The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
On a purely intellectual level, the concepts of seeking counsel, remaining teachable, and exploring what we do not understand make perfect sense. But because we are proud, our hearts often tense up at the suggestion that we have much to learn. The way of wisdom is about more than simply obtaining new information. It’s about living as part of a community where we gladly regard one another as valuable.
Reflection Questions:
What does it look like to walk with wise people (Proverbs 13:20)? How is this something you are doing, or could do, in your life?
How do you react when people try to tell you what you should do? How do you react to a command from God that you’re not particularly fond of?
Think about the people who have counseled and instructed you. Are you becoming someone who has counsel and instruction to give? Is there anyone in your life right now who needs your wisdom, experience, or counsel?
These verses really stuck out to me today as this is a daily struggle for me. Seeking counsel and wisdom is hard when you feel you should be in control and should be able to do things without help. God is really working in my life on this right now – both at work and in my personal life. Proverbs 19:20 and 11:14 are the two verses from the reading today that really spoke to me.