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Introduction:
Every day we face circumstances that require us to make decisions and choices. Navigating them can be difficult. If we are going to live wisely, we need God’s knowledge and wisdom. The pursuit of Godly wisdom should be a priority of the Christian life. Without God, we cannot make wise choices.
“Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. 8Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.” —Proverbs 4:7-8
God gave us a book called Proverbs to help us understand the value of wisdom and how to attain it.
- The theme of Proverbs is wisdom. It covers all the basic areas of life.
- The main writer of Proverbs is Solomon. He was the wisest person to ever live.
- The nature of Proverbs is pithy. They are short and concise statements of penetrating truth.
This collection of talks will help you wise up and live well and will include:
June 2nd/5th Living Wisely – Understanding Wisdom
June 9th/12th Living Wisely with Decisions – Honor the Grads Weekend
June 16th/19th Living Wisely in Relationships – Father’s Day Weekend
June 23rd/26th Living Wisely with Money
June 30th/July 3rd Living Wisely as a Citizen - 4th of July Weekend
Text: Proverbs 13:20 (CSB, Old Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Your relationships should build you up, not tear you down.
Week 3 - Relationships
I. FIND PEOPLE WHO
ABOUT YOU
A. If you want to have friends, be
“Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” —Philippians 2:4
“Don’t abandon your friend …” —Proverbs 27:10a
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.” —Proverbs 17:17
B. Hang out with people who
“What is desirable in a person is his fidelity; better to be a poor person than a liar.” —Proverbs 19:22
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” —John 15:13
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
II. FIND PEOPLE WHO
YOU UP
A. Positive people have
“A joyful heart is good medicine, …” —Proverbs 17:22a
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” —Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
B. Supportive people get excited about your
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth - a stranger, and not your own lips.” —Proverbs 27:2
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” —Romans 12:15 (NKJV)
III. FIND PEOPLE WHO CAN BE
A. Wise relationships are built on
“A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” —Proverbs 11:13
“A contrary (perverse) person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” —Proverbs 16:28
B. Trustworthy friends
“Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.” —Proverbs 17:9
“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” —Proverbs 10:12
IV. FIND PEOPLE WHO CAN BE
A. Wise relationships are open, honest, and
“The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.” —Proverbs 27:6
B. Friends follow
“A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word — how good that is!” —Proverbs 15:23
Rule #1: Raving fan publicly, honest critic privately.
Rule #2: Don’t dish out what you can’t take back.
Rule #3: Correct people on their good days, not on their bad ones.
V. FIND PEOPLE WHO WILL HELP YOU BECOME
A. Find people who
“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” —Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
B. Find people that bring you
“A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.” —Proverbs 12:26
“My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded.” —Proverbs 1:10
CONCLUSION: Are you living wisely in your relationships?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
1. How would you rate your most important relationships (family, close friends) as they stand right now, from 1-10?
2. Do you primarily have people around you who are life-givers, or life-suckers? Which are you?
3. Are you someone others can trust? Do you have friends you can intimately confide in?
4. Are your friendships and relationships moving closer to Jesus becuase of you - Or further away?