S – He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” ²⁰ But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.

Exodus 33:19–20 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Moses asked to see the glory of God (v. 18). This request was fulfilled as God allowed Moses to have a deeper vision of His glory (33:19–23). Proclaiming God’s name (v. 19, His revealed character) to Moses, God allowed him to see His goodness (v. 19) and His back, but not His face (cf. 3:6 and see comments on 33:11; John 1:18). This passage demonstrates that while people truly can know God, they can never know Him exhaustively

“Exodus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – There is always more with God.  As we continue in our relationship with Him, He reveals mysteries in our lives, His character and the essence of who He is.  We must continue to grow in our relationship so that we can grow our faith, trust and intimacy with Him.

R – Heavenly Father, You are limitless.  In our relationship, help me to grow in my understanding of You and Your character.  Thank you for unveiling more of Yourself so that I can grow in my faith in You.

S – So immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 

⁵⁰ “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?”

Matthew 26:49–50 CSB

O – Commentary:

Judas had arranged a sign with the officials. The One he kissed would be the One to arrest. As he approached Jesus, he said, Greetings, Rabbi! (cf. Matt. 26:25) and kissed Him. Jesus’ response to Judas indicated that He still loved him, for Jesus addressed him as Friend (hetaire, “companion” or “associate,” used only three times in the NT, each time in Matt. [20:13; 22:12; 26:50]

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Knowing what Judas was doing, he still addressed him as He was in a relationship with him.  He still called him a friend.  No matter what we do, God still seeks a relationship with us.  

R – Heavenly Father, thank you that your love for us far exceeds our expectations.  You love us right where we are and desire so much more for us.  Give us the courage to grow closer to you by leaving our own ways to follow yours.

S – “The Lord acquired me at the beginning of his creation, before his works of long ago. 

²³ I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began. 

Proverbs 8:22–23 CSB

O – Commentary:

8:22 created The Hebrew word used here, qanah, has a wide range of meanings. It can describe buying (Gen 47:22; Exod 21:2; Prov 20:14), acquiring (Ruth 4:8; Isa 11:11; Psa 78:54; Prov 1:5; 4:5, 7), bringing forth or giving birth (Gen 4:1), and creating (Gen 14:19, 22; Deut 32:6; Psa 139:13). However qanah is understood here, it is clear that wisdom is being utilized at the beginning of the world.

the first of his ways If the Hebrew word qanah in the previous line is taken as “created,” this line refers to wisdom as God’s first act of creation, before all other things. But if the word qanah is understood as “brought forth,” this line portrays wisdom as an instrument of God during creation. Wisdom then would be the first primary instrument used in the act of creation and pre-existent before the world (compare Prov 8:23–24). This second interpretation aligns well with the nt depiction of Jesus as the agent of creation (Col 1:16; 1 Cor 8:6) who is referred to as “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24, 30; compare Matt 23:29–36; Luke 11:45–52; Heb 1:1–3).

8:23 I was set up The Hebrew word used here could be related to the Hebrew verb nasakh or sakhakh. If it is related to nasakh, then the Hebrew text could indicate that wisdom was put in place or established, not created.

from the first Wisdom has existed for a very long time—this could even imply that wisdom has always existed.

from the beginning of the earth The interpretation of this phrase depends on how the first part of this verse and Prov 8:22 is understood. This line could be understood as referring to wisdom being created and put together before the creation of the earth—as the first act of creation (see note on v. 22).

Faithlife Study Bible

A – A lot of commentary – personally, I really love Proverbs 8.  The character of wisdom has intrigued me for a long time.  I ask for godly wisdom daily.  If it is that important that God would establish it into the fabric before his creation, it must be a critical part of his character.  I want to walk in that character.

R – Heavenly Father, I thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.  I ask that it lead and guide me today.  I ask for Your wisdom today.  As I face all that comes my way, I desperately need it in my thoughts, words and actions.  Help me to be a vessel of your wisdom for myself and those I come in relationship with today.

S – To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. 

Proverbs 8:13 CSB 

O –  Commentary:  

The fear of Yahweh Wisdom does not stand alone. It is closely connected with fearing Yahweh, which means having a proper attitude of respect for Him and obedience to Him. See note on 1:7.

pride, and arrogance Pride is a characteristic of the fool (12:15) and scoffer (21:24).

an evil way Refers to a disposition; wisdom rejects evil dispositions or behaviors. The wise do not exhibit an evil disposition. See v. 20.

perversity The Hebrew phrase used here describes speech that is dishonest or wicked.

Faithlife Study Bible 

A – The more awe and respect we have for God, the more we want to become like Him.  This transformation allows us to see pride, evil conduct and perverse speech in our own life.  We desire to move away from these behaviors and move closer to godly character.

R – Lord, I confess that I am a sinner and I struggle with my own behavior.  I desire to become more like you.  Help me to recognize the areas where I need to surrender and change to be more like you.  Thank you for your grace and mercy.  Give me the courage to walk with you today.

