Wisdom’s Call
Are you seeking direction and peace in your life? This message unpacks Proverbs 1:20-33, offering practical insights on obtaining and living out Godly wisdom. We’ll explore the call of wisdom, the consequences of rejecting it, and the transformative outcome of embracing it. Learn to discern between earthly and heavenly wisdom and cultivate a life grounded in God’s principles.
- Wisdom is Supreme: True wisdom, which leads to a fulfilling life, is found in acknowledging God and living according to His principles.
- Salvation is Wisdom: Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior is the wisest decision anyone can make.
- Wisdom’s Call: Wisdom calls out to everyone, but people respond in different ways: some are simple, some are scorners, and some are fools.
- Consequences of Rejection: Rejecting wisdom leads to negative consequences, including destruction and distress.
- Outcome of Wisdom: Embracing wisdom leads to peace, safety, security, and a life without fear.
- Pursuit of Wisdom: Wisdom is to be actively pursued through prayer and a desire to apply it to all areas of life.
Introduction (15 minutes)
- Icebreaker:
- Share a time when you received advice that you initially didn’t want to take, but later realized was very helpful. What was the advice, and what made it valuable?
- Intro:
- Read Proverbs 1:20-33 aloud.
- Discussion Questions:
- The passage begins with wisdom calling aloud.
- Why do you think wisdom is personified in this way? What does it tell us about the nature of wisdom?
- How does wisdom’s call in this passage compare to how the world presents “wisdom” today?
- The sermon mentions the importance of inviting friends and family to church events like the Easter Egg hunt.
- How does this relate to the idea of spreading the gospel and sharing wisdom with others?
- How can we, as a group, be more effective in “taking the voice of wisdom to the world?”
- Application:
- Where in your life right now do you need wisdom to “call out?”
- What is one step you can take this week to be more intentional about sharing God’s wisdom with someone else?
The Call of Wisdom (20 minutes)
- Discussion Questions:
- The sermon states that salvation through Jesus is the wisest decision.
- Why is this considered the foundation of wisdom?
- How do creation and conscience testify to God’s reality and the wisdom of following Him?
- The sermon contrasts objective morality with the post-truth world.
- What are the consequences of relative morality, and how does it differ from the peace that comes from Heavenly wisdom?
- How does recognizing Godly moral standards bring peace?
- Billy Graham’s 1957 New York crusade is mentioned as an example of sharing the gospel.
- What principles from this event can we apply to our own efforts to share the gospel?
- How can we overcome excuses and actively participate in sharing the wisdom of Christ?
- The sermon states that salvation through Jesus is the wisest decision.
- Application:
- Reflect on a situation where you experienced the peace that comes from knowing the “Prince of Peace”.
- Identify one area in your life where you can more actively share God’s wisdom.
Wisdom Personified (20 minutes)
- Discussion Questions:
- Proverbs 1:22-23 describes three types of people: the simple, the scorners, and the fools.
- How are these characteristics manifested today?
- Why is it important to understand these different responses to wisdom?
- Wisdom calls these groups to listen and turn from their evil ways.
- What does it mean to “turn at my rebuke” (Proverbs 1:23)?
- What are the gifts received when we respond to wisdom’s call?
- The concept of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is introduced in the sermon.
- How can FOMO be applied in a positive sense to pursuing wisdom?
- What blessings might we be missing out on if we don’t prioritize wisdom?
- Proverbs 1:22-23 describes three types of people: the simple, the scorners, and the fools.
- Application:
- Personally reflect: Which of the three types (simple, scorner, or fool) have you been most like in the past, and how can you grow in wisdom in that area?
- What is one practical way you can actively seek wisdom and avoid “missing out” on its blessings this week?
The Warning of Wisdom (20 minutes)
- Discussion Questions:
- Proverbs 1:24-31 outlines the consequences of rejecting wisdom.
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences of ignoring wisdom’s call?
- How does the imagery in verses 27-27 (terror, destruction, whirlwind) emphasize the seriousness of rejecting wisdom?
- The personal story about struggling with piano lessons in college is shared in the sermon.
- How does this personal example illustrate the principle of “they shall eat the fruit of their own way” (Proverbs 1:31)?
- Have you had similar experiences where a lack of wisdom led to negative consequences?
- The sermon emphasizes that all of us have been in a place of being simple, scorners, or fools, but we are not meant to stay there.
- What steps are necessary to move forward and follow wisdom?
- How does recognizing the potential for destruction motivate us to pursue wisdom?
- Proverbs 1:24-31 outlines the consequences of rejecting wisdom.
- Application:
- Identify a current challenge in your life. How can applying wisdom help you navigate this situation differently?
- What is one area where you need to turn from your own way and seek wisdom’s guidance?
