Genesis 4:17-26 Psalm 49:16-20 Proverbs 2:1-5 Luke 2:1-20 Audio Bible Reading Plan

**Genesis 4:17-26**:
This passage continues the account of Cain after he is marked by God and settles in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain builds a city, naming it after his son Enoch. The passage then lists the descendants of Cain, culminating in Lamech, who takes two wives and boasts to them about killing a man for injuring him, declaring that if Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times. This genealogy introduces several cultural advancements through Lamech’s sons, including pastoralism, music, and metallurgy. Meanwhile, Adam and Eve have another son named Seth, who represents a new hope. Seth has a son named Enosh, and it is noted that at this time people began to call on the name of the Lord.

**Psalm 49:16-20**:
This portion of Psalm 49 warns against fearing the wealthy when they grow richer and more powerful, for they cannot take their wealth with them in death—nor can their riches redeem them. The psalmist emphasizes that, despite their wealth, they will die just like the beasts. This passage highlights the futility of placing trust in riches and underscores the common destiny of all humans, which is death, suggesting that true value is not found in material wealth.

**Proverbs 2:1-5**:
These verses encourage the pursuit of wisdom by valuing and seeking it as one would seek silver or hidden treasures. The passage promises that if one listens to wisdom, stores up commandments, turns their ear to wisdom, and applies their heart to understanding, then they will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. It emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge come from God and are granted to those who earnestly seek them with all their heart.

**Luke 2:1-20**:
This narrative describes the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus requiring everyone in the Roman Empire to register in their ancestral town. Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Mary gives birth to Jesus and places him in a manger because there is no room for them in the inn. Nearby shepherds are visited by an angel who announces the Savior's birth, describing it as good news of great joy for all people. A multitude of angels appears, praising God. The shepherds visit Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, and afterward, they spread the word about what they had witnessed. Mary treasures these events in her heart. The shepherds return glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.