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Get Wisdom

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. PROVERBS 19:3 NLT

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path. PROVERBS 2:6-9 ESV

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. PROVERBS 4:7 NIV

God’s word is a life or death pursuit

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death. PROVERBS 8:35-36 ESV

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. PROVERBS 14:27 ESV

I must stop making excuses and start making an effort

God promises to help us understand his word

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. PROVERBS 2:6 ESV

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. JOHN 16:13 NLT

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. HEBREWS 4:12 NIV

The life I want comes from knowing and obeying God’s word

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. PROVERBS 3:1-2 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, setting aside any burdens from the day. When you are ready, invite God to help you be real with yourself and him during this time. As you consider godly wisdom, what things come to mind? Are there any areas in your life where you feel hindered in growing in wisdom? Ask God to reveal any areas where perhaps your head and your heart might be misaligned and therefore getting in the way of growing in wisdom. Ask God for insight into what these specific obstacles might be. Lastly, thank God for the wisdom he has given you that has spared you from “the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27 NLT). Thank God for his protection over your life, as well as his grace and mercy as you pursue him more. Write down your reflections in the space below, sharing with the group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine any areas of your heart where you might be needing wisdom. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: Describe a time when either you or someone you know received blessings before they had the wisdom to handle them well. How did that affect their life and relationships?
  3. REAL WITH SELF: When times get tough and it feels like the world is crashing in on you, what do you find yourself turning to?

  4. REAL WITH GOD: Read Hebrews 4:12 NIV. Describe a time when you were reading scripture and God revealed something new about himself or you in the process. What was that experience like?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: Often we don’t realize that we’re “swimming in the deep end” of life. Read Proverbs 14:27 ESV. What gets in the way of you seeing God’s word as a life-or-death pursuit?
  6. TAKE ACTION: Read Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV. Once we understand that the life we truly desire actually comes from understanding God’s word, we find the internal motivation to read more of it. Given the many ways we can engage with scripture in today’s world, what is one practical way you can read the Bible this week?