DAB January 26 - 2025

Proverbs 4 is a part of the Book of Proverbs, where King Solomon advises his sons to listen to his instructions and seek wisdom above all else. The chapter highlights the benefits of wisdom in providing defense against sin, promoting a comfortable and long life, and guiding one on the right path. It contrasts the path of the righteous with the path of the wicked, urging careful attention to one's heart, words, and actions to avoid straying from wisdom.

The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition. The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.

Matthew 25 includes three significant parables spoken by Jesus. The first is 'The Parable of the Ten Virgins,' which emphasizes the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return, as five wise virgins have oil for their lamps while five foolish ones do not. The second parable is 'The Parable of the Talents,' where a master entrusts his servants with talents (a form of currency) and rewards those who use them wisely while condemning the one who does not. The third section describes the final judgment, where Jesus separates people into two groups based on their treatment of others, symbolized by the sheep and the goats.