#1319. Proverbs 6:20–23 – Wisdom is a light (31/7/25)

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

From Proverbs 6:20-23, we reflect on how we can actually use God’s Word as a lamp for our feet. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Keep your father’s and mother’s teaching

This section, running to verse 35, has the theme of avoiding adultery and sexual sin. It begins with this command to obey both parents. Although, of course, the ideal of a two-parent household cannot always be adhered to, this is God’s pattern and the best for family life. We all have to deal with the situation that we find ourselves in; however, let’s not be shy about believing and teaching young people God’s will for marriage in which both love Jesus and seek to raise children together around Biblical values. 

A good question to ask ourselves from today’s text is, if I’m married, am I seeking to build a healthy marriage with Jesus, and His Word, at the centre? If I’m a parent, am I teaching my children God’s Word and wisdom? 

ii. The word is a lamp.

This idea of the Word of God being a ‘lamp’ to us is repeated a number of times in scripture. What we read in Psalm 119 is very helpful:

However, in order for it to be our lamp— to light our way in life— we must listen and know God’s word, and, secondly, we must put it into practice. We are urged to ‘bind’ and ‘fasten’ it to ourselves. We do this through diligent and daily study. The promise for us, if we do truly value the Bible, is that it ‘will guide’, ‘watch over’, ‘speak to you’, ‘correct’, and ‘instruct’ you! 

Is God’s word our lamp? Have we listened to it diligently? We will go on to see how, specifically, this is a protection against sexual sin; however, God’s word is our ‘shield’ against all forms of foolishness and temptation that ruins our lives. If we are parents, do we understand that we must teach our children God’s wisdom, which is a light for their lives! 

Let’s pray together:

“Father, help me to listen to your Word and apply it like a lamp to my path. Fill me with love for your wisdom. Amen” (If you’re a parent, if you are married, why not take some time to pray that you would love God’s word together and, if you have children, that you would pass on God’s wisdom as a priority.) 

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 #8. Proverbs 6:6-29. Use the lamp of God’s wisdom

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.