Walk Wisely: Wise Risk-taking-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Too often being “wise” is used as a synonym for being safe. Certainly it is often the case that the safe action is also the wise action, for example, “buckle up,” “don’t swim alone,” or “change your fire detector batteries.” In 1 Corinthians 4:10, the apostle Paul describes gospel risks that appear foolish to the world, reflect godly wisdom, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ.” Proverbs 11:30 declares, “And He who ins souls is wise.” (NKVJ) Read Hebrews 11. What are examples of godly risk that proved to be wise?

 Abraham & Sarah (Hebrews 11:8-19)—

Joseph (Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 39:9)—

Moses (Hebrews 11:22-28)—

Rahab (Hebrews 11:31)—

Those “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:35-40)—

The first part of Proverbs 11:30 reads, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” What is the significance of describing “won souls” as “fruit”?

What gospel risks do you believe God is calling you to take?

More thoughts on wisdom and friendship

Last Sunday we explored the Proverbs for wisdom regarding friendship. Proverbs 13:20 reads, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

Proverbs reveals five people it is wise to avoid.

Avoid the Whisperer Proverbs 16:28, "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 20:19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Avoid the Angry Proverbs 22:24, "Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man."

Avoid the Rebellious Proverbs 24:21, "My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise"

Avoid the Self-Indulgent Proverbs 28:7, " The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father."

Avoid the Sexually Immoral Proverbs 29:3, "He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth."

Separation vs Isolation

We observed Sunday that biblical separation is not the same as isolation. We are followers of Jesus who was called a "friend of sinners." Separation has to do with living a distinctively different life-style than that of the world around us. The Living Bible paraphrases Romans 12:2, "Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold." Jesus sums up the difference between separation and isolation as being "in the world" but not "of the world" (John 17:14-15). The Good Samaritan is an example of how we must not isolate ourselves from the needs of the world around us. Yet wisdom begs of us separation, “lest you learn his (the wrathful man) ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”

Wisdom and Dating

"What about dating?" is a question often asked by teens, young adults and parents. Simply, the Bible does not directly address dating because is was not practiced when the Bible was being written. Pastor Tim Keller answers a question about dating during a Q & A session at his church. I commend his answer to you.

Walk Wisely-- Godly Friendships: Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Proverbs 17:17 declares “A friend loves at all times.” The Proverbs reveal many blessings of godly friendships. Read Proverbs 27:6-17. What specific benefits of godly friendship are mentioned in these proverbs?

Proverbs 27:6, 9—

Proverbs 27:10—

Proverbs 27:17—

Examine the following friendships. How are these friendships used by God to bring encouragement, sympathy, comfort and encouragement in the time of need?

David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-3; 20:17, 42)—

Job’s friends (Job 2:11)—

Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)—

Friends of the paralyzed man (Mark 2:3-4)—

Paul’s friends in Rome (Romans 16:3-5)—

How is the Holy Spirit leading you to model and teach the value of godly friendships to your children/grandchildren?