Wisdom Part 3
Wisdom Part 3
Week of November 9, 2025
See full sermon here.
5-Day Devotional: Walking with Lady Wisdom
## Day 1: The Foundation of Love
**Reading:** 1 John 4:7-19
**Devotional:**
God's love is not a response to ours—it is the foundation. Before we ever confessed His name, before we ever sang a worship song, His love pursued us relentlessly. This is the bedrock of our faith. We don't earn it through perfect attendance or flawless behavior. Even when we stumble, even when we fall short, His love remains constant because God Himself is love. Today, let this truth settle deep into your soul: you are loved not because of what you do, but because of who He is. Let that love move you to worship, compel you to obedience, and inspire you to extend that same unconditional love to others who desperately need to experience it.
## Day 2: Choosing Wise Companions
**Reading:** Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33
**Devotional:**
The company we keep shapes the people we become. Solomon warns us about dangerous friends—the naive, the arrogant, the sarcastic, the lazy, and the wicked—not to make us judgmental, but to make us discerning. Wisdom calls us to surround ourselves with people who sharpen us, challenge us toward righteousness, and walk humbly with God. Evaluate your closest relationships today. Are they leading you toward Lady Wisdom's palace or toward destruction? This isn't about perfection—none of us are perfect—but about direction. Choose friends who are teachable, who speak with grace, who act justly, and who give generously. Walk with the wise and become wise yourself.
## Day 3: Trust Beyond Understanding
**Reading:** Proverbs 3:5-6
**Devotional:**
Trusting God entirely means releasing our grip on past survival instincts and learned reactions. It means facing each difficulty with courage to wait for God's slower but more rewarding result. We're called to trust Him exclusively—not leaning on our own understanding—and extensively, in all our ways. This isn't passive resignation; it's active faith. When circumstances don't make sense, when the path seems unclear, when your emotions scream one thing but God's Word says another, choose trust. Acknowledge Him in every decision, every conversation, every challenge. He promises to make your paths straight—not necessarily easy, but straight. Today, identify one area where you've been relying on your own understanding and surrender it completely to God.
## Day 4: Speaking Life and Justice
**Reading:** Proverbs 31:8-9; James 3:1-12
**Devotional:**
Our words carry tremendous power—they can pierce like swords or bring healing. The wise and righteous understand this and speak with intentionality. They speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. They defend the rights of the poor and needy. They turn away wrath with gentle answers. Wisdom isn't just about what we know; it's about how we use our knowledge to bring justice and mercy to others. Today, examine your speech. Are your words building up or tearing down? Are you using your voice to advocate for the vulnerable or remaining silent when justice demands action? Let your tongue be a fountain of life that feeds many, not a weapon that destroys.
## Day 5: Living Righteously in the Margins
**Reading:** Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:31-40
**Devotional:**
Righteousness isn't reserved for those with impressive resumes or global platforms. It's lived out in the everyday moments—in how we treat our neighbors, respond to needs, and show up for the overlooked. Like Bryan Stevenson walking miles to reach one patient, or Paul Farmer giving his life to serve the poorest communities, righteousness means standing beside the broken, not just standing in front leading. God calls you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him right where you are. You may not be called to Haiti, but you're called to righteousness in your workplace, your neighborhood, your family. Today, ask God to show you one person in the margins who needs to feel seen, valued, and heard—then take action.
# Small Group Guide: The Legend of Lady Wisdom (Final Session)
## Opening Prayer & Icebreaker (10 minutes)
**Icebreaker Question:** When you think about someone you consider truly wise, who comes to mind? What makes them wise in your eyes?
---
## Sermon Review (5 minutes)
This week concluded our series on the Book of Proverbs, introducing us to two final role models in our spiritual journey: **Wise** and **Righteous**. We also heard the complete story of a young man choosing between the party of dangerous friends and the palace of Lady Wisdom.
---
## Key Takeaways
1. **Wisdom is about becoming, not just knowing** - The wise are teachable, knowledgeable, correctable, prudent, and appropriately articulate.
2. **Righteousness is lived, not just believed** - The righteous speak with grace, act with justice, and give generously without holding back.
3. **Our choices shape our destiny** - We constantly face the choice between the loud, flashy "party" of the world and the peaceful palace of wisdom.
