Counsel

Passages

Proverbs 15:22-23, 24:5-6, 27:9, 13:20, 18:2, 22:24-25, 4:20-23, 16:9

Sermon Summary

Wise people are always asking three questions about their own lives:

1) Whose ears am I bending? They build a diverse "company of counselors," mentors and sources of information that help them navigate life's many decisions.

2) Whose shoulders am I walking alongside? They are convinced that everyone is profoundly influenced by the people closest to us, whether wise or foolish—so they make deliberate choices to surround themselves with wise people.

3) At whose feet do I bow? They know that their heart is fragile and precious, the source of all their thoughts, feelings and actions—so they gladly submit their hearts to Jesus the Wisdom of God who ultimately establishes all of our steps.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. What is one of the best (or worst) advice you've ever received—and why?
3. Which categories of people are well-represented in your "company of counselors," and which are under-represented? Consider age, sex, race, class, culture, and political views.
4. When was the last time you read through one of the Gospels? What is something you noticed about Jesus?
5. What difference does it make that Jesus is the Wisdom of God who both created the world and redeemed it?
6. Have you gotten advice from AI or social media? If so evaluate its strengths and limitations.
7. What do you think of the term "evangelical"? (as distinct from "evangelistic") Do you identify as evangelical? Why or why not?

Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• The Message of Proverbs, David Atkinson
• Proverbs for Everyone, John Goldingay
• Tyndale Commentary on Proverbs, Derek Kidner
• The Five Books of Moses, Robert Alter
• Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary, Bruce Waltke
• Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs, Roland Murphy & Elizabeth Huber
• Proverbs for You, Kathleen Nielson
• Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Navigating Life, Timothy & Kathy Keller
• Proverbs: Wisdom That Works, Ray Ortlund