Podcast

Sermon Notes

How To Be Wise  

Proverbs 1:1-7

 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

² To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
³ to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
⁴ to give prudence to the simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the youth—
⁵ Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance,
⁶ to understand a proverb and a saying,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.
⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
    fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Who?  SOLOMON (v 1)

What?  A Collection Of PROVERBS

Proverb: “A short saying that expresses a universal truth for practical, righteous living.”

Why?  To Make Us WISE  (vs 2-7)

How to Become Wise…

• FEAR The Lord

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Matthew 10:28
²⁸ And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

• FOLLOW The Lord

Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 1:20-33

• Make wisdom a PRIORITY  (Proverbs 2:1-22)

Proverbs Reading Plan… One Chapter A Day

• What applies to me today?
• Where have I seen this in others?
• Where have I experienced this?  

Weekly Discussion Questions:

Read Proverbs 1:1-7

START THINKING. 
 Ask these questions to get your LifeGroup thinking.

• Have a few of the group share some of the dumbest things they have ever done.  Looking back, what would they have done differently?
• Pastor Matt shared that most of what we learn is through the paying of the dumb tax.  Would you rather have to pay it yourself, or let someone else pay it for you and learn from them?

START TALKING.
Ask these questions to get your LifeGroup talking.
Read Proverbs 1:7 again

• What is the difference between a proverb and a promise?  How does that impact how you read the book of Proverbs?
• How do we use God as consultant?
• What is your response to this idea of “fearing God” vs  just thinking that God is loving and gracious and wants what is best for us? (see Matthew 10:28)
• What is the problem with presuming God’s grace vs accepting God’s grace?

 Read Proverbs 1:20-23

• What are your thoughts on God’s response and the importance of fearing and following God?
• How can you make searching for wisdom a priority in your life?
• Response… Will you commit to reading one Proverb a day for the summer?

START SHARING. 
Ask these questions to get your LifeGroup sharing.
Read Proverbs 1:20-33

• What are your thoughts to God’s response and the importance of fearing and following God?
• How can you make searching for wisdom a priority in your life?
• Response… Will you commit to reading one Proverb a day for the summer?

START PRAYING.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth of your Word and that as a loving Father you offer us your wisdom to benefit and bless our life.  Help us to have a healthily fear and respect of you as Holy God, but also a growing love for you as our Heavenly Father.  Give us wisdom this week.  Help us to seek it diligently!  In Jesus name, AMEN.