#1306) Proverbs 4:1–9 – Cherish and pass on God’s wisdom (14/7/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, from Proverbs 4:1-9, we reflect on how the wise seek wisdom so as to be able to pass it on - this has particular relevance to parents who must seek God’s wisdom in order to pass it on.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honour you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”’ (Proverbs 4:1-9)
This is not a time to be deflated and condemned. If you are a parent, you are probably struggling and, maybe, feel like a bit of a failure. However, this is the most important responsibility that anyone is given and so we must not put our heads in the sand or allow ourselves to feel defeated. This is written not to condemn, but to convict us that God is ready and willing to teach His wisdom to anyone who will listen.
I love the simple but profound lesson in being a good parent that we find in these verses. A good parent has learned God’s wisdom, desires to pass it on, and does all he can to pass it on. Too many parents are distracted from seeking wisdom for themselves, let alone making the time to pass it on! Too many fathers are missing and, if present, are giving the wrong lessons. The first question that we all need to ask ourselves, particularly if we are parents, is: what does my example and words say about me, and what are they teaching others?
The first principle for any of us - parent or not - if we are to enjoy life and be of service, is to do what we read here: ‘“Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”’ The influence of our lives is dependent upon our, personally, learning God’s wisdom and having a healthy relationship with God. We cannot pass on what we do not have ourselves! I love this simple truth: ‘“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.”’ The wise are humble and meek; they know that they are in need of God’s wisdom and, therefore, do all that they can to get it.
Let’s pray together
“Father, I thank you that you want me to seek wisdom for myself. I thank you that you are ready and willing to teach me so that I can live a wise life and help others to live a wise life. I pray for parents that I know, that they would seek your wisdom and pass on your 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 #6. Proverbs 4:1–27 — Guard your heart.
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.
