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.
When the Bible talks about fearing God, it means we should revere God as holy. Revering Him as holy is not a posture of hiding but a posture of drawing near.
Reflection Questions:
What do you think it means to fear God in a way that cultivates intimacy between you and Him?
What does “Don’t be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7) have to do with fearing God?
When you find yourself envying sinners (Proverbs 23:17), what specifically do you envy? What does that envy reveal about what you revere?
Yes, same here. Sometimes is just seems like “they have it so much easier” when we are dealing with the conviction of the Holy Spirit or guilt over doing something wrong. God calls us to a higher standard for our own good… but it is often painful and difficult along the way.
I really love this even though I’m a bit late
We all sin. And we all sometimes covet what looks like the easy way to gain something or get out of something. I truly cherish my walk with the Lord because now that I’m more mature I see that it’s through the hard times that I have grown spiritually and rely on him more.
I struggle with envy especially those I feel are excelling professionally/career-wise. I also struggle with comparison. This shows I revere worldly standards, pedigree and status. I also fear God in scary-fearful way. Like He is always angry and ready to met out hardship + punishment. I feel this way because growing up, my relationship with my dad was like that. I’m still scared if my earthly dad in some way and yes, I’m scared of God too.
Guide my heart Lord. I honestly and truly want to know you + focus on you and not on the world, amen.
I can relate to this. Especially the envy piece. So true that it shows and reveals more about the spaces where God needs to be let in
Jessica, it is very interesting to me that you were jealous of nonbelievers because as someone who has recently looked toward God, I envied believers. You have something greater than yourselves to put your faith into. Without God you shoulder all of the weight yourself.
Lord i seek you daily!
Yes girl! The constant struggle of social media.
Wow! This put into words exactly what I was feeling. Thank you for articulating that