John MacArthur states that Proverbs is to “make people contemplate (1) the fear of God and (2) living by His wisdom. The sum of this wisdom is personified in the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is the Big Picture through Proverbs. As a reminder, a proverb is defined as “a short statement, usually known by many people for a long time, that gives advice or expresses some common truth.” King Solomon was blessed by God to be the wisest king of his day. The benefit is displayed in some of the proverbs about judges and kings. When a righteous king/judge rules then the society flourishes. In those days, the king was the highest court in the land. Remember that there always might be an example of an exception to a proverb, however, that misses the point. These are general statements about what wise habits are that lead to flourishing. The ultimate flourishing is found through the ultimate wisdom of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Reading Plan - Week 3
Daily Prayer Plan – Week 3
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Proverbs, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Proverbs 9:10. What is the beginning of wisdom? How should fear in this context be understood?
As you read Proverbs, what are some of the themes that you noticed? What were the repetitive topics in chapters 13-20?
Read Proverbs 14:2, 14:26-27, 15:16, 15:33, 16:3, & 19:23. What do you learn about the benefits of the fear of the Lord from these verses?
Read Proverbs 19:3. What leads a person away? Who do they blame anyways? Read Romans 1:18-24. How does this fit with Proverbs 19:3?
Read Proverbs 20:9. Read Romans 3:23. Read 1 John 1:8-10. What is the only solution to your sin problem?
SHARE IT.
How does a fear or ‘awe’ of the Lord help you have wisdom? How do you live with or keep this fear in mind during the average day?
Which topic in Proverbs stuck out to you the most this week? What was the Holy Spirit bringing to the surface as you read?
Read Proverbs 16:3. What plans do you have for yourself? Describe how you wrestle with giving your plans over to the Lord and focusing on serving Him daily in the opportunities He has given you.
Read Romans 1:24. If God has given sinners over to sin, then we should not be surprised that they do sin. How do you balance not approving of sin or being self-righteous?
What Psalm has the Lord used most so far in 2025 in your daily prayer time?
FINAL THOUGHT
Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Like Proverbs 20:9, everyone bears their guilt. None of us have lived up to God’s standard as we ought. However, Paul continues to write in verse 24, that “they (you, anyone who would believe) are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” This was also echoed in the passage you read in 1 John 1:8-10. You are or can be saved from the wrath of God for your sin, but what about the fact that people continue to sin after salvation? John writes in 1 John 2:1-2, “little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” Jesus is your advocate before the throne, meaning He has saved you from your past, present, and future sins. John continues in 1 John 2:3-6, This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him: 6 The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.” The proof of our being saved is our obedience. If we never fear, respect, or stand in awe of the Lord, we will not obey Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
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