The Need for Wisdom: Proverbs Pt.1
Sermon Summary
Pastor Mick Murray opened our summer series through Proverbs, asking the question, "Where are we spurning wisdom today that might lead to burning the house down in the future?" Drawing from Proverbs 1:1-7, he defined wisdom as hearing God's Word and walking in His ways, a definition that finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, whom Paul calls "the wisdom of God."
He unpacks what wisdom is, why we need it and how we get it. As followers of Jesus, we are commissioned to bring order out of chaos in our homes, relationships and communities, and walking in God's ways tends to produce righteousness, justice and equity. He also describes how we gain wisdom through three postures: making space to hear God through His Word and Spirit, humbly seeking guidance from trusted people who bear godly fruit and cultivating the fear of the Lord.
Key Scriptures
Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV) "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young — let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 (NIV) "See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'"
1 Corinthians 1:24 (NIV) "But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
John 15:5 (NIV) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Proverbs 22:6 (NASB1995) "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Instructions for Groups
Choose a few of these questions from the various categories to go deeper in the sermon and put the truths of Scripture into practice. You don't need to answer every question. Select the ones that will best help you engage with God's Word and apply it to your life.
Reflection Questions
Scripture Study and Deeper Understanding
1. Read Proverbs 1:1-7. Who wrote this book, to whom was it written and what was the stated purpose? What does it tell us about the original context and intent of this collection of wisdom?
2. In Deuteronomy 4:5-6, Moses tells the nation of Israel that keeping God's statutes will display their wisdom to the surrounding nations. What does this reveal about the relationship between wisdom and obedience in the Old Testament?
3. Mick Murray described wisdom throughout Scripture as "hearing God and responding to God," and Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Christ himself is "the wisdom of God." How does Jesus as the fulfillment of biblical wisdom change or deepen your understanding of what Proverbs is ultimately pointing toward?
Encouragement, Challenge and Personal Testimony
4. “Hearing God's Word and walking in His ways" are two inseparable parts. Which half tends to be harder for you personally: finding time to hear God's Word, or actually walking it out in your daily life?
5. The sermon illustration offered a powerful image: a loving father holding his frightened 18-month-old still during a painful procedure, whispering, "I know this hurts, but you're going to be okay." Has there been a season in your life where God seemed to be doing something painful that you resisted, but later recognized as necessary?
6. Mick Murray said there is likely a correlation between the peace we experience and the biblical wisdom we are walking in. Without over-spiritualizing our circumstances, where have you seen that pattern prove true in your own life or relationships?
Putting It Into Practice
7. Mick Murray shared a list of questions designed to invite honest feedback from the people around us, questions like, "What's one blind spot you think I have?" and "Do you feel safe telling me the truth?" This week, ask one of these questions to someone who knows you well.
8. The sermon challenged us to create "soul space" to hear God this summer, whether through a structured reading plan or just space to hear God. What is one specific, concrete step you will take this week to make more room to hear God's Word and His Spirit?
Prayer
9. We're going to take a focused moment to listen to the Holy Spirit and what He wants to speak to us personally based on our time in Scripture and the reflection questions. Sit in silence for 60 seconds and ask the Spirit to speak to you.
[After the minute of silence] What do you sense the Holy Spirit highlighting or speaking to you as you prayed?
10. Mick Murray closed the sermon with a pointed question: "What is the tooth that needs to come out?" What prayer requests come up for you based on our Scripture study and the reflection questions?