How to Read Psalms and Proverbs: Language, Wisdom, and the Life Before God

Proverbs 1: The Crossroads of Wisdom

Proverbs 1 does not begin by offering motivational advice. It begins by placing us at a crossroads. Wisdom cries aloud, the simple are invited to learn, fools are warned, and scoffers are confronted. At the center of it all is the fear of the Lord. In this session, we walk through Proverbs 1 and examine how wisdom is not merely information, but formation. We look at key Hebrew terms like musar, torah, peti, kesil, ewil, and letz, showing how Proverbs describes different postures toward correction and instruction. We also explore how wisdom is formed in community, through the Word, faithful teaching, correction, and the shared life of the local church. The question Proverbs 1 presses on us is not simply, “Do you know what wisdom is?” The question is, “Will you listen when wisdom calls?” Main Idea: Biblical wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is formed through instruction, correction, and humble submission to God’s Word. Key Themes:The purpose of ProverbsThe fear of the LordWisdom as formation, not informationMusar as discipline and correctionTorah as instruction and teachingThe simple, the fool, and the scofferWisdom’s public callThe danger of refusing correctionWisdom formed in the life of the church Key Scriptures:Proverbs 1:1–7Proverbs 1:8–19Proverbs 1:20–33Proverbs 9:10Proverbs 12:1Proverbs 3:11–12James 1:22Hebrews 12:5–11 Discussion Questions:Where are you most resistant to correction?What voices are shaping your understanding of wisdom?How does the fear of the Lord reorder your decisions?Where do you see the difference between being simple, foolish, and scoffing?How does the local church help form us in wisdom? Proverbs 1 teaches us that wisdom is not hidden. Wisdom cries aloud. The danger is not that God has failed to speak. The danger is that we refuse to listen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tollelegeministries.substack.com [https://tollelegeministries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Two Ways, One King: Entering the Psalms Through Psalm 1–2

This session moves from method to practice by applying the principles of reading Scripture to Psalm 1 and Psalm 2. These psalms function as a unified introduction to the Psalter and establish the framework for understanding the rest of the book. Big Idea The blessed life is found in a life that is both rooted in God’s Word and submitted to God’s King. Key Themes 1. Psalm 1–2 as the Gateway to the Psalter These psalms are intentionally placed and function together They are linked by shared language and structure They frame the entire book by presenting two paths and one King 2. The Blessed Life (‘Ashre) Not mere happiness, but deep, rooted flourishing Defined by delight in God’s instruction Illustrated through the image of the tree 3. The Two Ways The way of the righteous vs the way of the wicked (Psalm 1:6) A life rooted vs a life that is weightless and passing No neutral ground between the two 4. Meditation (Hagah) Not silent reflection, but active, vocal internalization A life shaped by rehearsing God’s Word Contrasted with the nations “plotting” in rebellion (Psalm 2:1) 5. The King (Psalm 2) God’s anointed Son rules over the nations The call to submit, serve, and take refuge Blessing is ultimately found in Him (Psalm 2:12) 6. The Balance of the Christian Life Private devotion (Psalm 1) Public submission to Christ’s rule (Psalm 2) A complete life holds both together Key Scriptures Psalm 1:1–6 Psalm 2:1–12 Psalm 3:1 (transition into lament) Discussion Questions Where do you see yourself in the movement of Psalm 1: walking, standing, or sitting? What voices are shaping your thinking on a daily basis? What does it look like for you to actively “meditate” on God’s Word this week? In what areas of your life do you struggle to submit to Christ as King? What does it mean for you personally to “take refuge in Him” (Psalm 2:12)? Application Identify areas where you are drifting rather than rooted Establish intentional rhythms of meditating on Scripture Submit areas of life that resist Christ’s authority Anchor your confidence not in performance, but in refuge in the King Closing Thought Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 do not simply introduce the Psalms. They confront us. There are two ways to live, and only one place of refuge. The question is not whether we understand the text, but whether we are rooted in the Word and resting in the King. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tollelegeministries.substack.com [https://tollelegeministries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Cultivating a Theology of Disagreement

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tollelegeministries.substack.com [https://tollelegeministries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

War Does Not End When the Battle Ends

Twenty years after the loss of SGT Devora and SFC Clay, my former platoon and I reunited to honor our brothers and confront the reality that war does not end when the fighting stops. This is me reflecting on grief, memory, brotherhood, and the long shadow war casts over the living. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tollelegeministries.substack.com [https://tollelegeministries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How to Read Psalms and Proverbs: Language, Wisdom, and the Life Before God

How to Read Psalms and Proverbs: Language, Wisdom, and the Life Before God God communicates truth through specific literary forms. To interpret Scripture faithfully, we must read each text according to the way it was designed to speak. Key Themes Covered 1. Why Genre Matters Scripture must be read according to its literary form Misreading genre leads to misinterpreting meaning Poetry and wisdom literature require a different approach than narrative or doctrine 2. The Nature of Hebrew Poetry (Psalms) Terseness: Compact, dense, theologically rich language Parallelism: Two lines working together with development, not repetition Imagery: Concrete pictures that engage both mind and emotion 3. The Purpose of the Psalms Psalms train the heart before God They give language for real human experience They model both worship and struggle Types of Psalms Discussed Laments Most common type in the Psalter Express grief, confusion, and longing Move from distress toward trust Key Questions Laments Answer: Who hears me? Why is this happening? What do I want God to do? Hymns of Praise Celebrate God’s character and actions Typically include: Call to praise Reasons for praise Expression of trust The Message of the Psalter Structured intentionally into five books Central theme: The Lord reigns Movement: Early focus on Davidic kingship Crisis in Psalm 89 Shift to God’s kingship in Book 4 Teaches trust in God’s rule even in apparent disorder Transition to Proverbs Psalms vs. Proverbs Psalms shape how you pray Proverbs shape how you live Key Themes in Proverbs 1. The Fear of the Lord Foundation of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) Not terror, but reverent awe rooted in relationship Holds together God’s authority and His mercy 2. Wisdom and Money Integrity matters more than wealth (Proverbs 28:6) Money is a tool, not a master Perspective determines use 3. Wisdom and Purity Faithfulness protects against destruction (Proverbs 5–6) Avoiding temptation requires intentional discipline Satisfaction within covenant guards the heart 4. Wisdom and Speech Words carry life and death (Proverbs 18:21) Restraint reflects wisdom (Proverbs 29:11, 20) Speech should build, not destroy Key Takeaway Psalms and Proverbs are not simply informational. They are formational. They shape the inner life and outward conduct of those who learn to read them rightly. Discussion Questions Where have you seen yourself misread a psalm or proverb by expecting it to function like another genre? Why do you think God chose poetry and wisdom sayings to communicate truth? Which area of Proverbs feels most immediately relevant to your life right now: money, purity, or speech? Why? How does understanding God as King reshape the way you interpret difficult circumstances? Recommended Resources Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tollelegeministries.substack.com [https://tollelegeministries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]