Someone once said that we must read the Psalms to learn how to interact with God and the Proverbs to learn how to interact with our fellow humans. Perhaps that is a simplistic generalization, but the thought can guide us into a deeper appreciation for both of these important books of the Bible.

Much of the book of Psalms is about worship. Worship can be difficult to define, but it is the practice of directing our attention to God in a way that gives him the honor and glory that only he deserves. The Psalm writers have a beautiful way of expressing devotion to God. Here is just a small sample of such verses:

“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.”—47:1.

“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.”—89:1.

“Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.”—99:9.

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”—136:26.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”—150:6.

People who spend a lot of time reading and reflecting on the Psalms will inevitably have their minds focused on God and be inspired to worship him in many and various ways.

Wisdom is the main theme of Proverbs. It says so right in the introduction. This book is “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and fair.” (1:2-3).

There are many subjects addressed in Proverbs: the value of honest work, financial matters, remaining sexually pure, being kind, accepting discipline, anger issues, family matters, making plans for your life, listening to good advice, maintaining healthy thought processes and the various ways that our words can impact other people.

Those who frequently meditate on the teachings of the Proverbs have a much better chance of interacting with others in a way that would be pleasing to God and a blessing to those around them.

While I have treated worship and wisdom as two different subjects, they really go hand in hand. Those who are wise know that they are to worship God, and those who worship God will grow in their wisdom. In all of this, God will be exalted and the people around us will be blessed.

There are 150 chapters in Psalms and 31 chapters in Proverbs. You can easily read through both books in a month’s time by reading 5 Psalms and 1 chapter of Proverbs each day. Why don’t you give it a try?