Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 19 (Proverbs 27–28; Psalm 74; John 16)
Host: Crossway
Date: September 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode continues with daily scripture readings as part of the journey through the entire ESV Bible in a year. The readings for today include Proverbs 27–28, Psalm 74, and John 16. The episode focuses on wisdom in relationships and integrity (Proverbs), a lament and plea for restoration (Psalm), and Christ's parting promises and encouragement to his disciples (John).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Proverbs 27–28: Wisdom for Everyday Life

• Themes of Caution and Humility

  • Boasting about the future is cautioned against, embodying humility before uncertainty:

    “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (00:03)

• Value of Relationships and Honest Counsel

  • Open rebuke is preferred over concealed affection; authentic friendships are highlighted:

    “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (00:14)

  • The proverb "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (00:34) stresses the enriching power of mutual accountability.

• Integrity and Consequences

  • Integrity is shown as more valuable than wealth, and honesty leads to blessings:

    “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (00:56)

  • The danger of concealing sin is emphasized:

    “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (01:08)

• Social Justice and Leadership

  • The nature of righteous leadership and its effects on society:

    “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.” (01:11)

  • The importance of understanding and keeping God’s law for true justice is underscored.

Psalm 74: Lament and Plea for Restoration

• Devastation and Desolation

  • Deep sorrow over destruction of God’s sanctuary:

    “O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?” (01:50)

  • The psalmist vividly describes the enemies’ acts:

    “They set your sanctuary on fire; they profaned the dwelling place of your name, bringing it down to the ground.” (02:10)

• Longing for God’s Intervention

  • The absence of prophecy and guidance in crisis times is lamented:

    “We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long.” (02:23)

  • Plea for God to remember His covenant and defend His cause:

    “Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. Arise, O God, defend your cause.” (03:04)

John 16: Jesus’ Parting Encouragement

• Forewarning of Persecution

  • Jesus predicts upcoming hardship for the disciples:

    “The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (03:45)

• The Promise of the Helper (Holy Spirit)

  • Jesus comforts them with the promise of the Holy Spirit’s coming:

    “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (04:01)

  • The Spirit will “guide you into all the truth,” continuing Christ’s work:

    “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (04:38)

• From Sorrow to Joy

  • Jesus uses the metaphor of childbirth for temporary sorrow followed by enduring joy:

    “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy...when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish for joy.” (05:02)

  • Assurance that joy from Christ’s return is untouchable:

    “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (05:15)

• Prayers in Jesus’ Name and Assurance of the Father’s Love

  • The promise that praying in Jesus’ name grants requests:

    “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you...Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (05:23)

  • God’s personal love for the disciples affirmed:

    “The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” (05:39)

• Confidence and Peace Amidst Tribulation

  • Jesus foretells the disciples’ scattering and reassures them:

    “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (06:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On True Friendship and Counsel:

  “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, 00:34)

• On Confession and Mercy:

  “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, 01:08)

• On Enduring Sorrow and Finding Joy in Christ:

  “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy...I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:20-22, 05:02–05:15)

• On Overcoming the World:

  “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, 06:04)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Proverbs 27–28: 00:01–01:15
• Psalm 74: 01:50–03:19
• John 16: 03:45–06:12

Summary

This episode offers a reflective journey through passages that deal with the realities of human relationships, the pain of loss, and the hope of restoration and joy through Christ. Listeners are encouraged to value honest friendships, walk in integrity, confess failings, trust in God’s faithfulness, and embrace the peace Christ offers even in the face of tribulation. The readings provide practical wisdom, model heartfelt lament, and lead to the deep assurance that, despite challenges, Christ has already secured the ultimate victory.