O Lord, Teach Me Your Ways: A Book of Proverbs Devotional by Zari Banks

Day 1

That prudence may be given to the simple, and knowledge, discretion,
and discernment to the youth.
Proverbs 1:4

Before Reading:

Heavenly Father, you gave us your word to guide our lives and so that we can learn your will and your character as we draw close to you in study. I love you, Lord, and I praise you for the opportunity to get to know you more intimately. Please give me ears to hear as I read your word. In Jesus’ precious Name I pray. Amen

Read and meditate on Proverbs 1

Prayer:

Give me your wisdom, Lord. I know you don’t withhold any good thing from your children. Bless me to remember your word in all circumstances so that doing right is a natural response for me. I praise you because you’re mighty and worthy. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayers in Jesus’ Name. Amen

The reverent and worshipful fear
of the LORD is the beginning
and the principal and choice
part of knowledge
[its starting point and its essence];
but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7

Day 2

For the LORD gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Before Reading:

I lift my arms and heart to you in praise, Father, because the Holy Spirit teaches me and gives me understanding. I want to be wise in your eyes, Lord, lead me in the way I should go. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Read and meditate on Proverbs 2

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I long to be wise. Please seal my heart with your word, and let it penetrate my life that I remain in your will. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may know how your word guides my life. I praise you for giving me the Bible so that I can study and learn your plan for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

So may you walk in the way of good men,
and keep to the paths
of the [consistently] righteous
(the upright, in right standing with GOD).
Proverbs 2:20

Day 3

Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the LORD and turn [entirely] away from evil.
Proverbs 3:7

Before Reading:

Praise to God the Father of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thank you for opening the eyes of my heart so that I have a desire to spend time meditating on your Word. I love you, Lord, and pray that you will speak to me anew this day. I pray this in your Son Jesus’ Name because of the power it holds to make change. Amen

Read and meditate on Proverbs 3

Prayer:

Lord,
Your word teaches me how to live, parent, trust you, and more. There’s no limit to the understanding available when I study and meditate on your precepts. Please fill me with an insatiable desire for godly wisdom. Teach me how to rest in you, and allow your spirit to wash over me, and your word to penetrate to the deepest parts of my being. Thank you for hearing and faithfully answering my prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Skillful and godly Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her.
Proverbs 3:15

Day 4

For I give you good doctrine [what is to be received]; do not forsake my teaching.
Proverbs 4:2

Before Reading:

I come before you, Lord, humbled to be taught by you. Fill me with your wisdom so that I never cease to honor you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Read and meditate on Proverbs 4

Prayer:

I praise you, Lord, for not leaving me without a guidebook. I confess there are so many things I don’t know and don’t understand, but you make my way clear when I earnestly seek you. My heart desires godly wisdom and understanding, and I know you answer my prayer to receive it because it’s your will. I forsake my own knowledge for your truths in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her,
and she will exalt and promote you;
she will bring you to honor
when you embrace her.
Proverbs 4:8

Day 5

My son, be attentive to my Wisdom
[godly Wisdom learned by actual
and costly experience],
and incline your ear to my understanding
[of what is becoming and prudent for you].
Proverbs 5:1

Before Reading:

I love you, Lord. And, I thank you for giving me your word. Please show me things that I’ve never heard or read before today. I want to know you deeply; more intimately than ever before. I want to know the secrets that your word holds only for me. Teach me, Lord. Show me more today. Amen

Read and meditate on Proverbs 5

Prayer:

Lord,
I praise you for imparting godly wisdom into my life. I love the conversations we have during times of prayer and meditation. I want to be approved in your sight. Not in the sight of people who don’t know my heart the way you do or know, purely, what’s best for me. Cover my life with wisdom and understanding as I dive into your pool of immeasurable knowledge. Thank you for hearing me, knowing me, and answering me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

For the ways of man
are directly before the eyes of the LORD,
and He [Who would have us live soberly, chastely, and godly]
carefully weighs all man’s goings.
Proverbs 5:21