Wisdom For Life – Part 1
Wise Choices
Introduction
This week we begin a new series in Proverbs, exploring what it means to live wisely. Pastor Tim highlighted two themes that run throughout the book: the fear of the Lord and the condition of the human heart. Proverbs teaches that wise living begins with wise decisions. Because our choices shape the direction of our lives, King Solomon gives us four important questions to help us make wise choices that honour God and bless others. As we grow in wisdom, God shapes our hearts and helps us become the kind of people who consistently make wise choices.
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Discuss
Facilitators: Choose 3-4 questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading, there no need to answer all questions.
Am I being honest with myself?
- Read Proverbs 11:3. How does integrity help guide our decisions? Why can self-deception be one of the greatest barriers to wise decisionmaking?
- Pastor Tim described integrity as choosing courage over comfort, cost over convenience, and practising our values rather than simply talking about them. Where might God be inviting you to greater honesty or integrity?
Is there a tension I need to acknowledge?
- Read Proverbs 20:27. How can God use our conscience to reveal areas of our lives that need attention? 4. Read Ephesians 4:31-32. Is there tension, conflict, or an unresolved issue in a relationship that God may be asking you to acknowledge or address?
- Sometimes we feel we have failed if the person we are speaking to does not respond the way we hoped. Yet, how does Paul’s reminder that it is
God who brings growth (1 Corinthians 3:6) reshape how we see success?
What do the people important to me need from me?
- Read Proverbs 17:17. Who are you trustworthy for?
- Read John 13:34-35. How can we build trust and demonstrate Christ’s love through everyday actions?
What do the people important to me need from me?
- Read Proverbs 10:7. How do the decisions we make today shape our faith, family, and future? How might a wise choice in a decision you are currently facing become a blessing to others?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Who in your life is facing an important decision right now? It may be a family member, friend, colleague, neighbour, or someone in your church community. Ask God to show you how you can encourage them through prayer, wisdom, and support. Pray for them by name this week and ask the Holy Spirit to guide them as they seek God’s direction in making wise choices.
Respond
Wisdom is not simply about getting every decision right. It is about becoming the kind of person who seeks God, listens to His voice, loves others well, and considers the impact of their choices. As we grow in the fear of the Lord, our hearts are shaped by His wisdom, and our decisions begin to reflect His character. This week, prayerfully consider a decision you are currently facing. Ask yourself the four questions from the sermon, then entrust the outcome to God. Pray the Apostle Paul’s prayer from Ephesians Chapter 1, that you would know both the spirit of wisdom and the spirit of revelation, trusting that your Heavenly Father is with you and will guide your steps.
Wisdom For Life – Part 2
Wisdom in Relationships
Introduction
Relationships are among God’s greatest gifts, yet they are also one of life’s greatest challenges. Whether in marriage, family, friendships, church or the workplace, healthy relationships require more than good intentions. They require godly wisdom and discernment. Proverbs teaches that “the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom,” reminding us that the better we know God, the better we understand ourselves and others. This study explores how growing in our relationship with God shapes every other relationship in our lives.
Read: |
Discuss
Facilitators: Choose 3-4 questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading, there no need to answer all questions.
- Genesis 2:24 says, “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” A healthy relationship is based not on seeking wholeness through another person but on finding wholeness in Christ. In what practical ways can we centre our identity and completeness in Christ, rather than looking to others to meet our deepest needs? What problems may arise if we expect another person to ‘complete’ us?
- The book of Proverbs repeatedly states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 8:13, 10:27, 14:26-27, 15:16). How else does the fear the Lord help us? What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? How does growing in your knowledge of God’s character help you make wiser decisions and build healthier relationships?
- What is discernment and why is it important when it comes to relating with others? How does one grow in discernment? See also 1 Corinthians 12:10.
- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). Think of a time when someone lovingly corrected you. What made it easier, or harder, to receive their words? How can we become the kind of friend who both gives and receives correction with grace?
- Showing wisdom in relationships includes building the other up through generous sharing. This is about far more than money – it includes encouragement, kindness, time and service. How can a person be generous in spirit? What would the opposite of this look like?
- Choosing wise influences is a key to wisdom; as it says in Proverbs 13:20, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” When it comes to wisdom, who has had the greatest influence on you? Are there relationships or influences that draw you away from God’s wisdom? What changes might God be prompting you to make?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
How would you describe your relationship with your ‘person of peace’? Are there any areas you need to adjust to make this relationship better so that you can read the Bible with them effectively? If there isn’t such a person yet, commit to keep praying for a person of peace to engage with.
Respond
This week, intentionally place your relationship with God first. Spend time each day in Scripture and prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where you need greater wisdom or healing. Choose one relationship that needs attention – whether through forgiveness, encouragement, confession, reconciliation or simply serving that person with love. As you grow in your knowledge of God, trust Him to transform the way you relate
to others. Healthy relationships begin with hearts that are continually being shaped by Christ. What is one area that needs your attention in order to promote healthy and wise relationships?
Wisdom For Life – Part 3
Wisdom in Wealth
Introduction
This week Pastor Mark reminded us that money is meant to be a tool, not a master. From the book of Proverbs, we saw three ways to practice wisdom with our wealth. Firstly, give wisely and honour God with your first and best, not leftovers. Secondly, share wisely and use your God-given blessings to bless others. Thirdly, possess wisely and cultivate contentment. The question for each one of us is this: Is my wealth serving God’s purposes, or competing for God’s place in my heart?
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Discuss
Leaders: Choose 3 or 4 questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- Refer to Proverbs 23:4–5. The sermon began with, “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.” In our culture, how are people tempted to “wear themselves out” chasing wealth? Have you ever experienced this yourself?
- Refer to Philippians 4:11–13; Paul says he learned the secret of contentment. Why do you think contentment is something we learn rather than something that comes naturally? What has God been teaching you in your current season?
- Refer to 1 Timothy 6:6–10. The sermon reminded us that “There’s nothing wrong with having possessions, but it’s dangerous when possessions begin to possess us.” How can we tell when something we own has started to possess our heart?
- Refer to Matthew 6:24–34. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow because our heavenly Father knows what we need. What worries or pressures make it difficult for you to trust God with your finances, career, or future?
- Refer to Ecclesiastes 5:10–12. Advertisements constantly tell us that buying more will make us happier, more successful, or more comfortable. What messages from the culture do you find yourself believing, and how does God’s Word challenge those messages?
- Refer to Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed…” The sermon asked, “Who is mastering whom?” In your own life, what could easily become your “cricket bat” – that is, something that quietly competes for your attention, affection, or trust?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
God invites us to use what He has given us for His Kingdom. What is one practical way you can “possess wisely” this week through generosity, hospitality or serving others? Is this something you could share with your person of peace?
Respond
Wealth is not evil in itself, rather it is the “love for money which is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). If we learn to steward wealth wisely, this can greatly resource the expansion of God’s Kingdom to bring the good news and hope to many more people. Neither is wealth meant to be a substitute for dependence on God. If Jesus is truly enough, what is one thing you can loosen your grip on this week so you can hold onto Him more tightly?