Guard your heart with all diligence, for There is a way that seems right to a man,
from it flow springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12
PROVERBS
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; Commit your works to the LORD and your
observe its ways and become wise. plans will be achieved. Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 6:6
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PROVERBS
Life is riddled with crossroads, dilemmas, and moments that define us. Proverbs isn't just a historical book
of old sayings; it's a handbook for life. Here, wisdom is not just presented as a philosophical concept but as
a choice, a way to navigate the world's complexities with grace, righteousness, and understanding. From
criticising pride and laziness to prompting honesty and humility, Proverbs presents wisdom as a path to a
life well-lived under God's watchful eye.
BIBLE READING: Proverbs
KEY VERSE: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” - Proverbs 3:5-6
INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS
Solomon wasn’t just any king; he was gifted with divine wisdom. As captured in 1 Kings 3:4-15, when God
offered him anything he desired, instead of wealth or power, Solomon chose wisdom to lead his people
righteously.
This unparalleled wisdom wasn’t just Solomon’s treasure; he shared it with the world through his writings.
Proverbs use engaging similes and metaphors, making the teachings memorable and relatable. From
offering counsel on personal relationships and finances to imparting broader life lessons, Proverbs remains
a relevant guide, irrespective of time or context.
Given its 31 chapters, many believers continue to read Proverbs on a month-long journey with Solomon’s
wisdom, allowing its teachings to seep into their daily lives, one chapter at a time.
KEY POINTS:
1. THE VALUE OF WISDOM - PROVERBS 1:7
It shouldn't be surprising that the book of Proverbs has much to say about wisdom. For example:
• Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
instruction."
• Proverbs 3:13-14: "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for
the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold."
• Proverbs 8:11: “For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with
her.”
These verses show the great importance of wisdom and how it is often considered much more valuable
than wealth or material possessions. Wisdom is invaluable because it provides knowledge, understanding,
and discernment that can't be bought with money.
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Unlike money which can be spent, wisdom accumulates and increases over time. The more you learn and
practice wise principles, the better equipped you will be to handle life's challenges and make informed and
Godly decisions.
True wisdom comes from God and can only be gained through trusting in Him and listening to what He has
to say. It's achieved by reading His word, praying for understanding, and being open to direction.
2. THE DANGERS OF FOLLOWING OUR OWN PATH - PROVERBS 14:12
We've all been standing at a crossroads trying to make a decision. With each option pulling us in a different
direction, how do we know which path to take? Proverbs 14:12 gives us a powerful warning: sometimes,
the path we think is right can lead us to places we never intended to go.
This is more than just making a wrong turn or choosing the less tasty dessert. It's about life's bigger choices
and the risks of relying solely on our own understanding. We've grown up in a world that constantly tells us
to "follow our hearts" or "do what feels right." But what if our hearts are sometimes misguided?
For instance, have you ever decided something in the heat of the moment, maybe out of anger or
frustration, only to regret it later? Or let Envy or lust control your actions? This is an example of what
Proverbs is warning us about.
Our own perspectives, feelings, and thoughts can sometimes blind us, leading us down roads filled with
regret, pain, or even danger. These paths can have real consequences, whether it's giving in to peer
pressure, making choices based on fleeting emotions, or neglecting important relationships for short-term
gains.
But this verse doesn’t leave us in despair. It offers an invitation to a different way. Instead of leaning solely
on our understanding, we're called to lean on God. By seeking His guidance, we can find clarity and
direction. It might not always align with what's popular or what seems right at the moment, but God's way
promises a path of true life, purpose, and fulfilment.
3. THE WEIGHT OF OUR WORDS - PROVERBS 18:21
Have you ever sent a text message or comment that you immediately wished you could take back? We all
have. Words, once spoken or written, can't be undone. They linger, having the power to either uplift or
break someone. That’s the power and responsibility of our words.
