This series explores the book of Proverbs, focussing on how God's wisdom shapes our everyday lives. Through these studies, we aim to grow in understanding, humility, and reverence for God, learning what it means to live wisely in a complex world.

Looking Back

Together pray the first part of the Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."

• In what way does this prayer speak to you or help you? What circumstances?
• When have you felt serene, calm and self-controlled? What enabled this?
• How has your faith in God helped you in making decisions lately?

Looking Up

Today we can become easily distracted by many things: constant notifications, FOMO (fear of missing out), divided attention, etc. To be wise is to put first things first, to establish important priorities and to act accordingly.

How do you respond to these statements:

• The enemy of the best is sometimes the good. (You could choose a good thing, which is perhaps comfortable, when a wiser choice would be better and more challenging).
• Being efficient is not necessarily being effective. (An effective thing done reasonably well is more fruitful than an unnecessary thing done perfectly and efficiently).
• To fail to plan is to plan to fail.

In what way do any of these apply to you? Have you ever suffered from the paralysis of indecision or keep postponing an important decision?

Read Proverbs 16:1-3, 19:20-21, 24:27

• What stands out for you in these verses?
• To what extent do you plan your life? What governs your plans? What motives are present?
• Are you more a planner or a responder, perhaps flying by the seat of your pants? Why do you think this is?
• What part does God have in your plans and decision making?

Read Luke 10:38-42

• What in this instance is the difference between the posture and action of the two sisters?
• What is Jesus conveying to Martha?
• How do you determine when to be present and when to perform?

Looking Ahead

• What is an area of your life now where you need God's wisdom?
• Who could you ask to speak wisdom into your life – someone you respect and whose counsel you value?
• What plans, big or small, do you wish to take to God for guiding wisdom?
• What practical insight can you take away from this study and discussion?

Prayer

Pray together the second part of the Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr:

"Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen"

Add your own prayers, especially praying for guidance in the choices we make and the priorities that guide them.