Paired together, the books of Psalms and Proverbs invite us to ruminate on wisdom. As we read these books, we are encouraged to feel—to reflect; we are connected to those who have come before us as they navigated the joys and challenges of life and explore what it means to know God. 

The Book of Psalms presents a collection of poems from thousands of years ago, as contemporary and relevant today as they were at the time of their composition. Psalms spans the breadth of human emotions and experiences and serves as an unflinching reminder that joy and sorrow—gratitude and fear—are realities of the world. The wide spectrum of feeling is integral to our complex lives, and there is room for all of this in our relationship with God. We are united in our experience as children of God, as human beings attempting to make sense of the world around us. 

The Book of Proverbs offers inspiration, guidance, and advice for living wisely passed down over countless generations. A collection of instructional advice, poetic reflection, ethical rumination, and figurative teaching, Proverbs assures us the essence of wisdom is a life lived in pursuit of God—“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” It is a book that encourages growth, reminding us that we are all works in progress striving to be better. 

Psalms and Proverbs read together urge us towards intentionality—towards a life lived wisely and authentically with our Creator.