#1324. Proverbs 7:24–27 – Avoid the path that leads to destruction (7/8/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, we reflect on Proverbs 7:24-27, a warning about the devastating consequences of listening to the wrong voices and so following the path of temptation and sin rather than listening to and taking the path of God’s wisdom.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
“Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.” (Proverbs 7:24-27)
i. Listen and Pay Attention
Yesterday’s devotional urged us to avoid the road of destruction. This passage continues that theme, as wisdom—and God Himself—pleads with us to ‘listen and pay attention.’
ii. Guard Your Heart
Sin seeks to ‘turn’ our hearts. Most of us have, at some point, held a magnet near a compass. If you have, you’ll know what happens—the needle swings away from true north and points toward the magnet. In the same way, our hearts can be swayed. When temptation comes, we can lose sight of what is truly right. Wrong can start to feel right. But just as no magnet can actually move true north, our feelings cannot change what is truly right or wrong.
Sin deceives with false promises, but its path leads to ruin. Before our feet follow temptation, our hearts turn first. We’ve all seen it—someone knows the truth but allows emotions to justify a wrong choice. That’s why guarding our hearts is crucial. Feelings alone can’t determine God’s will, especially when excitement makes foolishness seem right and attractive.
iii. The Wide Road to Destruction
Our text speaks of many, even the strong, having fallen into sin’s trap. What seems pleasurable at first is actually a highway to the grave. Jesus warned:
“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Which road are we choosing—the wide, easy path to ruin or the narrow, life-giving way of wisdom?
iv. Choose Life
Sin leads to death. Proverbs urges us to ‘listen, pay attention, and guard our hearts’—even when emotions resist. Keep turning to God’s wisdom, no matter how tempting the wrong path seems.
Let’s Pray Together
"Father, help me recognise sin’s dangers and stay on the path of wisdom. Keep my heart from straying, and use me to guide others towards Your truth. 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 #9: Proverbs 6:30-8:11. The Path of Wisdom vs. The Way of Folly.
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.
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