Proverbs 2:20-22 (HCSB)20 So follow the way of good people,and keep to the paths of the righteous.21 For the upright will inhabit the land,and those of integrity will remain in it;22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,and the treacherous uprooted from it.Sherry DorrisToday’s reading encourages us to reflect on our values and priorities. It directs us to choose the path of righteousness o...  Read More

Proverbs 2:16-19  (HCSB)16 It will rescue you from a forbidden woman,from a stranger with her flattering talk,17 who abandons the companion of her youthand forgets the covenant of her God;18 for her house sinks down to deathand her ways to the land of the departed spirits.19 None return who go to her;none reach the paths of life.Sherry DorrisThese verses warn against the dangers of temptation and ...  Read More

Proverbs 2:9-15  (HCSB)9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,and integrity—every good path.10 For wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will delight your heart. 11 Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,12 rescuing you from the way of evil—from the one who says perverse things,13 from those who abandon the right paths to walk in ways of darkness,14 from t...  Read More

Proverbs 2:6-8  (HCSB)6 For the Lord gives wisdom;from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He stores up success for the upright;He is a shield for those who live with integrity8 so that He may guard the paths of justiceand protect the way of His loyal followers.Sherry DorrisToday's reading highlights that God offers wisdom and victory. We should use these gifts responsibly. By staying fai...  Read More

Proverbs 2:1-5  (HCSB)Wisdom’s Worth2 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 listening closely to wisdomand directing your heart to understanding; 3 furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, 4 if you seek it like silverand search for it like hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge...  Read More

Godly WisdomSeek godly wisdom over power, success, and wealth. Wisdom is of greater value.KEY TRUTH: God Is the Source of True Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–7)KEY TRUTH: Wise People Follow Godly Advice and Reject Sinful Advice (Proverbs 1:8–19)KEY TRUTH: Rejecting God’s Wisdom Results in Ruin (Proverbs 1:20–33)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH! What does it mean to fear the Lord? (Hav...  Read More

What is wisdom? What does it mean to you and how do you apply it to your life? What are some bits of wisdom your parents or grandparents shared with you? Have you always followed that wisdom? What happened when you did/didn’t?Chapter 1 is loaded with many wisdom nuggets. Take a moment and write out the wisdomthat the Lord spoke most clearly to your heart this week. Where is an area this wisdom nee...  Read More

Proverbs 1:26-33 (HCSB)26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.I will mock when terror strikes you,27 when terror strikes you like a stormand your calamity comes like a whirlwind,when trouble and stress overcome you.28 Then they will call me, but I won’t answer;they will search for me, but won’t find me.29 Because they hated knowledge,didn’t choose to fear the Lord,30 were not interested in my ...  Read More

Proverbs 1:20-25 (HCSB)Wisdom’s Plea20 Wisdom calls out in the street;she raises her voice in the public squares.21 She cries out above the commotion;she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:22 “How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?How long will you mockers enjoy mockingand you fools hate knowledge?23 If you respond to my warning,then I will pour out my spirit on youand teach you my...  Read More

Proverbs 1:15-19  (HCSB)15 my son, don’t travel that road with themor set foot on their path,16 because their feet run toward troubleand they hurry to commit murder.17 It is foolish to spread a netwhere any bird can see it,18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves;they attack their own lives.19 Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly;it takes the lives of those who receive it.Fali...  Read More

Proverbs 1:8-14  (HCSB)Avoid the Path of the Violent8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,and don’t reject your mother’s teaching,9 for they will be a garland of grace on your headand a gold chain around your neck.10 My son, if sinners entice you,don’t be persuaded. 11 If they say—“Come with us!Let’s set an ambush and kill someone. Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun! 12 Let’s ...  Read More

Proverbs 1:1-7  (HCSB)The Purpose of Proverbs1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:2 For learning what wisdom and discipline are;for understanding insightful sayings;3 for receiving wise instructionin righteousness, justice, and integrity;4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced,knowledge and discretion to a young man—5 a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a...  Read More