#1281. Proverbs 1:1-4. Do I need wisdom? (9/6/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. Today, we begin our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.

As we reflect on Proverbs 1:1-4, we are reminded that the pursuit of wisdom starts with humility and a recognition of our need of it. 

i. What Is Wisdom?

Wisdom is not just knowing what is good but also doing what is good in the right way. Proverbs teaches that wisdom consists of three key elements:

i. Understanding – Knowing the truth. 

ii. Prudence – Being shrewd and cautious.

iii. Discretion – Purposeful planning. True wisdom requires all three working together. 

A lack of well-rounded wisdom can bring harm both to ourselves and to others. Merely knowing what is right is not enough—we must also apply it wisely. For example, imagine a driver who suddenly slams on their brakes when entering a 30 mph zone. While they technically obeyed the law, their reckless application of the rule could cause an accident. Likewise, we may have knowledge but lack discretion or prudence—failing to plan wisely and take careful steps—resulting in strained relationship, wrong actions or inaction. 

ii. Wisdom Is for the Humble

To gain wisdom, we must first recognise our need for it. Humility is the doorway to wisdom. As someone has said, "You cannot fill that which is already full!" If we believe we are already wise, we will never seek true wisdom from God. Jesus taught the same principle:

A test of our humility is how we are pursuing God’s wisdom! 

Let’s pray together 

"Father, I thank You that You never give up on us. You desire to mature me and teach me wisdom. Help me to grow in humility, turning away from self-reliance and seeking Your wisdom and understanding. May I be ‘poor in spirit’ so that I may receive the riches of Your wisdom. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #1: Proverbs 1:1-19. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.