SERIES SUMMARY
The Bible is the story of God as King and becoming King in Jesus. And we are his image bearers, created for royal reflection. But we don’t live in a monarchy, so “kingship” and “royalty” can feel like foreign ideas to us. Yet, we’re still called to recognize and submit to God as King. In the Old Testament, it was God’s desire for a king to reign over his people as a reminder of these things. Specifically, God promised David a son who would reign forever, and we see glimpses of this promised king in Solomon. Through his story, we’re reminded that there should be a royal wisdom that defines us as God’s kingdom of priests, the church. But ultimately, Solomon failed in his royal reflection. So, the question is, what does Solomon’s story teach us about ourselves and God? How can the life of Solomon be instructive to us as God’s people today? And most importantly, how does King Solomon (a son of David) point us to King Jesus (the son of David)?
PASSAGE GUIDE
God granted Solomon extraordinary wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34), making him a global byword for understanding, creativity, and discernment. Yet his life also warns that knowing wisdom and living wisely aren’t the same—later compromises show how brilliance without obedience drifts toward folly. Proverbs, many of them from Solomon, therefore offers not guarantees but time-tested principles for how life typically works under God’s design.
The heart of biblical wisdom is “the fear of the LORD”—reverent awe, humble submission, trusting God’s goodness, delighting in his commands, and living before his searching presence (Prov 1:7; 9:10). Wisdom isn’t self-generated; it’s received. In a culture that says “trust your heart,” Scripture redirects us to trust the Lord, acknowledging his authority over our preferences and instincts. This God-centered posture turns information into transformation.
With that foundation, Proverbs contrasts two paths: wisdom that yields life, integrity, measured speech, and faithful stewardship, and worldly “wisdom” that prizes image, impulse, and quick gain but ends in emptiness. In the digital age, our screens disciple us—often toward comparison, outrage, and distraction. Proverbs answers with concrete practices: guard your heart by curating inputs; choose companions who pull you toward godliness; practice slow, truthful speech; cultivate gratitude and contentment; and seek counsel in community. These habits build “skill in living” amid constant cultural noise.
The pursuit of wisdom is inseparable from walking by the Spirit and looking to Christ, who is God’s wisdom embodied. Proverbs describes the life the Spirit forms within us; Galatians’ fruit mirrors Proverbs’ virtues. We don’t master principles by willpower; we’re mastered by a Person who empowers obedience. So each day we decide who will disciple us—the scroll of the age or the voice of God. When we seek God’s wisdom first, he supplies what we lack and, in his way and time, fulfills his purposes—shaping us into people whose lives reflect the character of Jesus.
“Wisdom is knowing how to do the right things at the right time in the right way.” Jeff Vanderstelt
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. You do not need to listen to both sermons at both campuses to participate in the discussion.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, You are the source of all wisdom. Today we ask that You open our hearts to hear Your Word, open our minds to understand Your truth, and open our lives to be shaped by Your Spirit. Help us to discern Your wisdom from the folly of this world and to walk in Your ways. Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What does it mean that wisdom is skill in living well in God’s world?
- How does Proverbs’ claim that “the fear of the LORD” is the beginning of wisdom reshape our modern idea of being “smart” or “informed”?
- In what ways does Solomon’s life show the gap between knowing wisdom and living wisely?
- How does Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10 define the foundation of wisdom?
- Why is the fear of the Lord different from mere knowledge or intelligence?
- Why is it important that Proverbs shows us principles rather than promises?
- How does Solomon’s life serve both as an encouragement and a warning about wisdom?
- What specific inputs (news, podcasts, social feeds) most shape your heart—and what will you curate or cut to “guard your heart” (Prov 4:23)?
- What daily rhythm will help you practice gratitude and resist comparison?
- Which area of your life most needs Spirit-empowered self-control (time, tongue, money, appetites,...)?
- Each morning, who disciples you first—phone or the Scriptures? How does that impact your day and relationships?
Life with Jesus: What’s one proverb you’ll memorize and practice for seven days, and how will you track the impact?
Life in Community: Where do you need counsel right now? Name two believers you’ll ask for input, and set a time to talk.
Life on Mission: Let your speech reflect godly wisdom—truthful, kind, and healing (Proverbs 12:18). This week model integrity online and offline, in your speech and conduct.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You that true wisdom comes from You. Help us not only to hear but to practice what we have learned today. May our lives with Jesus, in community, and on mission reflect Your wisdom to a watching world. Teach us to walk by Your Spirit, to trust in Your goodness, and to live as people who display the beauty of Christ, who is our wisdom. Amen.