S – Into your hand I entrust my spirit; you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth. 

Psalms  31:5 CSB

O – Commentary: 

I entrust my spirit into your hand: Whether he lives or dies, the psalmist will trust his Lord. Jesus uttered these words on the cross just before he died (Luke 23:46).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – The are many instances where the OT points to the NT.  The fact that Jesus actually quotes this verse while He is on the cross is amazing.  Everything Jesus did was intentional and in line with God.  We will not be perfect but we want to be that aligned with God.

R – Heavenly Father, I ask for your Holy Spirit to be in every aspect of our day.  We want to align with You and Your will.  We surrender our own words, thoughts and actions and step into what Your purposes today.  We trust and put our faith in You

S – Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes.

Matthew 24:46 CSB

O – We should be actively doing what God has called us to do daily while anticipating His coming.  We can know that day is prophesied.  Yet, we cannot be in waiting mode.  We need to grow in our faith and trust in God and help others do the same.

A – Every generation has events that make them think “This is the end times.”  That should not be our focus.  If we are growing in our faith and helping others do the same, we will be doing God’s will if / when he returns.  

R – Lord, I thank you for the gift of today.  I submit to your sovereignty that your will is accomplished today and I want to be a part of what you are doing today.  Start with me and I invite your Holy Spirit to lead me and grow me.  Help me to have the courage and strength to help others draw closer to You.

S – You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. ²³ If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to me, and I will certainly hear their cry

Exodus 22:22–23 CSB

O –  Commentary: 

The widow, the orphan, and the foreigner were in a helpless and economically disadvantaged position. God, by his protective stance toward these persons, demonstrated that he does not value people on the basis of their power or wealth, the standards accepted by most humans. Instead, God values people because they share his image

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – In all these verses, this is the only instance where God responds to the issue.  All the other ones, He tells us what to do.  God interacts with everyone but takes a stronger step with these.  We should treat all people the same, no matter where they stand in life. But, orphans and widows deserve an extra measure of care since their resources can be challenging.

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for caring and providing for us.  You know what we face and you meet us right where we are. Holy Spirit, we invite you into today.  Guide us and lead us to Your thoughts, words and actions that will keep us aligned with God.  Help us to demonstrate the heart of God that looks out for those who need help in their walk with you today.

S – Do not have other gods besides me. ⁴ Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth

Exodus 20:3–4 CSB

O – Commentary:

Not recognizing any other god is the first step toward learning the truth that there are no other gods besides the Lord (see Deut 4:35; 6:4; Isa 43:10–11; 45:21–22).

20:4 Not making an image of God is the first step toward recognizing that he is transcendent—that he is the Creator of the universe and distinct from it. To represent God as something in creation was inevitably to end up worshiping the creation rather than the Creator, and this had deadly moral consequences (Rom 1:18–25).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – God does not want to be limited or defined.  We will “worship” that definition or form instead of the heart and character of who He is.  This is difficult as humans because when we can put form to something (see, hear, feel, taste and smell), it gives us comfort.  God takes us beyond our comfort to a place of faith and trust in a God who has no limits.

R – Heavenly Father, please help us not to put you in a box.  We invite you Holy Spirit to continue to take down the walls we put up around you and allow us to see You as You truly are.  Allow your presence to far exceed any challenge we put in following You.

S – When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down

 Exodus 17:12 CSB

O – In this instance, Moses’ uplifted hands were the key to the Israelites’ victory.  When he humanly weakened, others were able to come alongside and help him keep his hands up.

A – We were not meant to do life alone.  We all have issues or challenges that cause us to weaken.  In community, others can come alongside us and help us remain strong through the battle. 

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for those you have put in our lives that help us “lift our hands.”  As we face daily challenges, help us to build into others so all us can walk victoriously.

S – My son, keep your father’s command, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching. 

²¹ Always bind them to your heart; tie them around your neck

Proverbs 6:20–21 CSB

O – Commentary:  

Parental instruction provides guidance, protection (cf. 2:11), and counsel (6:22). That teaching should be given from God’s Law, for the parents’ commands, like the Word of God, should be like a lamp and a light, giving guidance to one’s conduct (Ps. 119:105). Discipline (cf. Prov. 1:2, 7), though painful (cf. Heb. 12:11a), helps keep a person on the right path, leading him in the way of life.

“Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – We are in a constant state of growth.  We are in a place today that we have never been before.  The past of even yesterday changes what we face today.  We need the principles that we have learned along the way to keep us grounded and centered in God’s will.  As parents, one of our responsibilities is to teach solid, healthy wisdom to our kids.

R – Heavenly Father, we need your Holy Spirit to remind us of the principles that will empower and protect us today.  Help us to walk in humility and in a teachable mindset.  Give us the discipline to stay true to the lessons that bring life to us and those around us.