#1336. Proverbs 10:15-17 – The wise find protection, a harvest and offer an example (25/8/25)

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

Today, from Proverbs 10:15-17: listening to wisdom protects, gives a harvest and protects others. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Listening to wisdom protects

At first, this might seem troubling — isn’t trusting in wealth wrong? But this proverb isn’t teaching us to seek security in riches; it’s simply describing how life often works. Wealth can offer protection, options, and influence, while poverty leaves people vulnerable to hardship and injustice.

The lesson here is to wisely acknowledge this reality. Listen to wisdom so as to trust God, work diligently, steward what He provides, and be generous. If poverty brings danger, we should avoid careless living that leads to it, and where possible, help others escape it too.

ii. Listening to wisdom gives us a harvest

Here, we have a comparison between the outcomes of two ways of living. Firstly, the wages of righteousness is ‘life’; many good things are promised for those who choose to listen and apply God’s wisdom. However, secondly, in contrast, the opposite is true for those who refuse to heed 

As Christians, we are to seek to do God’s will. We are not immune to the natural law that if we choose to be foolish, if we walk according to the flesh and the world, we will reap a bad harvest. 

I hope we can also see how verse 16 complements what we read in verse 15: Wealth is a ‘fortified city’ only to the extent that it’s applied with righteousness and wisdom. 

iii. Listening to wisdom protects others

This proverb urges us to be people who pay attention — who ‘heed’ the voice of wisdom. Those who listen to correction and apply wisdom are like a lighthouse: a steady, guiding light that keeps others from being wrecked on the rocks of foolishness.

In contrast, those who ignore correction are like a false lighthouse — a deceptive light that draws others towards danger. Their stubbornness and rejection of wisdom don’t just harm themselves; they mislead those who follow their example, bringing ruin instead of life.

In a world full of competing voices and influences, this is a sober reminder: the way we respond to wisdom shapes not only our own path, but the paths of those around us.

In these three proverbs, we’ve seen that:

• Wealth combined with wisdom becomes a protection — and foolishness leads to lack and insecurity.

• Heeding wisdom reaps a rich, life-giving harvest — while ignoring it reaps trouble.

• And by choosing wisdom over foolishness, we not only guard our own lives but help steer others away from the dangers of foolishness - 

Let’s pray together:

“Father, I thank You that You are my provider. Please continue to meet my needs and help me to recognise and use the opportunities for provision that You open up for me. Teach me to steward the resources You entrust to me with wisdom. Use me, Lord, to bless and support those in need. Make me a channel of Your goodness and wisdom to others. 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 #12: Proverbs 10:15-10:32. The wise are fruitful.

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.