Break the ice. If you could sit down with the wisest person on earth, what would you ask?

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Read Proverbs 9:7-12.

7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked person incurs injury. 8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise person, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

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Discuss the text. In Chapter 9 Solomon presents a decision to his son: Two roads diverge. He is faced with two clearly defined roads, with two very different outcomes. At the crossroad, both Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly call out, beckon and wait for a response to their invitation.

1. How can we be confident which invitation we accept, which path we are on, whose house we are entering? How does the fear of the Lord motivate us to choose wisdom over folly?
2. What are some ways you misunderstand humility? How does abiding with Christ empower you to embrace humility?
3. Where do you see pride in your life keeping you from the path of wisdom?

We want to live in God’s world in God’s ways. Praying scripture gives us an alert mind, actively listening to the passage and looking for God. It is a way of intentionally focusing our hearts and our minds to receive love from God on any page of the Bible and to be encouraged in Christ.

Pray Scripture. Read Proverbs 9 again out loud, and as you listen, consider these questions: What is an attribute of God to praise? What is a mindset to correct? What can you practice from the passage? What is a sin to confess and repent?

Close by praying through two specific verses below.

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” (v. 10)

* Pause to praise God that he is wise. He gives wisdom freely to those who choose him. Talk with God about any uncertainty, decision or concern, trusting the Spirit to counsel and give wisdom.

“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” (v. 17) indicates secret sin.

* Pause to confess sin to God who knows all things - hidden or seen, spoken or thought, secret or disclosed. What has to be forsaken to be wise and have life?