In 1985, I agreed to teach mid and high school in a Wewoka Christian school especially so our 3 kids could attend our church school. It became one of the most challenging things I ever did. The Abeka curriculum (still popular) guides adults through the teaching process if they don’t have a teaching degree; however, the assignment that we were given by the principal to encourage us through the school year was to read, every morning, one chapter of The Psalms, accompanied by one chapter of the book of Proverbs. We didn’t know just how much this would carry us through.

Not realizing the wisdom in this at first, I’m sure this exercise helped pull me through. It wasn’t the teaching materials that challenged me, but the attitudes of 14 (some rambunctious) teenagers. (But that’s not what this discussion will entail—that’s another story!) I want to describe our preparatory morning reading. You may want to try it.

First of all, The Psalms are characteristic of Hebrew poetry, using repetition, parallelism and great imagery. The moods embrace the whole of human experience, from powerful praise (Ps 145 with 21 verses), to deep sadness (Ps 42 with 11 uplifting verses); from intense anger (Ps 137 with 9 verses), and doubt about God’s care (Ps 23 with 6 verses—probably the most read and most memorized of all Psalms). Some express emotions we find no words for, or feel right about.

The Psalms expand the reality of our unsteady relationship with God but also moves us along a path of getting to really know God.

Proverbs was written mostly by King Solomon; however, the introductory verses attribute the entire book to him. The sayings are short, visual, but forceful, and get right to the point. For example, how to be aware of unhealthy practices the world want to snare us all with (1st chapter), results of wise choices (ch 2-4), results of adultery (illicit sex is one of the biggest tools the world offers (ch 5-7), and how to deal with life and people etc., etc. I assigned the students to read Proverbs and to choose one to make a small poster. The results amazed me with their abilities and morally-sound creativity. Some were framed. I challenge Sunday School and Home-school teachers to offer this exercise. It’s a great learning, creative experience. Proverbs proves an exceptional book and is referred to as part of the Hebrews’ Wisdom Literature.

Because 150 chapters consist of Psalms and 31 are in Proverbs, if one reads a chapter from each every day, he will have read Psalms once while Proverbs 5 times... all in 5 months. (Of course, Proverbs throws in an extra one.) Deciding to make this a daily ritual, it’s best to do it early before anything else has a chance to distract your attention. The enemy of this world has a way of trying his best to cause the value of what this will do for you. He doesn’t want you to strengthen your faith in God.

May God bless you in your efforts!