4. **Stories shape us** - God uses stories, not just commands, to reveal His character and guide our transformation.
---
## Discussion Questions
# Section 1: Understanding Wise
1. **Proverbs 1:5** says "Let the wise learn and increase in their understanding." When was the last time you intentionally put yourself in a position to learn something new, especially something that challenged your current thinking?
2. Pastor Jason mentioned that Bryan Stevenson "didn't lead by standing in front. He led by standing beside." How does this challenge our typical understanding of leadership? Where in your life could you lead by "standing beside" rather than in front?
3. The sermon described wisdom as "not just cleverness, character. Not just knowledge, compassion." What's the difference? Can you share an example of when you've seen someone with great knowledge but little wisdom, or vice versa?
4. How do you respond when someone corrects you or offers constructive criticism? What does your response reveal about your pursuit of wisdom?
### Section 2: Understanding Righteous
5. **Proverbs 21:26** says "The righteous gives and does not hold back." What's something you're currently holding back that God might be calling you to give—whether that's time, resources, forgiveness, or compassion?
6. Dr. Paul Farmer spent decades traveling to the poorest communities in the world to provide medical care. While we may not all be called to that specific mission, what does it look like for you to show up for the "one patient" in your life—the neighbor, coworker, or family member who needs your presence?
7. The sermon stated, "When the righteous thrive, the entire city rejoices." How does your personal righteousness impact your community? Can you think of someone whose character blessed an entire community?
8. "Remembered not for our titles, not for our character, remembered for our compassion." How does this statement challenge the way you think about legacy?
### Section 3: The Story Application
9. In the story, the boy stood at a party surrounded by Simple, Fool, Scoffer, Sluggard, and Wicked, but then saw the consequences—broken trust, unplanned parenthood, futures traded for fleeting pleasures. What modern "parties" or temptations promise excitement but deliver destruction?
10. The boy wasn't condemned by Wise and Righteous; instead, they offered their hand to walk beside him. How can we be that kind of friend to others who are struggling with difficult choices?
11. "The path was narrow, and it was steep, and it was difficult, but he wasn't alone." Who in your life helps you walk the narrow path? Who might need you to walk alongside them?
12. Reflecting on the entire series, which of the five dangerous friends (Simple, Fool, Scoffer, Sluggard, Wicked) do you most need to "drive out" of your life or resist their influence?
## Practical Applications
### Individual Reflection
- **Mirror Exercise:** This week, hold up the "mirror" to yourself. Which character from Proverbs do you most resemble right now? Where do you need to grow?
- **Teachability Test:** Identify one area where you've been resistant to correction or learning. Pray for a teachable spirit and seek out wisdom from someone more experienced.
- **Generosity Challenge:** Practice giving "without holding back" in one specific way this week—whether financially, with your time, or through acts of service.
### Group Action
- **Community Service:** Discuss how your group can respond to the food crisis mentioned in the sermon. Consider organizing a canned goods drive or volunteering together.
- **Mentorship Pairs:** Pair up within your group—one person playing the role of "Wise" or "Righteous" to walk alongside someone facing a difficult decision or season.
- **Story Sharing:** Plan a time when group members can share their personal stories of transformation—not their accomplishments, but the moments, failures, and relationships that shaped their character.
## Closing Reflection Questions
1. If someone were to write the "legend" of your life, what character would you be right now? What character do you want to become?
2. What is one specific step you can take this week to move toward the "palace of Lady Wisdom" and away from the "party" of the world?
## Prayer Focus
- Pray for teachable hearts that remain humble and open to correction
- Pray for opportunities to practice righteousness by speaking with grace, acting justly, and giving generously
- Pray for wisdom to discern between the voices calling us toward destruction and those guiding us toward life
- Pray for the strength to walk the narrow path, even when it's difficult
- Pray for the needs in our community, especially those facing food insecurity
## Preparation for Next Week
Next Sunday is **Church at the Table**!
- Bring a dish to share
- Prepare your heart for communion
- Come ready to fellowship and discuss what God has been teaching you through this series
**Also:** Skate afternoon at 2 PM—bring the family and enjoy time together as a church community!
*Remember: Wisdom is not just about what we know—it's about who we're becoming. Let's walk this journey together.*
Week of November 9, 2025
See full sermon here.
