Proverbs Path
Proverbs
An Excellent Wife
December 30, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: What three contemporary ways can a Christian woman replicate specific Proverbs 31 principles? Where does the Proverbs 31 woman find motivation for her good works? What is the root, cause, or source for such altruism? Read Proverbs 31:30 and answer the following question: How important is physical beauty as compared to spiritual wisdom? Who is the closest example of feminine virtue in your life? Share her story with someone this week.
This Day…That Day
December 23, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: How do today’s actions influence tomorrow’s outcomes? List things the Bible values as eternal. As it applies to your past ask the following questions: Do I embrace, take care of, and have gratitude for my current situation? Do I take responsibility for the world that has been both given to me and created by me? Do I bring my past to bear on my present? As it applies to your future ask the following question: Who am I to serve? Where am I to be? What burden am I called to bear? How am I to influence? All things considered, what is one biblical principle living wisely today?
Livable Wisdom
December 16, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: What are the limits of self-understand or self-awareness? Do these leave you capable or incapable of knowing God? Read the five questions in Proverbs 30:4. What ultimate, existential question would you add to the list? Is it humanly possible to answer these without God? How do you define the doctrines of biblical inspiration and inerrancy? What Scripture texts would you list alongside Proverbs 30:5-6? Does God know what is needful for you? Do you trust him? Have you experienced his provision? Do you pray confidently out of your need?
Providence
December 9, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: What is providence? Are God’s providence and sovereignty identical? How do you prepare for the next day? What difference does providence make in daily planning? What was casting lots in the Bible? Give examples. Does God work through randomness? How does God’s providence relate to Romans 8:28? Is it contingent on man’s love and calling?
The Heart
December 2, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: What does Proverbs mean by “the heart of man reflects the man” (Prov. 27:19)? How do intentions become choices? What factors translate good intentions into wise choices? Do you quickly receive teaching or commands? Why does the heart resist instruction? How does the heart ’study’ how to answer (Prov. 15:28)?
Addiction
November 25, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: What is an addiction? How or why does addiction control us? How does the Bible describe addiction differently from the medical community? Did God create man to be dependent? How can this be right, good, and healthy? Share a story that agrees with Proverbs 23:32: “In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder." How would you counsel a friend or family member from the Bible in order to help them overcome an addiction?
Table Manners
November 18, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: How do you define greed? What are the dangers of greed according to Proverbs 23:1-8? Is 1 Corinthians 10:31 a remedy for greed? Why or why not? Are Christians forbidden to enjoy luxuries like exotic vacations, expensive meals, or affluent possessions? When you host, who do you invite, why do you invite them, and what is your goal in showing hospitality?
Home & Family
November 4, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: How would you describe an excellent wife? Why does Proverbs 12:4 call her the crown of her husband? Why is integrity in manhood described as a ‘walk’ in Proverbs 20:7? What role does grand-parenting play in home life? What generational, wisdom principles emerge in Proverbs? What three or four habits will make your home the most important place on earth?
Praise & Appreciation
October 28, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: How are praise and flattery distinguished from one another? Why is it appropriate to praise but inappropriate to flatter? Why did Jesus say, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their father’s to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26)? How does praise test a person’s character like a crucible or a furnace (see Proverbs 27:21)? Is it appropriate to praise yourself? Should you present yourself in the best possible light in a job interview, new relationship, or online profile?
Words
October 14, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: If words are dangerous according to Proverbs 18:21, why not just avoid talking to people? What risk and reward apply to your conversations? Which is more powerful—spoken or written words? Read Judges 8:1-3. What did Gideon accomplish with his words? Explain the expression, “stick your foot in your mouth.” What examples prove the meaning? What association does good timing have with good words?
Discipline
September 30, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: How does God discipline like a father? What two motives does Proverbs give for God's discipline? What is life like without discipline? How would you explain God's discipline to an unbeliever? Does age guarantee wisdom? Why or why not? What role does the heart play in receiving correction?
Listening
September 16, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: Since listening presumes someone is communicating, when should you speak and when should you listen? Can listening be a gift given to the speaker? How does ‘feeling heard’ affect a person? How can Christians ask questions in order to listen well? When should you stop listening to voices in social media, cable news, or other culture shapers?
Humility
September 9, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What does Proverbs mean by urging, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Prov. 3:7)? Isn’t the whole book about wisdom? If humility leads to wisdom (Prov. 11:2), why does the New Testament say knowledge puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1)? What benefits does God give to the humble? Use key words from the text. If God let you choose three ways by which he would humble you in the next 30 days, what three would you choose and why?
Health & Wellness
August 26, 2018 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: When do you laugh? What place does joke-telling and comedy have in the Christian life? What does the ‘tree of life’ symbolize in Proverbs 13:12? How does this affect the emotions and well-being? How do wise people use words? Do you use social media? How can you share good news, speak encouragement, or commend others online?