How can you live “the good life”? What’s standing between you and happiness here on earth?
Advertisers make their money by convincing people that their products will bring a sense of peace and satisfaction. But what can actually deliver on those promises? In the book of Proverbs, Solomon, the king of Israel, teaches his son how to live the good life—a life of wisdom.
Read Proverbs 1:1
• What is the book of Proverbs “for” (beginning of v 2)?
Proverbs wants to communicate to us the knowledge of how to live well in the world that God created. This wisdom is the key to “the good life”!
• What other words does Solomon use to describe “wisdom” in these verses?
• Are any of these words you wouldn’t tend to associate with “wisdom”?
Who needs wisdom?
• What kind of people need wisdom (v 4-5)?
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APPLY
Have a look through your life.
• Are there any decisions you’re facing, habits that you have, or relationships you’re in, that you need to seek God’s wisdom about?
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The beginning of wisdom
• What is the foundation for all wisdom (v 7)?
• How does this differ from what the world thinks about wisdom, and how you can get it?
When Proverbs talks about “the fear of the Lord”, it's thinking of a relationship where we reverently walk in obedience to God. That's why the verse uses the personal name of God (Yahweh). It’s not terror of God that we’re being called to, but rather awe of Yahweh, the great God who we know. We gain the fear of the LORD by walking in relationship with Him.
As we get to know His word, we know Him better and so we walk increasingly in wisdom.
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APPLY
• When was the last time you did something only because you knew it was God’s will?
• What does this tell you about your fear of the LORD?
Be encouraged, or be challenged!
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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Keep a record of what God is teaching you with "my bible" at biblestudytools.com
PRAY… Read James 1:5
Ask God to help you grow in wisdom today. Pray for His wisdom in how to live in any parts of your life where you’re facing trials at the moment.
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