and Assurance:
  • A powerful gift of peace is offered:
    • Quote: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” [13:43]
  • Jesus reiterates the unity between himself and the Father, and the need for loving obedience.
• Confidence Amidst Forthcoming Trials:
  • Jesus closes with a call to courage as the “ruler of this world” approaches, affirming his commitment to do as the Father commands so the world may know his love for the Father.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Wisdom:

  • “Buy truth and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” – Proverbs [00:54]

• On Delivering the Needy:

  • “He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy… Precious is their blood in his sight.” – Psalm 72 [07:56]

• Jesus’ Declaration:

  • “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus [09:51]

• Promise of the Holy Spirit:

  • “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – Jesus [13:10]

• Gift of Peace:

  • “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – Jesus [13:43]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Proverbs 23–24 - [00:01 – 06:50]: Wisdom, warnings, and moral guidance
• Psalm 72 - [06:51 – 08:11]: Prayer for a just, compassionate king
• John 14 - [08:12 – 15:00]: Jesus’ comfort, identity, and promise of the Spirit

This episode weaves together a call to seek godly wisdom and justice, a poetic vision of a righteous kingdom, and the heart of Jesus’ teaching—offering comfort, assurance, and guidance through trouble by the gift of his presence and the coming Holy Spirit. Recommended for listeners seeking daily encouragement, theological reflection, or a structured Bible reading journey.