5-Day Devotional: Walking with Lady Wisdom
## Day 1: The Foundation of Love
**Reading:** 1 John 4:7-19
**Devotional:**
God's love is not a response to ours—it is the foundation. Before we ever confessed His name, before we ever sang a worship song, His love pursued us relentlessly. This is the bedrock of our faith. We don't earn it through perfect attendance or flawless behavior. Even when we stumble, even when we fall short, His love remains constant because God Himself is love. Today, let this truth settle deep into your soul: you are loved not because of what you do, but because of who He is. Let that love move you to worship, compel you to obedience, and inspire you to extend that same unconditional love to others who desperately need to experience it.
## Day 2: Choosing Wise Companions
**Reading:** Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33
**Devotional:**
The company we keep shapes the people we become. Solomon warns us about dangerous friends—the naive, the arrogant, the sarcastic, the lazy, and the wicked—not to make us judgmental, but to make us discerning. Wisdom calls us to surround ourselves with people who sharpen us, challenge us toward righteousness, and walk humbly with God. Evaluate your closest relationships today. Are they leading you toward Lady Wisdom's palace or toward destruction? This isn't about perfection—none of us are perfect—but about direction. Choose friends who are teachable, who speak with grace, who act justly, and who give generously. Walk with the wise and become wise yourself.
## Day 3: Trust Beyond Understanding
**Reading:** Proverbs 3:5-6
**Devotional:**
Trusting God entirely means releasing our grip on past survival instincts and learned reactions. It means facing each difficulty with courage to wait for God's slower but more rewarding result. We're called to trust Him exclusively—not leaning on our own understanding—and extensively, in all our ways. This isn't passive resignation; it's active faith. When circumstances don't make sense, when the path seems unclear, when your emotions scream one thing but God's Word says another, choose trust. Acknowledge Him in every decision, every conversation, every challenge. He promises to make your paths straight—not necessarily easy, but straight. Today, identify one area where you've been relying on your own understanding and surrender it completely to God.
## Day 4: Speaking Life and Justice
**Reading:** Proverbs 31:8-9; James 3:1-12
**Devotional:**
Our words carry tremendous power—they can pierce like swords or bring healing. The wise and righteous understand this and speak with intentionality. They speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. They defend the rights of the poor and needy. They turn away wrath with gentle answers. Wisdom isn't just about what we know; it's about how we use our knowledge to bring justice and mercy to others. Today, examine your speech. Are your words building up or tearing down? Are you using your voice to advocate for the vulnerable or remaining silent when justice demands action? Let your tongue be a fountain of life that feeds many, not a weapon that destroys.
## Day 5: Living Righteously in the Margins
**Reading:** Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:31-40
**Devotional:**
Righteousness isn't reserved for those with impressive resumes or global platforms. It's lived out in the everyday moments—in how we treat our neighbors, respond to needs, and show up for the overlooked. Like Bryan Stevenson walking miles to reach one patient, or Paul Farmer giving his life to serve the poorest communities, righteousness means standing beside the broken, not just standing in front leading. God calls you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him right where you are. You may not be called to Haiti, but you're called to righteousness in your workplace, your neighborhood, your family. Today, ask God to show you one person in the margins who needs to feel seen, valued, and heard—then take action.
# Small Group Guide: The Legend of Lady Wisdom (Final Session)
## Opening Prayer & Icebreaker (10 minutes)
**Icebreaker Question:** When you think about someone you consider truly wise, who comes to mind? What makes them wise in your eyes?
---
## Sermon Review (5 minutes)
This week concluded our series on the Book of Proverbs, introducing us to two final role models in our spiritual journey: **Wise** and **Righteous**. We also heard the complete story of a young man choosing between the party of dangerous friends and the palace of Lady Wisdom.
---
## Key Takeaways
1. **Wisdom is about becoming, not just knowing** - The wise are teachable, knowledgeable, correctable, prudent, and appropriately articulate.
2. **Righteousness is lived, not just believed** - The righteous speak with grace, act with justice, and give generously without holding back.
3. **Our choices shape our destiny** - We constantly face the choice between the loud, flashy "party" of the world and the peaceful palace of wisdom.
