For further reflection:
1. Read Proverbs 16:32: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.”
What is the common denominator between being slow to anger and ruling one’s spirit? In other words, what character trait do you think is necessary to practice both?
2. Read Proverbs 14:30: “A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.”
According to this verse, what is the effect of harbored anger?
3. Think about a person that is making you angry. Try slowly processing what it is you are angry about. What is it that you are defending? Bring this to God in prayer.
Anger
Proverbs: Episode 5
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Proverbs
Fearing God
For further reflection: 1. Read Isaiah 55:8-9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Then read 1 John 4:16, “God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” What two different aspects of God’s character do these verses highlight? How does the combination of these two aspects lead us to a fear of the Lord? 2. Read Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Why do you think fear of the Lord cause us to accept his wisdom and instruction? 3. What does fearing God look like in your own life right now? Do you tend to focus more on God’s superiority or God’s love?
Serenity
For further reflection: 1. Read Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” In this verse, why is trusting in God opposed to leaning on our own understanding? In other words, why can’t we be doing both things at the same time? 2. Read Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” What does it mean to acknowledge God in all our ways? 3. Where in your life are you trusting in your own perceptions instead of trusting in God?