The Outcome of Wisdom (20 minutes)
- Discussion Questions:
- The story of Solomon’s choice to ask God for wisdom is presented.
- Why was Solomon’s request considered astounding?
- What did God give him as a result of his request?
- James 1:5 is quoted, highlighting God’s promise to give wisdom when asked.
- What are the conditions for receiving wisdom from God, according to James?
- How does this promise encourage us in our pursuit of wisdom?
- The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the outcome of wisdom is peace, safety, security, and a lack of fear.
- How does this kind of peace differ from worldly notions of peace?
- How does a focus on eternal gains over earthly possessions shape our pursuit of wisdom?
- The story of Solomon’s choice to ask God for wisdom is presented.
- Application:
- Take a moment for silent reflection: Are you currently seeking earthly riches or heavenly wisdom? What steps can you take to shift your focus if necessary?
- Commit to praying daily for wisdom this week, as suggested in the sermon. Write down one specific area where you need God’s wisdom and pray for it consistently.
Summary and Challenge (5 minutes):
- How does this study challenge us to re-evaluate our priorities and pursue wisdom above worldly gain?
- Offer a closing prayer, asking God to grant the group a deeper desire for His wisdom and the courage to live it out.
Day 1: The Call of Wisdom
- Scripture: Proverbs 1:20-21
- Focus: Wisdom is not hidden but actively calls out to us.
- Devotional: The passage opens with wisdom calling aloud in public places, eager to be heard. This illustrates that Godly wisdom isn’t something we have to search for in secret; it’s accessible and available. Take a moment to reflect on how you hear wisdom calling in your life. Is it through scripture, sermons, other believers, or life experiences? Where do you need to be more attentive to wisdom’s call?
- Application: Identify one area in your life where you need direction. Commit to actively seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and scripture.
- Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making your wisdom accessible to me. Open my ears to hear your voice and give me the desire to seek your guidance in [mention the specific area]. Help me to be attentive to your call. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
Day 2: Choosing True Wisdom
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:19
- Focus: Godly wisdom contrasts with worldly wisdom.
- Devotional: Paul reminds us that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s eyes. This challenges us to evaluate what we prioritize. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of worldly success and knowledge, but true wisdom centers on God. Reflect on the areas where you might be prioritizing worldly wisdom over Godly wisdom.
- Application: Make a conscious choice to prioritize God’s perspective today. In your decisions and interactions, ask yourself: “Does this align with Godly wisdom?”
- Prayer: “Lord, forgive me for the times I have valued worldly wisdom over your divine wisdom. Help me to see the foolishness of chasing after things that do not last. Grant me a heart that seeks your perspective above all else. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
Day 3: Responding to Wisdom’s Call
- Scripture: Proverbs 1:22
- Focus: Wisdom calls to different types of people: the simple, the scorners, and the fools.
- Devotional: This verse speaks to those who are easily led astray, those who reject guidance, and those who ignore spiritual truths. We can all find ourselves in these categories at times. Consider which of these descriptions resonates most with you, and honestly evaluate your response to wisdom.
- Application: Humbly examine your heart and ask God to reveal any areas of simplicity, scorning, or foolishness. Commit to cultivating a heart that is receptive to His wisdom.
- Prayer: “God, search my heart and reveal any tendencies toward simplicity, scorning, or foolishness. Grant me humility to receive your correction and mold me into someone who eagerly seeks your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
Day 4: The Urgency of Wisdom
- Scripture: Proverbs 1:24-25
- Focus: There are consequences to rejecting wisdom.
- Devotional: These verses highlight the danger of ignoring wisdom’s call. There comes a point where wisdom, though freely offered, may be withdrawn from those who consistently reject it. This should create a sense of urgency in our pursuit of wisdom. Reflect on any areas where you’ve been resistant to wise counsel or correction.
- Application: Take steps to actively pursue wisdom in those areas. Seek out wise counsel, study scripture, and pray for understanding.
- Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sometimes been resistant to your wisdom and correction. Help me to understand the urgency of seeking your guidance and to turn away from anything that hinders me from receiving it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
Day 5: The Reward of Wisdom
- Scripture: Proverbs 1:33
- Focus: Embracing wisdom leads to peace and security.
- Devotional: The passage concludes with the promise that those who listen to wisdom will dwell safely, securely, and without fear. This is the ultimate reward of choosing wisdom. In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, Godly wisdom offers a peace that surpasses understanding. Reflect on the peace you’ve experienced when you’ve followed God’s wisdom.
- Application: Thank God for the gift of wisdom and ask Him to help you live in a way that experiences its full benefits. Make a commitment to continue seeking and applying wisdom in your daily life.
- Prayer: “Lord, thank you for the promise of peace and security that comes from embracing your wisdom. Help me to live in a way that honors you and allows me to experience the fullness of your blessings. May your wisdom guide me always. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.




