This week, we begin to see this beautiful illustration of how embracing wisdom and living out these truths brings about a prosperous and blessed life. Yet, on the contrary, when we fall into the path of foolishness and the ways of the wicked, it causes grave consequences, leading to spiritual death. The continuous comparisons in these chapters offer us a glimpse of two very different lives. Let’s discover how our choices have consequences and what we can expect when we strive to live a righteous life.
Day 8: Wisdom’s Call
Prayer Prompt
As you open up The Word today, invite God into this time through prayer, asking Him to reveal truth and wisdom, personally speaking to you as you gain clarity.
Read and Respond
Read Proverbs 8:1-36. We are immediately hit with a stark contrast from the previous three chapters that centered on the warnings of adultery and foolishness. In chapter eight, “Lady Wisdom” emerges and brings forth this radiant brilliance, blending both emotional responses and poetic imagery with a call to live differently than the world. What do you first notice when you read this chapter?
Reflect and React
This chapter is broken into four main parts as Lady Wisdom dispenses knowledge with a cry for us to be attentive and actively listen.
- Proverbs 8:6-10 states that we must choose wise instruction over the tempting treasures of this world.
- Proverbs 8:12-21 says that to be wise, we must fear the Lord and detest evil. It goes on to say that we cannot be prideful and love the Lord.
- Proverbs 8:22-31 tells us that wisdom was created from the beginning of time and woven into the fabric of this Earth.
- Proverbs 8:32-36 gives a promise that those who seek and heed this wisdom will live a blessed life.
What if we replaced the word “wisdom” with Christ? In Colossian 2:3, Paul tells us that all wisdom and knowledge is hidden in Christ. Keep that in the forefront of your mind as you continue on.
Day 9: Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
Start with prayer and then read Proverbs 9:1-18.
Respond
In this chapter, we are given two vastly different invitations. In Proverbs 9:1-12 we are invited into this simple yet well-kept and nice home where a table is neatly spread with lavish meat and well-mixed wine. All was prepared by a gracious host. This woman is ready to serve and attend to our needs, all the while opening up her heart and sharing a wealth of wisdom.
In Proverbs 9:13-18 we are invited to an unknown place where the woman sits at the door coaxing us to come inside. Her words come with confusion and are filled with haunting secrets, yet her tactics are infused with a tinge of curiosity as she imitates wisdom and asks all the “simple folks” to come inside.
Upon reading these two invitations, what are your initial thoughts?
Reflect and React
Once again, we see this glaringly obvious contrast between wisdom and folly. One woman prepares her home with love and grace, even noting that it is built upon seven pillars. The number seven is often the significant symbol of holiness, completion, or perfection.
While the other, “house of folly,” is deceptive, dismal, and dark. This host is not welcoming but rather shows her ignorance as she chants lies and indecent ramblings from her doorway. If you dare get close, there is a stench that protrudes into the streets as a symbol of this woman’s moral decay, giving us a final warning to stay out (Proverbs 9:18)!
The bottom line is that we can choose to be a guest at the table of the wise or the doorstep of a fool. Friend, this is also a message for us and our behavior as we can’t claim to be wise, then live foolishly (Proverbs 9:12). In Matthew 18:8, Jesus tells us that temptations are a part of this life, but we must choose carefully and even go as far as to cut anything out of our lives that causes us to sin. Is there something in your life that is tempting you to sin or causing you to act in sheer foolishness or carelessness? Give it to God and seek His grace, then ask for His guidance and wisdom in charting a path back to the house of the righteous.
Scripture to Memorize: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
(Once again, we see the importance of fearing the Lord and how that steers us on a path to wisdom. Do you remember where a similar verse was found last week? It was also a memory verse.
Day 10: The Beginning of Proverbs of Solomon
Prayer
God,
Thank you for the wisdom You so graciously provide us in The Word. Continue to open my mind, soften my heart, and convict me of places in my life where I need to seek Your mercy and grace.
Amen.
Read and Respond
Proverbs 10:1-32. The first nine Proverbs are primarily seen as an introduction to wisdom, but in this chapter, we begin to hear Solomon’s wise words for his son (and us) and continue to use “Lady Wisdom” as the teacher. As you read this chapter, what first stood out to you?
Reflect and React
Over the next thirteen chapters, we will continue to see this distinction between Godly wisdom and worldly foolishness. It begins with the nature of our relationships. Solomon states that a wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. This is insinuating that our choices not only affect us but others as well.
Solomon continues to give practical lessons about life, many of which we have already read about before in previous chapters, but once again, driving home the importance of choosing wisely. Do you see the parallels? Note that these verses are not promises from God, but guidelines given to us in order to live a righteous life. They bring peace, stability, and security. They bear blessings and the gift of longevity. Do any of these verses bring you comfort today?
