Study Questions: Proverbs #6
Wisdom and Integrity
Proverbs 7:1-27 (CGS#6)
INTRODUCTION: Does the way we live really matter? This question may sound pretty silly or simplistic. Most of us would answer yes, of course, the way we live is important. But why? Well, because we want to be good people, act kindly, and positively contribute to the general good of our community. Right? Frankly, that is a pretty moralistic answer, but again, I think we (believers and non-believers) would all generally answer yes. Well, with one caveat: the way we live matters, at least when others are watching us. But what when others aren’t watching us? What about when we don’t really feel like doing what’s right? Or what happens when doing what is right interferes with my personal sense of liberty or freedom? I.e., I just don’t want to do it. All of a sudden, we’re confronted with the truth that doing what is right and godly isn’t all that easy or convenient, and sometimes it will even cost us something of great value.
Doing what’s right even when no one else is watching is often referred to as having integrity. Integrity, as a general concept, is the personal quality or state of being whole or complete. Integrity, as an ethical term, includes uprightness in character authenticity, the situation in which outward conduct arises out of and coheres with sound, inwardly held moral principles.[1] Again, integrity is doing what’s right because it is the right thing to do, even when no one is watching, and it may not benefit you to do so. To have integrity is hard! That is why we admire people who are trusted with much and do so with integrity. It is why we teach integrity to our children. We want them to grow up to be people with integrity, as it is beneficial for them and for our communities. The reason we know that integrity is so valuable is because we experience the dysfunction, brokenness, and injustice of those who operate in life without integrity. Their lack of doing what is right creates hurt that can span communities and even generations. The father in Proverbs stresses this reality of generational hurt and dysfunction around the area of infidelity. For the third time in the first seven chapters of Proverbs, he encourages his sons to be men of integrity and not commit adultery. We go back to his words in 6:32 on the topic, “he who commits adultery destroys himself.” This father is not being cute or coy with his sons on this topic. He says to them with clarity and weight, “Your sexual integrity matters! Sons, don’t be confused. Adultery destroys yourself and everything to hold dear.” The reality is that all sin involves fracture against another person (lying, cheating, jealousy, etc.). But there is something uniquely destructive when it comes to sexual sin because of the intimacy and often the levels of deceit that are involved. Integrity matters in every area of our lives. And if we don’t apply integrity in the easier areas, we won’t apply it in the difficult areas.
Why? Because the temptation of temporary pleasure is all around us. We’re dissatisfied with this or that, so we look for something that will bring us satisfaction. Unfortunately, in our sin nature, we are drawn to sinful things that flow from our disordered desires. It happens all the time with shopping, eating, work and careers, and relationships. Temporary pleasure is all around us, calling out like a siren’s song for us to take the shortcut and forsake integrity. You hear the father in Proverbs saying to his sons, “Don’t take the shortcut. Sons, the shortcut won’t take you where you really want to go. Instead, it will put you on a longer road.” Wisdom and integrity go hand-in-hand. Knowing what’s right and doing what’s right are one and the same. Proverbs chapter seven begs us to examine our lives and remember that wise people don’t exchange faithfulness for temporary pleasure.
GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. When was a time in your life when you learned the value of integrity?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.
- What did you hear God’s Spirit say to you through the passage this week? How does it encourage you? How does it sharpen you?
- Is there an image, word, or picture that stands out to you in the passage from this week, and what about it is powerful or helpful?
- Who is someone in your life who has modeled integrity for you? What specifically stands out about that person?
- What do you think are the gods of Ames? I.e., The things that offer temporary pleasure? Which of those gods appeals to you the most? I.e., Which is the most tempting for you?
- If knowing and doing are one and the same thing, and we all struggle with temptations of temporary pleasure, what is a step of obedience to walk in integrity this week?
[1] Stanley J. Grenz and Jay T. Smith, Pocket Dictionary of Ethics, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 61.