Wisdom Study #4
The Wisdom of Trusting and Acknowledging – Prov. 3:5-6
This week’s teaching brought into focus a vivid contrast expressed in the lives of people. Launching your Connect Group interaction, discuss how you see these two approaches playing out with those you observe and/or know.
“If you’re going to trust one person, trust yourself.” – Robert Tew
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Prov. 3:5-6
When someone adopts the TOP modern proverb…what is the result? What examples come to mind?
What about someone who adopts the BOTTOM ancient proverb? Examples?
Does your own personal life journey represent a shift from the TOP to the BOTTOM? How so?
Let’s Explore in the WORD – A key to the blessing of this proverb (i.e., the Lord “making straight” our paths) is the genuine willingness to do three things in the course of day by day living. Tackle and discuss your answers to the questions under each action item.
#1 TRUSTING in the Lord
What is trusting (or, we might say, “living by faith”)? Romans 4:4-8, Hebrews 11:1-6
What does the Lord expect us to trust Him for? Romans 1:16-17, Gal. 2:16, 2:20, Heb.11:13-16
What else? Matthew 6:25-27, Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 John 1:9-2:1
Anything else come to mind?
#2 NOT LEANING on one’s own understanding
Is this statement true as is or in need of some modification? — “The Lord gave me a brain; He expects me to use it without having to bother Him.”
How does Scripture encourage us not to “go it on our own”? 6:12-18, Phil. 4::4-7, 1 Thess. 5:16-18
To what extent would you say you lean (e., “support yourself”) frequently on your own understanding? Any mid-course correction needed?
#3 In ALL MY WAYS acknowledging Him (i.e., the Lord)
Those familiar with the Hebrew suggest that the word “trust” originally had the idea of lying helplessly face down How might this insight clarify what it means to acknowledge the Lord?
“To acknowledge” is literally “to know intimately.” What does Psalm 139 teach us about the Lord’s eagerness to KNOW us?
What are your life’s “ways”? (i.e., the things you regularly do)? Name a few, and then ask, “How often do I purposely acknowledge (or know) the Lord in these things? Has He been excluded from some important ways?
Let’s Prioritize APPLICATION – This study, taken seriously, could truly change how I conduct the “ways” of my every day life. What is ONE WAY (of yours) about which you want to TRUST HIM and ACKNOWLEDGE HIM?
NOTE IT:
(pray over it!)
Pastor David Staff’s BEYOND THE SERMON Video Podcast is available each week. It posts on Monday evening, 8:00 PM. Check it out! (APP or website)
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