Weekly Readings

The proverbs of Solomon, David’s son who was king of Israel, given

2 to grasp wisdom and discipline,

to understand deep thoughts,

3 to acquire the discipline of wise behavior—

righteousness and justice and fairness—

4 to give insight to gullible people,

to give knowledge and foresight to the young—

5 a wise person will listen and continue to learn,

and an understanding person will gain direction—

6 to understand a proverb and a clever saying,

the words of wise people and their riddles.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

3 Solomon loved the Lord and lived by his father David’s rules. However, he still sacrificed and burned incense at these other worship sites.

4 King Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice because it was the most important place of worship. Solomon sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on that altar.

5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. He said, “What can I give you?”

6 Solomon responded, “You’ve shown great love to my father David, who was your servant. He lived in your presence with truth, righteousness, and commitment. And you continued to show him your great love by giving him a son to sit on his throne today.

7 “Lord my God, although I’m young and inexperienced, you’ve made me king in place of my father David. 8 I’m among your people whom you have chosen. They are too numerous to count or record. 9 Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord  was pleased that Solomon asked for this. 11 God replied, “You’ve asked for this and not for a long life, or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies. Instead, you’ve asked for understanding so that you can do what is right. 12 So I’m going to do what you’ve asked. I’m giving you a wise and understanding heart so that there will never be anyone like you. 13 I’m also giving you what you haven’t asked for—riches and honor—so that no other king will be like you as long as you live. 14 And if you follow me and obey my laws and commands as your father David did, then I will also give you a long life.”

41 Every year Jesus’ parents would go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When he was 12 years old, they went as usual.

43 When the festival was over, they left for home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents didn’t know it. 44 They thought that he was with the others who were traveling with them. After traveling for a day, they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they didn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.

46 Three days later, they found him in the temple courtyard. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 His understanding and his answers stunned everyone who heard him. 48 When his parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!”

49 Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.

51 Then he returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them.

His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favor from God and people.