Discussion Guide: Proverbs � Part 2

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
   and the one who understands obtain guidance.

Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)

 

February 15, 2004:� �Proverbs - Part 2� by Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor College Park Church.� Pastor continued his series on Proverbs and shared that this would be a systematic study of themes that show up repetitively within the book.� Today Pastor Kim contrasted the theme of the Adulteress named �Folly� with the Purist named �Lady Wisdom� that shows up in Ch. 1, 2 and 7-9.�

 

Below is a discussion guide that will aid you in applying the message to your lives in a practical and personalized way.� This guide is designed for an opening session with your whole group, then divide into gender groups for a gender specific discussion, then gather back together for a concluding discussion, and follow-up personal application activity with a 3x5 card.

 

Read Proverbs 7 and 9 to renew your hearts with God�s Word.

 

  1. It was stated that �wisdom leaves a mark on everything we do�and so does folly.�� What are some marks of wisdom that you see in each others� lives?� Encourage each other with what you have learned to appreciate about one another.

 

  1. What are some marks of folly that you would be willing to confess to that you see in your own life?�

 

  1. In what ways are �being simple� helpful in making you receptive to God�s wisdom?� In what ways do �being simple� or �open-minded� detract from your pursuit of wisdom? (xref. Pr. 1:22-24, 29, 32)

 

In groups of like gender (guys and gals) discuss the following�

 

Men

1.      The man in Proverbs 7 is a �simple� man.� What about him makes him simple?�

 

  1. When Joseph saw the potential of being enticed to do evil, what and who did he think about?� Is this your habit when you are tempted to lust?� (xref. Genesis 39)

 

  1. Read Pr. 22:3.� Is there any potential evil in your life that you are hesitating to turn away from?� How can the group hold you accountable to keep turning from evil and re-igniting a delight in doing good?

 

Women

1.      What is it about the woman in Proverbs 7 that makes her seducing?� Is there anyone in your life that you �talk smoothly� with besides your husband?

 

  1. Is your heart at home or is your heart (your affections, your eyes, your dreams) somewhere else?� What does keeping your heart at home mean to you personally?� How can the group hold you accountable to delight in keeping your heart at home?�

 

Back together as a Group�

 

1.      Pastor Kim said there is a way to test yourself to see if you are walking in wisdom.� The test comes from Pr. 9:7-12.� As a group, test yourselves according to these descriptions of wisdom.

 

    1. How are you receiving reproof and correction?� Do you injure the person who brings it to you?

 

    1. Do you have an inclination to love or hate the person who points out areas in which you need to change?

 

    1. Are you growing in your appetite for knowledge and instruction?� How so?

 

    1. Are you reaping rewards for wisdom you�ve applied in the past?� Are you suffering because of decisions you�ve made?

 

    1. Are your decisions in life governed by a mindset toward longevity and eternity or are they governed by temporal pleasure?

 

Special Application Activity [1]

 

As a visual aid to help you in your walk with the Lord, take a 3x5 card and write down�.

 

A.      A Scripture or two (perhaps from Proverbs) that you would like to memorize, meditate upon and apply the next couple of weeks, and/or�

 

  1. A praise for answered prayer, as a continual reminder during the next couple of weeks, and/or

 

  1. A prayer requesting God�s help for a particular need in your life.� If you feel led, contact a trusted friend and ask them to pray with you, and perhaps help you in your area of need.�

 

 

 

 

 

 


[1] Application activity recommended by Joshua & Becky Harber.