Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 20 (Proverbs 29–31; Psalm 75; John 17)
Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners through readings from Proverbs 29–31, Psalm 75, and John 17, continuing the journey of hearing the entire ESV Bible over the course of a year. The episode’s main theme is the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness in conduct (Proverbs), confidence in God’s just rule (Psalm), and the unity and consecration Jesus prays for his followers (John 17).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Proverbs 29–31: Wisdom, Justice, and an Excellent Life

(00:01–15:34)

• Consequences of Stubbornness and Leadership:
  • Warnings to those who resist correction and the impact of righteous or wicked leadership.
  • “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (00:08)
• Wisdom and Everyday Life:
  • Wise living involves controlling anger, caution in speech, discipline, and kindness to the poor.
  • "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." (00:33)
• Agur’s Humility and Prayer (Proverbs 30):
  • Agur confesses limited understanding before God’s majesty, prays for honesty, daily provision, and spiritual contentment:
  • "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me." (03:16)
• Observation of the World’s Wonders:
  • Lists marvels and ironies—like the path of an eagle, the wisdom of small creatures, the dangers of pride.
• King Lemuel’s Mother’s Wisdom (Proverbs 31):
  • Warnings to rulers about indulgence, exhortation to defend the needy and judge righteously.
  • “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (09:01)
• The Virtuous Woman:
  • Description of an ideal wife—diligent, kind, wise, charitable, and God-fearing.
  • “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (11:56)

2. Psalm 75: Giving Thanks for God’s Righteous Judgment

(15:35–17:13)

• God’s Nearness and Deeds:
  • A call to give thanks and remember God’s wondrous works.
• God as Just Judge:
  • Reminds listeners that it is God—not human effort or pride—who raises or puts down people.
    • “It is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.” (16:20)
• Assurance of Justice for the Wicked and Righteous:
  • Powerful image of God pouring out judgment as wine for the wicked, but lifting up the righteous instead.

3. John 17: Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer

(17:14–End)

• Prayer for Glory and Eternal Life:
  • Jesus acknowledges his impending crucifixion and asks God to glorify him so he may glorify the Father.
    • “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you.” (17:17)
• Jesus’ Relationship with Disciples:
  • Emphasizes he has revealed the Father to those given to him, who have received his message.
• Protection and Unity:
  • He prays not for the world but specifically for his followers’ protection, joy, and sanctification.
    • “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the Evil One.” (18:23)
    • “Sanctify them in the truth; your Word is truth.” (18:43)
• Prayer for All Believers:
  • Extends prayer for future believers, emphasizing unity mirrored after the Father-Son relationship, that the world may see God's love.
    • “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (20:19)
• Final Petition for Presence:
  • Jesus desires all who believe in him to be with him and see his glory, speaking of eternal love and the revelation of God’s name.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Proverbs on Justice and Wisdom:
  • “By justice, a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” (00:12)
  • “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (01:46)
• Agur’s Humility and Prayer:
  • “Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.” (02:31)
• Proverbs 31 Woman:
  • “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” (11:32)
  • “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (12:54)
• Psalm 75 Confidence:
  • “When the earth totters… it is I who keep steady its pillars.” (16:08)
• Jesus’ Prayer for Unity:
  • “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.” (19:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Proverbs Reading: 00:01–15:34
• Psalm 75: 15:35–17:13
• Gospel of John 17: 17:14–End

Tone and Style

Consistent with the devotional, reverent style of the series, the episode is reflective and poised, with a focus on the plain reading of Scripture, allowing biblical wisdom and Jesus’ prayers to stand at the forefront for contemplation and meditation.