What are some examples of life situations we face that aren’t necessarily moral choices? (Exs: decisions about love, marriage, family, career, leisure, etc.) Why is wisdom important when we face decisions like these?
Other than from God and His Word, what are some places people might look for wisdom on how to face the situations mentioned?
The Book of Proverbs deals with many of life’s basic concerns. The book stresses the value of wisdom and the benefits we gain from following wisdom. Although the world offers many “answers” to our quest for wisdom, our first stop should always be to consider God and the wisdom in His Word. All of life is to be submitted to God’s direction.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
Proverbs 3:1-4 NLT
What are the commands given to the young man in this passage? What is the promised result of each of those commands?
Wisdom is attained through the mastery of God’s Word. Scripture is the center of all we do as the body of Christ, and it is the Book by which we live the Christian life. The Bible is from God, reveals God, and teaches truth. Only through the study and application of God’s Word do we learn how to live for God and share His love with the world.
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT
In what areas of your life does Scripture prove profitable? How? Have you noticed a change in these areas when you haven’t been actively consuming God’s Word?
What does Scripture equip us to do? How does this work?
David called The Word of God “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). It’s profitable to teach, so it’s profitable to learn from. Rebuking and correcting also make it useful for preventing—there’s no need to be rebuked or corrected if you never did something in the first place. The Bible, when actively consumed, provides us all we need to mature in our faith, a process that God designed to happen in the community of His church. Committing ourselves to the discipline of study is a sure step toward attaining wisdom.
In the Proverbs 3 passage we read, above… It says “never let loyalty and kindness leave you.” Why these two things important? How do you know if someone has these two things?
Why would these two traits be associated with being wise? What connection do they have to knowing God and His Word?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
What three items did the author of Proverbs 3:5-6 suggest would improve a person’s relationship with God? What would be the result if believers committed themselves to this type of living?
What does it look like to trust in the Lord with all your heart? Why is this so challenging for us to do?
What are some specific areas of your life in which it is easy to trust God? In which is it harder?
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NLT
Other translations might say the “first fruits.” This one says “the best part of everything.” What does that mean for me and you today?
What’s the difference between giving to the Lord from the first portion of your income rather than the last?
What do we communicate to God when we live for His kingdom rather than the world? What do we communicate to the world?
My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT
What are the commands given to the young man in this passage? What is the promised result of each of those commands?
The writer of this proverb challenges us to accept God’s discipline with patience, knowing its purpose is for our greater good. To ask God to refrain from giving us discipline would be to ask Him to love us less.
I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Revelation 3:10 NLT
Why does God rebuke His children? How does the Lord’s discipline relate to His blessing?
Typically when we hear “discipline” we think about the relationship between a parent and a child. It could mean a time out, a spanking, or a stern conversation, but it carries with it the idea of helping the child grow and become a better person. As with any loving parent, God’s discipline is often painful and never fun, but the brokenness it brings is necessary for change. Being open to His discipline for the sake of spiritual growth and renewal shows wisdom on our part.
How are you pursuing wisdom in your life right now? What step can you take this week based on our discussion?
How can our group help one another treasure and submit to God’s Word?
Close your group meeting in prayer. Praise God for who He is and how He is working in your midst. Ask Him to give your group and our church a recognition of dependency on Him and His wisdom.