#1328. Proverbs 8:32–36 – Find life through wisdom (13/8/25)

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

Today, from Proverbs 8:32-36, we reflect on how life is found and harm avoided by listening to and guarding wisdom. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i.My children, listen!

Every loving parent longs for their children to listen and embrace wisdom. Yet, we know from experience that some of life’s deepest lessons come from the times we failed to listen. As J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in The Two Towers, “The burned hand teaches best. After that, advice about fire goes to the heart.”

Of course, we must do all we can to pass on hard-learnt wisdom, but we must not give up hope even if we feel ignored! And we mustn’t forget that God is at work in places that we cannot reach!

ii. Keep and guard wisdom

God promises blessing to those who "keep" His wisdom. The Hebrew word suggests more than just obedience—it means to treasure and guard it in our hearts. As Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

This also speaks to spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6, we are told to "take up the shield of faith" to protect ourselves. Likewise, may we guard God’s wisdom and, in doing so, guard ourselves with His wisdom. 

iii. Listen with obedience

Added to keeping wisdom, we are called to listen to God’s instruction. The Hebrew word ‘Shema’ means both hear and obey. True listening involves responding—not just understanding but acting on what we receive. As James 1:22 warns, ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.’ Wisdom is not just something to be admired; it is meant to be lived out.

iv. Watch daily

The call to listen is beautifully illustrated in verse 34:

Wisdom is not something we stumble upon by accident; it requires a daily pursuit. God is constantly teaching us—through His Word, through wise counsel, through our experiences, through creation itself. But do we have the posture of a seeker, eagerly watching and waiting for His instruction? As the doors of wisdom open—through a sermon, a passage of Scripture, a life lesson—do we notice? Do we take it to heart? Or do we rush past, distracted by lesser things?

v. Find life and avoid harm

The promise is clear: those who seek wisdom find life. To reject wisdom is to embrace harm and, ultimately, death. Proverbs 8:36 gives a sobering warning:"

Today, let’s take both the promise and the warning to heart. Our Father is always teaching us wisdom, and our role—like that of a child—is to listen.

But beyond wisdom for daily life, we must see that Jesus is God’s ultimate wisdom. He is wisdom for salvation and life (1 Cor. 1:24). May we listen to His wisdom displayed in the cross, guard our hearts by staying near to Him daily, and find true, abundant life in Him.

Let’s pray together:

"Father, You are the perfect Father. Help me to be a child who listens to Your wisdom, lives by it, and guards it in my heart. Make me a faithful parent, mentor, or example—leading others, especially the young, to find Your wisdom, and above all, to find Jesus, Your wisdom for salvation and life. 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 #10. Proverbs 8:12-9:9. The facets of 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.