Proverbs 18:21 paints a vivid image: our words can either breathe life or cast shadows. A simple
compliment can make someone’s day, while a careless remark can leave lasting scars. We live in a time
where words are easily exchanged, from social media comments to group chats. This makes it even more
critical for us to be cautious and intentional.
In order to speak words of life, it’s helpful to pause and reflect. Are we about to say something true,
uplifting, and necessary? Does it honour God? It's not just about preventing harm; it's about actively
seeking to encourage and build up those around us.
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Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:34 further underline the importance of our words. Essentially, our speech
reveals our heart. Filling our hearts with God's Word and allowing His truths to shape our thinking will
naturally influence our words.
4. THE REWARDS OF HARD WORK - PROVERBS 22:29
We are often tempted to think, "I'll do it later." Yet, God's Word reminds us of the value of working with
passion and precision.
The message in Proverbs is clear: diligence is more than just a trait; it's a path to success and honour.
But the lesson doesn’t stop there. Proverbs 10:4-5 starkly contrasts the results of diligence with the
consequences of laziness. Hard work leads to prosperity, while procrastination results in missed
opportunities and regrets. We're reminded that our choices today can shape our future. Colossians 3:23
steers our perspective towards a higher purpose. It’s not about impressing others but working with the
awareness that we're ultimately serving God. When we understand this, every task becomes a form of
worship, no matter how insignificant.
Let's commit to giving our best as we navigate school, hobbies, and even chores. Our dedication is about
honouring God with the abilities He has blessed us with.
CONCLUSION
Navigating life can be like trying to find our way through a maze. Proverbs isn't just a collection of old
sayings; it's like a compass for our soul. Proverbs remind us that our words and actions have consequences,
and our daily choices have an ongoing impact.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
WHAT'S ONE PROVERB THAT HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOU?
HOW CAN WE PRACTICALLY APPLY WISDOM IN OUR MODERN, DAY-TO-DAY
LIVES?
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF RELYING SOLELY ON YOUR OWN
UNDERSTANDING?
HOW DO YOU BALANCE DILIGENCE IN HARD WORK WITH REST, AND HOW
DOES THIS REFLECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
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STUDY NOTES MIND MAP
1 2
THE ___________ OF WISDOM. THE _________ OF FOLLOWING
PROVERBS 1:7 OUR OWN ________.
PROVERBS 14:12
PROVERBS
4
THE ____________ OF HARD
WORK.
3 PROVERBS 22:29
THE WEIGHT OF OUR _______________.
PROVERBS 18:21
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GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
PROVERB PATHWAY
Materials needed: Large sheets of paper, markers.
Instructions:
1. Divide the youth into small groups. Give each group a large sheet of paper and markers.
2. Instruct each group to draw a 'pathway' and along the pathway, write down various proverbs.
3. Once completed, groups exchange pathways and walk each other’s path, discussing the meaning and
implications of each proverb they encounter.
4. Wrap up with a group reflection on how wisdom guides our paths in life.
WORDS OF WISDOM BALLOON POP
Materials needed: Balloons, small pieces of paper, pens.
Instructions:
1. Write different Proverbs on pieces of paper and place one inside each balloon before inflating.
2. Have the youth group stand in a circle and toss the balloon around.
3. When someone yells "Stop!", the person holding the balloon pops it and reads the Proverb inside, discussing
its meaning.
4. The others in the group can share if they agree with the meaning or think it means something else.
WISE OR OTHERWISE?
Materials needed: Cards with Proverbs and other common sayings on some and nonsensical or humorous sayings on
others. (There are some examples on the next page, but feel free to add your own).
Instructions:
1. Distribute a card to each participant.
2. Players take turns reading their card aloud.
3. The group votes if it's a genuine piece of wisdom (Wise) or not (Otherwise).
4. Reveal the answer and discuss the importance of discerning true wisdom.
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WISE OR OTHERWISE CARDS
WISE OTHERWISE
"If you shake your umbrella indoors, rainbows might
"Pride goes before a fall."
chase you."
