#1287. Proverbs 1:22–23 – How long will you reject wisdom? (17/6/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 1:22-23, we see that love listens to God and love has holy discontent and helps others to listen to God. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

Wisdom, presented as a woman, begins to call out to those she’s concerned for. Like a mother whose children are in danger, she calls them back to her wisdom. The words ‘How long…?’ reveal God’s concern and exasperation at those who would choose foolishness over His wisdom— God has holy discontent. 

i. Do we need to repent of failing to listen to God?

Firstly, this is a call to each of us. Are we ’simple’, ‘mockers’ or ‘fools’? The ‘simple’ or gullible are easily led astray by the latest psychological fad or conspiracy theory on the internet. The ‘mocker’ is the person who is proud and dismissive of things that are not their idea or that don’t make them boost their status. The ‘fool’ is opinionated and won’t take wise advice or be corrected. They know better and everything is someone else’s fault!

We all, in our flesh, have elements of these traits remaining in us. Do we repent of sin and desire God’s thoughts and teachings? Alternatively, do we listen and do the bits of the Bible that we like and reject the bits that we don’t, or the bits that may make our lives out of step with the culture around us? Many times I speak to people who say that they are Christians but they treat much of God’s Word like it’s out of date and even to be scorned! This is often presented as a desire to be humble and loving to the world but, in actuality, it’s arrogance and resistance to God’s holy standards. 

ii. Do we have holy discontent that helps others to listen to God?

Secondly, do we have deep compassion and even exasperation at those who are walking the wrong path? Will we pray and seek to speak to them about their foolishness?

iii. Love for God makes space for God to speak. 

Thirdly, Do we make time for God to speak to us in His Word? He promises those who turn to Him and desire to learn from Him: “I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings…” So let’s make space in our lives for God to teach us His wisdom. 

Love listens to God and love has holy discontent that seeks to help others to listen to God. When do you make time to listen to God? How can you be a true friend that seeks to give wisdom? 

Let’s pray together:

“Father, forgive me when I’ve not had the right attitude to your Word and wisdom. I give my life again to you. Please teach me your wisdom. Please fill me with your holy discontent so as to pray and help others who are turning away from wisdom. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

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

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 #2. Proverbs 1:20–2:8 — Wisdom calls to us, so how will we respond?

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.