Wisdom Notebook

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #040 — What's Behind the Invitation?

Monday, November 9, 2026 | Proverbs 9

Not every invitation is what it appears to be. Some opportunities sound wonderful at first, but what happens when we look a little closer?

In Proverbs 9, Solomon introduces two very different invitations. Both are calling for our attention, but the difference between them is far more important than we might initially realize.

Drawing on his experience as a Marine Corps intelligence analyst and a familiar biblical account, Orlando Buck explores why it's important to look beyond what's being offered and consider where an invitation might lead.

From My Wisdom Notebook

Wisdom considers not only what's being offered, but who's offering it and where it leads.

Scripture

Today's Reading: Proverbs 9:1–18 Focus Scripture: Proverbs 9:1–6; 9:13–18 Verse Worth Remembering: Proverbs 9:6 Additional Scripture: Judges 16

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Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #039 — I've Got This, God

Proverbs 8:22–31

As children grow, they naturally become more independent. But when it comes to our relationship with God, is independence really what we should be striving for?

In Proverbs 8, Solomon gives us a remarkable picture of wisdom being present before the earth was formed. It's a reminder that God's wisdom existed long before we did, and that we never reach a point where we know better than He does.

Today, we're considering what raising children can teach us about our own relationship with God, why we sometimes resist His instructions, and what it means to keep trusting His wisdom as we grow older.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“I will never outgrow my need for the wisdom of the God who created me.”

Scripture

Proverbs 8:1–36 (ESV)

Focus verses: Proverbs 8:22–31

Additional Scripture: Genesis 1:1; James 1:5

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #038 — It Sounded So Convincing!

Proverbs 7:13–21

Just because something sounds convincing doesn't mean it's true. So how do we recognize the difference?

In Proverbs 7, Solomon describes a young man who is persuaded by words that make a dangerous choice sound appealing. The woman's arguments seem reassuring, and she even uses religious language. But none of that changes where her invitation leads.

Today, we're considering some familiar messages we hear every day, why our feelings and the opinions of others aren't always reliable guides, and how God's Word helps us recognize the difference between what sounds good and what is right.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom tests what sounds convincing against the truth of God's Word.”

Scripture

Proverbs 7:1–27 (ESV)

Focus verses: Proverbs 7:13–21

Additional Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 12:2

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #037 — What Does God Hate?

Proverbs 6:16–19

We talk often about God's love, mercy, and grace. But have you ever stopped to consider what the Bible says God hates?

In Proverbs 6, Solomon identifies seven things the Lord hates. Some may seem obvious, while others involve attitudes and behaviors we might be tempted to overlook or excuse in ourselves.

Today, we're looking at what this passage teaches us about God's holiness, why pride, dishonesty, and creating division matter to Him, and how we can examine our own hearts rather than simply pointing out what's wrong with everyone else.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom takes seriously what God calls evil, even when I'm tempted to excuse it in myself.”

Scripture

Proverbs 6:1–35 (ESV)

Focus verses: Proverbs 6:16–19

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #036 — What's It Going to Cost You?

Proverbs 5:7–14

Temptation has a way of drawing our attention to what we might gain while keeping us from thinking about what we could lose.

In Proverbs 5, Solomon warns his son about the dangers of sexual temptation and unfaithfulness. He doesn't simply tell him what to avoid. He describes the painful consequences that can follow when we ignore wisdom's warnings.

Today, we're considering why temptation can be so convincing, how seemingly small decisions can lead us toward serious consequences, and why it's important to think about the cost before taking a step in the wrong direction.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom considers the cost of temptation before taking a step toward it.”

Scripture

Proverbs 5:1–23 (ESV)

Focus verses: Proverbs 5:7–14

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #035 — Who's Raising Your Children?

Proverbs 4:3–4

Our children are learning every day. But have we stopped to consider who's doing the teaching?

In Proverbs 4, Solomon remembers the instruction he received from his father. His words remind us that teaching our children wisdom is more than giving advice. It's a responsibility that involves our time, our attention, and the example we set.

Today, we're considering the many voices influencing our children, the important role parents have in teaching God's Word, and why the lessons our children learn from watching us may be just as powerful as the ones we deliberately teach.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom takes responsibility for teaching our children God's ways, both through what we say and how we live.”

Scripture

Proverbs 4:1–27 (ESV)

Focus verses: Proverbs 4:3–4

Additional Scripture: Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 1:8; Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #034 — When I Don't Understand

Proverbs 3:5–6

We like knowing where we're going. But what happens when the path ahead isn't clear?

In Proverbs 3, Solomon calls us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts rather than leaning on our own understanding. Those words may be familiar, but living them out can be challenging, especially when we don't know what comes next.

Today, we're drawing on a real-life hiking experience and the example of Abraham to consider what it means to trust God's wisdom, make thoughtful decisions, and take the next faithful step even when we can't see the whole journey.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom recognizes the limits of my understanding and trusts God to guide my steps.”

Scripture

Proverbs 3:1–35 (ESV)

Focus verses: Proverbs 3:5–6

Additional Scripture: Hebrews 11:8

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #033 — Knowing Isn't Enough

Proverbs 2:11

Knowing what the Bible says is important. But is knowing enough?

In Proverbs 2, Solomon tells us that discretion will watch over us and understanding will guard us. Those are encouraging promises, but they also raise an important question: How does God's wisdom actually guide the way we live?

Today, we're looking at an unexpected lesson from Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, considering the difference between knowing Scripture and obeying it, and asking whether we're allowing God's Word to shape our everyday decisions.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom isn't just knowing God's Word. It's choosing to live by what He says.”

Scripture

Proverbs 2:1–22 (ESV)

Focus verse: Proverbs 2:11

Additional Scripture: Matthew 4:5–7; Psalm 91

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #032 — The Choice Is Yours

Proverbs 1:24

A new month means a fresh journey through Proverbs, and we're beginning with an important question: What do we do when wisdom calls?

In Proverbs 1, wisdom is pictured calling out in public, offering instruction and warning people about the consequences of ignoring it. But hearing good advice and following it are two very different things.

Today, we're considering why we sometimes resist correction, what happens when we insist on doing things our own way, and how choosing to listen can change the direction of our lives.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“God invites me to follow His wisdom, but I must choose whether to listen and obey.”

Scripture

Proverbs 1:1–33 (ESV)

Focus verse: Proverbs 1:24

Additional Scripture: Proverbs 1:20–33; Matthew 23:37

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Episode #031 — Where Wisdom Begins

Proverbs 31:30

We've reached the final chapter of Proverbs and completed our first 31-day journey through God's Word together!

But as we come to the end of the book, we discover a truth that takes us right back to where we started.

In Proverbs 31, we're reminded that wisdom is about more than knowledge, accomplishments, or appearances. It's about developing a life shaped by reverence for God.

Today, we're reflecting on what we've learned, how God's Word is changing us, and why the foundation of wisdom remains just as important at the end of our journey as it was at the beginning.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom begins with honoring God, and grows as I learn to live according to his word.”

Scripture

Proverbs 31:1–31 (ESV)

Focus verse: Proverbs 31:30

Additional Scripture: Proverbs 1:7

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Want to continue seeking wisdom together?

Join the free Wisdom Seekers email at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your free 31-Day Proverbs Notebook, along with additional thoughts and resources from our daily journey through God's Word.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.