"A soft answer turns away wrath." "A rolling potato gathers no gravy."
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens
"Never trust a zebra with a paintbrush."
another."
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words
"The early bird catches the worm."
will never hurt me."
"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
a fattened calf with hatred."
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MATCH THE PROVERBS
Match the first half of a proverb with its second half.
Draw a line connecting the two parts that form a complete proverb.
1. Trust in the LORD with all your heart a. but fools despise wisdom and
(Proverbs 3:5) instruction.
2. The fear of the LORD is the
beginning b. and your plans will succeed.
(Proverbs 1:7)
3. Commit your works to the LORD c. and lean not on your own
(Proverbs 16:3) understanding.
4. Better a little with righteousness
d. are wealth and honour and life.
(Proverbs 16:8)
5. Hope deferred makes the heart sick
e. than great wealth with injustice.
(Proverbs 13:12)
6. The teaching of the wise is a
fountain of life f. of knowledge.
(Proverbs 13:14)
7. The name of the LORD is a strong
g. but a longing fulfilled is a tree of
tower
life.
(Proverbs 18:10)
8. The beginning of wisdom is the fear
h. the righteous run to it and are
of the LORD
safe.
(Proverbs 1:7)
9. The plans of the diligent surely lead
i. turning one from the snares of
to profit
death.
(Proverbs 21:5)
10. The reward for humility and fear of
the LORD j. but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
(Proverbs 22:4)
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DRAW THE PROVERB
Read some proverbs and draw a scene or symbol in the space provided to represent it.
Here are some ideas:
• "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
• "Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice." (Proverbs 16:8)
• "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
• “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
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FILL IN THE MISSING WORDS
Complete each proverb by filling in the blanks. Use the Bible references provided to assist if needed.
1. "Trust in the LORD with all your ________ and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
2. "The ________ of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
(Proverbs 1:7)
3. "Whoever guards his ________ preserves his life, but a deceitful person sows discord." (Proverbs 13:3)
4. "As iron sharpens iron, so one ________ sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)
5. "A ________ hopes for healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)
6. "The ________ of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes away lives." (Proverbs 11:30)
7. "The heart of man plans his _______, but the LORD establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
8. "Without ________, the people are unrestrained, but he who keeps the law is blessed." (Proverbs 29:18)
9. "Even a ________ is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips." (Proverbs
17:28)
10. "A ________ finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." (Proverbs 18:2)
Missing Words
fruit joyful heart (or vision (or revelation) person (or man)
cheerful heart)
way (or course) fool fool
mouth
heart fear
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MODERN DAY PROVERBS
The Book of Proverbs provides wisdom for many of life's situations in short, memorable sayings. Imagine if Solomon
were living today; what might he say about our current situations?
Situation: Scrolling endlessly on social media. Situation: Filtering real information from fake news.
Modern-Day Proverb: Modern-Day Proverb:
"In the quest for likes and shares, one often forgets life's
true cares."
Situation: Being overwhelmed by the constant news
Situation: Balancing learning and personal life.
cycle.
Modern-Day Proverb: Modern-Day Proverb:
Situation: Making genuine connections in a digital age. Situation: Managing the urge for instant gratification
Modern-Day Proverb: Modern-Day Proverb:
Situation: Comparing oneself to the seemingly perfect
Situation: Standing alone for something that is right
lives of influencers.
Modern-Day Proverb: Modern-Day Proverb:
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Guard your heart with all diligence, for
There is a way that seems right to a man,
from it flow springs of life. Proverbs 4:23
but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12
PROVERBS
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; Commit your works to the LORD and your
observe its ways and become wise. plans will be achieved. Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 6:6
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WRITE OUT THE MEMORY VERSE
Proverbs 3:5-6
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Answers
Proverb match
1. c
2. f
3. b
4. e
5. g
6. i
7. h
8. a
9. j
10. d
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