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.
Though it is part of our sinful nature to rebel against God, His commands are more than rules. They are one of the primary ways He has revealed His character. The commands of God help us know who He is and what He values for the children He loves.
Reflection Questions:
According to these proverbs, what purpose do God’s commands serve in the life of a Christian?
Where do you find yourself starting to “run wild” (Proverbs 29:18)? What do you think drives in us the desire to live without instruction?
Are you willing to receive correction and reproof? If so, under what circumstances and from whom? If not, why?
Thank you Forrest B for your encouragement in mothering with goodness and truth! Mother of an almost 3 year old boy and 3.5 month old baby girl ❤️
Amen, Carol Van Dyk! ❤️
Yes yes yes, Joanna Griffin. Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️
Divine instruction is what gives us TRUE freedom
To gain favor, expose what is in your heart and seek Him.
I remember listening to Andy Stanley interview another Atlanta pastor and his wife this summer, where the statement was made: “We’ve made an idol out of certainty”. I run wild when I try to control my day to a goal of perfection and control the chaos. God wants time with us to reflect on His character and love for us revealed in scripture. This study beautifully reminds me where my first love is and how I desire to return to time spent in scripture, prayer, listening to my Fathers voice. In the mornings where I sit still with Jesus, certainty in my life is not the goal, but certainty in Our Fathers sovereignty and His love fills me with peace beyond words.
I loved this week’s SRT podcast prayer: Father, command my soul.
Very well said Carol! “I run wild when I try to control my day to a goal of perfection and control the chaos.”
Day.4. According to these proverbs, what purpose do God’s commands serve in the life of a Christian?
`They are a lamp, a light, or how I like to see them a direction post to tell us the way to go/the way of life. To give clarity and help us on the way to God and His wisdom, love and truth.
Where do you find yourself starting to “run wild” (Proverbs 29:18)? What do you think drives in us the desire to live without instruction?
`I find myself “run wild” when everything is ok, then I wander off from the words of God. Not that it is on purpose, but I become slacking in my bible studies. and become taken up by the world and all it’s distractions, and lose or do not think as much about the rules and guidelines that God has given us. I think that “desire” is not as much of a desire as it is a voice, a whisper of the evil one to lead us away from the instructions that would lead us to God end the everlasting life with Him.
Are you willing to receive correction and reproof? If so, under what circumstances and from whom? If not, why?
`I’m very VERY stubborn. I learn by making mistakes and some (most) times getting stuck to the point of not being able to get out before I ask for help. So I find it also very hard to take corrections, especially when I feel like there is nothing wrong or that I did a good job, And I don’t know why. I wish I was one of those people who could, and I do pray to the Lord to correct me when I’m on a wrong pad or thoughts.
I don’t know if anyone reads this but it helps me to post it, it’s feels lile more of a commitment this way. And please if I’m wrong or there is some thing missing please tell me I’m ready to learn.
Recently, I heard a sermon talking about how it’s easy to “run wild” (although the pastor said a different phrasing) when things are going well in our life. If everything is easy-peasy, we are caught up in the world & distracted. When things are going well it’s important to remember to THANK God for the blessings & not to run wild.
Yes! I agree. May we carry the lessons learned in the valley close at heart when we are standing on mountain tops. May we learn to need Him in seasons of plenty the way we did in seasons of despair.