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What does it mean to fear the Lord and be wise? The book of Proverbs helps us understand how to live by God's wisdom. It teaches us that true wisdom isn't just knowing the right thing to do––it's about doing it. But how do we know what the right decisions are in every situation? The Scriptures show us that God understands what is good and bad in the world. So to be wise, we must first recognize that our own perspectives are limited and God knows what we can't comprehend. This humble dependence is called the “fear of the Lord,” and it's where all wisdom starts. From this posture of reliance, we can begin to learn from God and live in light of his wisdom. So what does God say is wise? Jesus shows us the way. He perfectly embodies God's wisdom and summarizes what it means by calling us to love others as he loved us.
Bible Reading Proverbs 1:1-7
Reflection Questions 1.What is one specific decision that impacts others that you are weighing right now?
- Has Jesus faced a decision that impacted others in a similar way? How did he wisely love others with his choice?
- With all this in mind, what would it look like to wisely love others with your decision?
Show Credits
Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle Jones Production: Dan Gummel Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: Pete Johnson, Reflections
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Reflect
Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.
- What is one specific decision that impacts others that you are weighing right now?
- Has Jesus faced a decision that impacted others in a similar way? How did he wisely love others with his choice?
- With all this in mind, what could it look like to wisely love others with your decision?
Go Deeper
If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.
Message Question
How did Tim’s message challenge or encourage you today?
Read: Proverbs 1:1-7
The book of Proverbs helps us understand that our perspective is limited and that we must humbly look to God for wisdom. Proverbs calls this dependence “the fear of the Lord” and it’s where all wisdom starts. It’s from this humble posture that we can begin to learn from God and live in light of his wisdom. So what does God say is wise? Jesus shows us the way. He perfectly embodies God’s wisdom and summarizes what it means by calling us to love others as he loved us.
- Review verse 3. Identify one piece of wisdom that you initially struggled to act on but learned to live out. How would you describe that process? Specifically, what was key in helping you break through to action?
- Review verse 5 as you consider the relationship between listening and wisdom. What qualities and habits are needed to be a good listener? What are some obstacles to good listening? What would it take to overcome these obstacles?
- Compare today’s passage with Adam and Eve’s relationship to God’s wise counsel (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7). What do you notice? How can deceit obscure or redefine what is wise? How can the fear of the LORD overcome deceit?
- Take some time to pray now. Celebrate God’s wisdom, admit any challenges revealed during your reflection time, and receive the encouragement and power of God’s Spirit to act on what you’ve learned today.