Day 11: Integrity and Honesty
Begin with prayer. Read Proverbs 11:1-31.
Respond
Chapter eleven emphasizes the importance of maintaining our integrity in our words, thoughts, and deeds while also being honest with ourselves and others. As we walk with the knowledge of truth and display honorable traits, we foster healthy relationships and bring others to Christ. On the other hand, we can also sadly choose to taint our testimony and shatter our relationships with foolish decisions that gain us nothing but a bad reputation.
Reflect and React
Breaking this chapter down.
Proverbs 11:1-8 tells us to be honest, humble, and faithful when it comes to our relationships.
Proverbs 11:9-14 gives a directive to watch our words or know when to stay quiet. Dispensing wisdom breeds peace, but other times, it won’t be received well, so silence may be needed to avoid stirring division. We must use discernment and build trust with others, especially as a community of believers.
Proverbs 11:15 commands us to use discretion when helping others with their debts as it can lead to our own financial ruin. This is also touched again in Proverbs 11:24-26 as we gain clarity on how to use our money to honor God.
Proverbs 11:16-23 shares how our compassion and kindness are seen by our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 24-31 gives more warnings about the misuse of money, keeping peace in our home by building a strong unity with our family members, and living a righteous life allows us to be a witness for others to see God shining through us.
Which one of these spoke most to you? Is there an area in your life you need to tend to and come clean about before God when it comes to living with integrity and honesty?
Day 12: Giving and Receiving Wise Counsel
Pray, Read, and Respond
Begin with a personal prayer. Read Proverbs 12:1-28. As you read this chapter, consider pondering on two questions:
1. Who are you listening to and allowing to speak into your life?
2. What sort of advice are you giving to others?
Read Proverbs 12:5 and 12:18. Both share a similar sentiment and extend a wise lesson. As believers, we need to be open to listening attentively to those who give wise counsel while also being very careful in the counsel we give, ensuring that it points others back to God’s wisdom and truth. Do you feel you are receptive to counsel? What about dispensing it?
Reflect and React
Do you think our society has lost the ability to give and receive counsel? Maybe it is the fact that we have everything at our fingertips with the internet and social media. However, seeking wisdom in this manner comes with a huge void of personal connection. The truth is that we all need faithful mentors and others to speak into our lives and build us up. That only comes from a faith-filled community to lean on. Do you currently have that type of community?
Did you know that God holds us responsible for seeking Biblical counsel while also being held accountable for what we say to others? How are you giving and receiving wise counsel?
Day 13: Love = Discipline
Pray
God,
I long to be a faithful servant and to live in a way that honors You. Grant me the ability to find favor in Your eyes as I seek to grow in my faith and immerse myself in Your Word today.
Amen.
Read and Respond
Read Proverbs 13:1-25. As we dig into this chapter, we are once again met with nuggets of truth and wise words to live by, from heeding our parents’ instruction and having a peaceful mind to warnings about guarding our mouth and not allowing pride to rule over us. According to God, love comes in the form of discipline (Proverbs 12:24). What are your initial thoughts on this chapter?
Reflect and React
Read Proverbs 13:12. This verse really gets to the heart of our human nature. We all have hopes and dreams, goals and aspirations. However, in order to achieve these goals that are often placed on our hearts by God, we must have discipline. That comes with an appetite for hard work, by living within our means, and seeking good advice from others who have chartered a similar course and have proved successful. What dreams, goals, or hopes do you hold for your future? Are you choosing to be wise and disciplined enough to follow God’s instruction manual for success?
Day 14: Self-Awareness Grows Us
Prayer Prompt
Open your heart to God today and ask Him to reveal the verses that have already been mentioned. Is there something God wants you to tuck in your heart and reflect upon? Seek His guidance as you pray.
Read and Respond
Proverbs 14:1 states that a wise woman builds up her house, rather than tearing it down. The wise woman knows that building a home takes hard work, diligence, effort, and great care. Building also comes with a continuous effort to pour into those that she loves, such as her husband, children, and those that step foot into her home. In contrast, the foolish woman destroys her home with idle hands, a lack of effort, and carelessness.
As you read the lessons in this chapter on wisdom and folly, is there one (or more) that stands out to you?
Reflect and React
Where there is no effort made, there will be no progress. We cannot expect to have strong marriages, obedient children, or even faithful friends if we aren’t pouring our time and energy into them. While no relationship is perfect, we must recognize that the only person we can change is ourselves. How are you meeting the needs of others and building up your relationships, and where are there areas for improvement?
Scripture to Memorize
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1
Click here for the Introduction to the Study.
Click here for Part 1 of the Study.
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