IBC Richmond

Application Questions:

What does Proverbs mean by “the heart of man reflects the man” (Prov. 27:19)?

How do intentions become choices? What factors translate good intentions into wise choices?

Do you quickly receive teaching or commands? Why does the heart resist instruction?

How does the heart ’study’ how to answer (Prov. 15:28)?

Application Questions:

What is an addiction? How or why does addiction control us? How does the Bible describe addiction differently from the medical community?

Did God create man to be dependent? How can this be right, good, and healthy?

Share a story that agrees with Proverbs 23:32: “In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder."

How would you counsel a friend or family member from the Bible in order to help them overcome an addiction?

Application Questions:

How do you define greed? What are the dangers of greed according to Proverbs 23:1-8?

Is 1 Corinthians 10:31 a remedy for greed? Why or why not?

Are Christians forbidden to enjoy luxuries like exotic vacations, expensive meals, or affluent possessions?

When you host, who do you invite, why do you invite them, and what is your goal in showing hospitality?

Application Questions:

How are praise and flattery distinguished from one another? Why is it appropriate to praise but inappropriate to flatter?

Why did Jesus say, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their father’s to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26)?

How does praise test a person’s character like a crucible or a furnace (see Proverbs 27:21)?

Is it appropriate to praise yourself? Should you present yourself in the best possible light in a job interview, new relationship, or online profile?

Application Questions:

If words are dangerous according to Proverbs 18:21, why not just avoid talking to people? What risk and reward apply to your conversations?

Which is more powerful—spoken or written words?

Read Judges 8:1-3. What did Gideon accomplish with his words?

Explain the expression, “stick your foot in your mouth.” What examples prove the meaning? What association does good timing have with good words?

Application Questions:

How does God discipline like a father? What two motives does Proverbs give for God's discipline?

What is life like without discipline? How would you explain God's discipline to an unbeliever?

Does age guarantee wisdom? Why or why not?

What role does the heart play in receiving correction?

Application Questions:

Since listening presumes someone is communicating, when should you speak and when should you listen?

Can listening be a gift given to the speaker? How does ‘feeling heard’ affect a person?

How can Christians ask questions in order to listen well?

When should you stop listening to voices in social media, cable news, or other culture shapers?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

What does Proverbs mean by urging, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Prov. 3:7)? Isn’t the whole book about wisdom?

If humility leads to wisdom (Prov. 11:2), why does the New Testament say knowledge puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1)?

What benefits does God give to the humble? Use key words from the text.

If God let you choose three ways by which he would humble you in the next 30 days, what three would you choose and why?