THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Join together as a church community for The Wisdom Challenge. READ the chapter with the day of the month. For example, read Proverbs 20 on April 20. WRITE one proverb from the day’s reading in a journal or on a 3×5 card to meditate on it throughout the day. SHARE this proverb with someone. Sharing God’s Word with others reinforces it in our hearts and makes it a community event.
GROUP VALUES
This month we are focused on formative conversations. Small groups are a place to both Share Life and Pursue God. Formative conversations are when we take the practical instruction we receive from God’s truth and apply it to our lives.
GROW AS A LEADER
We are so grateful for our awesome leaders. Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to your group. We are here to help you. Let us know how we can help. Reach out to your staff contact today to connect one-on-one if there’s something we can do to help you lead in this season.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to Week 2 of our spring sermon series, The Way of the Wise. This week is all about the two prominent characters of Proverbs, the Fool and the Wise. Take turns in your group reading the verses in these translations below as you continue through your discussion.
What’s one high of the week, and what’s one low?
THE FOOL
“I’ve got this.” Proverbs 14:16 says, “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.” Thinking back over your life, when has reckless confidence led to something you didn’t want?
“Who cares! It’s fun.” Proverbs 10:23a says, “A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes.” Doing wrong can be fun, but also dangerous. How have you found yourself feeling drawn toward something that seems like a lot of fun but is dangerous physically, emotionally, spiritually or relationally?
“This time will be different.” Proverbs 26:11 says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Pride makes us think this time will be different. How have you experienced telling yourself, “this time will be different” only to find out it wasn’t?
Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” We can build or tear down our lives through the way we spend our time, invest our resources, the conversations we have, the things we post on social media and the stuff we watch. Where do you want to build instead of tear down this week?
THE WISE
Proverbs 15:31 says, “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” Looking back on your life, what are some corrections you are glad you listened to or wish you would’ve listened to?
Proverbs 9:8b says, “rebuke the wise and they will love you.” What are some reasons a wise person would love someone for correcting them?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 that a wise person who has built their life on his words can withstand the storms that will come. How have you found this to be true in this season?
WRAP UP
This week discussed the difference between the fool and the wise. It seems to come down to pride and humility. One great way to be humble is to simply say “thank you” when someone gives you advice, corrects or criticizes you. Where do you want to get better at saying “thank you” this week?
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