4. **Stories shape us** - God uses stories, not just commands, to reveal His character and guide our transformation.
---
## Discussion Questions
# Section 1: Understanding Wise
1. **Proverbs 1:5** says "Let the wise learn and increase in their understanding." When was the last time you intentionally put yourself in a position to learn something new, especially something that challenged your current thinking?
2. Pastor Jason mentioned that Bryan Stevenson "didn't lead by standing in front. He led by standing beside." How does this challenge our typical understanding of leadership? Where in your life could you lead by "standing beside" rather than in front?
3. The sermon described wisdom as "not just cleverness, character. Not just knowledge, compassion." What's the difference? Can you share an example of when you've seen someone with great knowledge but little wisdom, or vice versa?
4. How do you respond when someone corrects you or offers constructive criticism? What does your response reveal about your pursuit of wisdom?
### Section 2: Understanding Righteous
5. **Proverbs 21:26** says "The righteous gives and does not hold back." What's something you're currently holding back that God might be calling you to give—whether that's time, resources, forgiveness, or compassion?
6. Dr. Paul Farmer spent decades traveling to the poorest communities in the world to provide medical care. While we may not all be called to that specific mission, what does it look like for you to show up for the "one patient" in your life—the neighbor, coworker, or family member who needs your presence?
7. The sermon stated, "When the righteous thrive, the entire city rejoices." How does your personal righteousness impact your community? Can you think of someone whose character blessed an entire community?
8. "Remembered not for our titles, not for our character, remembered for our compassion." How does this statement challenge the way you think about legacy?
### Section 3: The Story Application
9. In the story, the boy stood at a party surrounded by Simple, Fool, Scoffer, Sluggard, and Wicked, but then saw the consequences—broken trust, unplanned parenthood, futures traded for fleeting pleasures. What modern "parties" or temptations promise excitement but deliver destruction?
10. The boy wasn't condemned by Wise and Righteous; instead, they offered their hand to walk beside him. How can we be that kind of friend to others who are struggling with difficult choices?
11. "The path was narrow, and it was steep, and it was difficult, but he wasn't alone." Who in your life helps you walk the narrow path? Who might need you to walk alongside them?
12. Reflecting on the entire series, which of the five dangerous friends (Simple, Fool, Scoffer, Sluggard, Wicked) do you most need to "drive out" of your life or resist their influence?
## Practical Applications
### Individual Reflection
- **Mirror Exercise:** This week, hold up the "mirror" to yourself. Which character from Proverbs do you most resemble right now? Where do you need to grow?
- **Teachability Test:** Identify one area where you've been resistant to correction or learning. Pray for a teachable spirit and seek out wisdom from someone more experienced.
- **Generosity Challenge:** Practice giving "without holding back" in one specific way this week—whether financially, with your time, or through acts of service.
### Group Action
- **Community Service:** Discuss how your group can respond to the food crisis mentioned in the sermon. Consider organizing a canned goods drive or volunteering together.
- **Mentorship Pairs:** Pair up within your group—one person playing the role of "Wise" or "Righteous" to walk alongside someone facing a difficult decision or season.
- **Story Sharing:** Plan a time when group members can share their personal stories of transformation—not their accomplishments, but the moments, failures, and relationships that shaped their character.
## Closing Reflection Questions
1. If someone were to write the "legend" of your life, what character would you be right now? What character do you want to become?
2. What is one specific step you can take this week to move toward the "palace of Lady Wisdom" and away from the "party" of the world?
## Prayer Focus
- Pray for teachable hearts that remain humble and open to correction
- Pray for opportunities to practice righteousness by speaking with grace, acting justly, and giving generously
- Pray for wisdom to discern between the voices calling us toward destruction and those guiding us toward life
- Pray for the strength to walk the narrow path, even when it's difficult
- Pray for the needs in our community, especially those facing food insecurity
## Preparation for Next Week
Next Sunday is **Church at the Table**!
- Bring a dish to share
- Prepare your heart for communion
- Come ready to fellowship and discuss what God has been teaching you through this series
**Also:** Skate afternoon at 2 PM—bring the family and enjoy time together as a church community!
*Remember: Wisdom is not just about what we know—it's about who we're becoming. Let's walk this journey together.*
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