#1339. Proverbs 10:26-30 – The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked (28/8/25)

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

Today, from Proverbs 10:26-30, we reflect on how a life of worship — often seen in how we work and live — leads to lasting hope and joy, while neglecting wisdom leads to disappointment.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Irritation or reliability?

A ‘sluggard’ is a lazy, unreliable person — slow to act, easily distracted, and difficult to motivate. ‘Sluggard’ is used fourteen times in this book, revealing the importance of this vital theme. Like vinegar stinging the teeth and smoke irritating the eyes, they frustrate those who trust them with responsibility.

As Christians, we’re called to be reliable, hardworking, and wise in the roles we take on. Sometimes faithfulness means learning to do a good job, and other times it means wisely saying no.

In response: Are you someone others can depend on?

ii. A life lived in worship

As with all proverbs, this is not so much a ‘name it and claim it’ promise so much as a principle and generalisation. Normally, ‘the fear of the Lord adds length to life’ because such a person lives wisely - ‘according to the maker’s instructions’. The opposite is also true. This is a warning: as it’s possible for a Christian to be a ‘sluggard’ to fail to work hard and well, so it’s possible - and too often it’s the same ‘sluggardly’ Christians - who fail to live in ‘the fear of the Lord.’ They choose to listen to the wrong voices and follow the wrong examples and so live in the foolishness that harms so many. 

In response: Are your daily habits an act of worship and wisdom?

iii. The harvest of the righteous 

These verses share a common truth: a hopeful, secure future belongs to those who live by God’s wisdom. Everyone has hopes — both the righteous and the wicked — but only those who live with integrity, diligence, and faithfulness will see lasting joy.

If we sow laziness, carelessness, or foolishness today, we shouldn’t expect a harvest of blessing tomorrow.

In response: Are your choices today building toward the future you’re hoping for — in your health, work, relationships, and walk with God?

Let’s pray together:

“Father, give me a good and faithful attitude in all I do. May I work for Your glory, worshipping You with my daily life in every season. Help me sow wisely so I may inherit the good fruit You promise to the righteous. 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.