Proverbs (Wisdom to Get Started Right)
The Smartest Man in the Room – Part 1
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
January 14, 2024
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In this new series about the wisdom literature of the Bible, we’re going to begin with one of the best-known, most loved books in the Bible and that’s the book of Proverbs. This is a book about life – your real life – your 9 to 5, day-in, day-out grind. It’s practical and chocked full of wisdom for navigating the challenges life throws our way. If you haven’t figured it out by now, it’s our choices, not chance, that determines our destiny. The message of Proverbs, taken to heart, can help you make a better future.
SERIES: The Smartest Man in the Room (Life Lessons from the Writings of Solomon)
God handed the man a blank check. He told him to ask for anything he wanted. While many of us might have asked for something else, Solomon asked for and was granted wisdom. Wisdom is God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical challenges we face in life. As part of his legacy, Solomon gifted future generations three books chocked full of wisdom for our daily lives. There is so much we can learn from the smartest man in the room.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Pastor Keith pointed out that proverbs are general truths but not necessarily absolutes. Can you think of any well-known proverbs (whether they were things you were told while you were growing up or those from the book of Proverbs) that have exceptions or caveats? If so, what are they? If you can think of any, take a few moments and google “popular proverbs in English” and discuss your thoughts about them.
2. Wisdom is defined as the skill in making life-enhancing choices. In light of that, what have been some of the wisest decisions you have made? And conversely, what are some decisions you have made that were not life-enhancing? What did you learn from both?
3. Solomon constantly reminds us of the importance of the quality of people with whom we associate. The foolish lead us down the wrong path and the wise lead us down the best path. C.S. Lewis underscored the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who are wiser than us. Who has that been for you in the past? In the present? What sort of qualities would you benefit from most in a new friend?
4. Pastor Keith shared a chart in today’s message that shows the range of the meaning of the word “fear” in the Bible. Where have you been on that continuum? Where are you now? Where would you like to be? If you are not where you desire to be, what past experiences or present struggles are proving to be an impediment?
5. The Solomon Paradox is a real issue that many of us deal with but seldom acknowledge. We know the right thing to do but we don’t do it. We have wonderful advice for our friends but struggle to apply it in our own lives and relationships. In what ways have you seen this play out in the lives of people you know or have read about? What’s the best way to counteract the Solomon Paradox? Who do you know and trust so much that you allow them to speak truth into your life even when you don’t want to hear it?