Wisdom Books

This page provides a suggested reading plan for groups interested in exploring the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon).

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Plan

The reading goal is fairly simple. Each person in the group should read five sections of the Old Testament Wisdom Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) per week. It is interesting to note that under this reading plan, the Wisdom Books can be completed in 52 weeks. This Bible reading plan is effective because it offers a structured yet flexible approach to help participants stay on track.

Click the section below to access a Google Spreadsheet that provides a suggested reading schedule. (The spreadsheet can be printed out and placed in your Bible for easy reference, or you can bookmark the URL on your smartphone or tablet.)

Spreadsheet of Readings

Wisdom Books Reading Plan

Rhythm

To regularly engage in Scripture requires discipline. The participant must be committed to reading on a regular basis. The best approach is to read one chapter per day for five days. It is not as beneficial to read several chapters in a single day.

Since missing a daily reading may happen, there are two extra days available in the week to make up a skipped reading assignment. For example, a participant may decide to read one chapter each day, Monday through Friday, and then take Saturday and Sunday off. This is a fine approach, but if, for example, the reading on Thursday is missed, Friday should be the fourth reading and Saturday should be used to catch up on the fifth reading. While it is possible, it is not as beneficial to read two chapters on Friday.

Strategies

To help you stay on track, consider the following suggestions and determine which ones work best for you:

Contemplation

Your goal for reading the Bible should not be to speed your eyes across the page so that you can say you completed your devotion. Instead, consider using the following approaches to get the most from this activity:

Conversation

We mature when we interact with one another and spur each other on in growth. While reading the Bible by yourself is beneficial, it is even more helpful to talk about what you are learning with others on the same reading plan. Find a friend or family member who will  join you in a reading schedule and then connect with them at least every other week. (Connecting with them at a regularly determined time once a week is best.)