Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Date: September 7, 2025
Readings: Proverbs 3–4; Psalm 64; John 4
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year presents a rich tapestry of wisdom literature, heartfelt pleas for protection, and transformative encounters with Jesus, as read from Proverbs 3–4, Psalm 64, and John 4. The overarching theme centers around the pursuit of wisdom, God’s active involvement in the twists and turns of human life, and the radical inclusivity and spiritual renewal brought by Jesus. These passages, selected for daily reflection, invite listeners to deeper trust, insight, and worship "in spirit and truth".

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Proverbs 3–4: The Way of Wisdom and Trust (00:04–04:32)

• Exhortation to Obedience and Remembrance
  The reading opens with a fatherly admonition to "not forget my teaching" (00:04) and to let the heart "keep my commandments" because they bring "length of days and years of life and peace" (00:08).
• The Call to Trust God Fully
  Central are the famous verses urging complete reliance on God:

  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (00:16–00:24)

• The Blessing and Value of Wisdom
  Wisdom is personified as surpassing the worth of "silver," "gold," and "jewels" (00:39), and is described as "a tree of life to those who lay hold of her" (00:50).

  "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." (03:22)

• Practical Guidance for Righteous Living
  The text warns against envying the wicked or planning evil against neighbors (02:09–02:22), instead advocating humility and the giving of good.

  "Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you. Bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart." (00:12)

• Steadfastness in Instruction
  The recurring refrain to "keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (04:14) anchors the section in personal responsibility and inner devotion.

2. Psalm 64: Lament and Assurance against the Wicked (04:32–05:31)

• Plea for Protection from Enemies
  The psalmist cries out for preservation "from the dread of the enemy" and vivid imagery is used to describe the enemy’s schemes:

  "They whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows." (04:47)

• Confidence in God’s Justice
  Even as the wicked "search out injustice," God "shoots his arrow at them"—a reversal of their plots (05:08).
• Communal Impact
  It concludes with the righteous rejoicing and "telling what God has brought about" (05:22), emphasizing not only individual but collective trust and celebration in God’s deliverance.

3. John 4: The Woman at the Well and the Expanding Horizon of Salvation (05:31–End)

• A Boundary-Crossing Conversation
  Jesus initiates dialogue with a Samaritan woman, defying social and religious boundaries (06:04).

  "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (06:16)

• The Promise of Living Water
  Jesus offers the woman "living water," a metaphor for the eternal satisfaction and new life he provides (06:23–06:56).

  "The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (06:58)

• Revelation of Jesus’ True Identity
  Jesus reveals knowledge of the woman’s life and her longing for the Messiah:

  "I who speak to you am he." (07:26–07:41)

• True Worship Redefined
  A pivotal teaching on worship emerges:

  "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth." (07:23)

• Witness and Belief in Samaria
  The woman's testimony leads many to believe:

  "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" (08:36)
  The people respond after meeting Jesus:
  "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world." (09:41–09:47)

• A Miracle of Healing
  Jesus heals an official’s dying son from afar, underscoring faith in his word over signs alone (09:53–End).

  "Go; your son will live." (09:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Proverbs

• On Trusting God Completely

  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (00:16)

• On the Priority of Wisdom

  "She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her." (00:44)

• On Vigilance

  "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (04:14)

Psalm 64

• On the Power of Words

  "Who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows." (04:47)

• On God’s Justice

  "But God shoots his arrow at them. They are wounded suddenly; they are brought to ruin." (05:08–05:12)

• On Joyful Trust

  "Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart exult." (05:24–05:27)

John 4

• On Living Water

  "The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (06:58)

• On the Nature of True Worship

  "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (07:23)

• On the Growth of Faith

  "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" (08:36) "We know that this is indeed the Savior of the world." (09:47)

• On Faith and Miracles

  "Go; your son will live. The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way." (09:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Proverbs 3–4 Reading — 00:04–04:32
• Psalm 64 Reading — 04:32–05:31
• John 4 (Woman at the Well and Miracles) — 05:31–End (~10:30)

Tone & Style

The readings maintain a reverent, instructive tone throughout, blending fatherly advice from Proverbs, urgent petition in Psalms, and the direct yet gracious voice of Jesus in John. The language is poetic, memorable, and filled with reassurance and challenge.

Summary Takeaways

This episode traces the centrality of wisdom and trust in God (Proverbs), perseverance amid threats (Psalms), and the breaking of boundaries and offering of living water and true worship (John). At its heart, the selections remind listeners to seek wisdom, to take refuge in God, and to embrace the hope and transformation offered by Christ’s presence and word—an invitation extended, as shown in John 4, to all people.