Christian Leaders’ Guide to The Art of Wisdom – Chapter 9
“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”[1]
There is a constant need to compare wisdom and foolishness – to keep sharp in our understanding of what is godly and what is from this wicked, fallen, world.
Many misconstrue Jesus’ words concerning not judging – his concern was in judging in human terms: hypocrisy. In fact he later says to those very hypocrites “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?”[2].
Teach those whom God has brought into your life that it is necessary to always discern good and evil. We must “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”[3]
Verses 1-2 – James 3:13-18, Eph 2:18-22, 1 Pet 2:4-6, Rev 3:12, Matt 22:1-14
Verses 3-6 – Rom 10:13-15, John 7:37, Rev 3:14-19, 22:17, Matt 22:26-29, James1:5, Matt 7:13, 2 Cor 6:14-18
Verses 7-9 – Matt 7:6, 13:10-17, 15:14, 2 Pet 3:14-18 (this is an important message for all aspects of Christian life). 1 John 2:18-27 (Be very careful with this one – the truth that they know concerns the Son and the Father, which relates to their salvation – he’s writing to believers. They know they are saved and need not be worried. By no means is he saying we don’t need to learn, otherwise, why would he be teaching them! Why would you be teaching those you are?)
Verses 10-12 – John 17:1-3 (you should read all the “High Priestly Prayer”), 1 John 5:18-21, Eph 6:2-3, 2 Peter 3:1-13
Verses 13-18 – Rom 7:7-8 (If you want the best understanding of a good life you need to read All the scriptures: both Old and New Testaments), Eph 5:11-21, 1 Tim 6:3-7 (remember that the women in the Proverbs are illustrative of spiritual life), James 1-12-18
The Praise of a Father
It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of the father relationship. Of course, as Christians, we know that we all have one ultimate Father, but a poor earthly father experience can cloud even that relationship. As my good friend, Ron Hart, who is now with The Father, used to say “It’s hard to see God as your Father, if you didn’t see God in your father”.
If you don’t have any counseling experience it might be wise to invite an experienced and learned councilor when you discuss this subject. If that is not possible use the questions posed in the book as a good starting point. If appropriate ask each person what their father relationship is like. Ask if they felt their dad was proud of them. Ask if there is another person in their life who takes on a father role (even those with good paternal relationships often have others who qualify). Ask each person to find at least one good thing their dad did when they were children.
Discuss using the Proverbs and other scripture to fill this role. Does it help for those who had a poor relationship? Could it help those who had a good working relationship with their dads?
Last is to ask how each person can choose to act as to the father relationship.
Words to clarify.
Sections/proverbs to discuss. (7-8 & 9, 4 & 16, 17)
This simple chapter contains many contrasts – discuss some.
Forsake – Who? Why?
What are the benefits of gaining wisdom?
What is Solomon’s belief as to how to start gaining wisdom?
How does this compare to your understanding?
Talk some about fathers and praise – and wisdom.
[1] Hebrews 5:14 ESV
[2] Luke 12:57 ESV
[3] Matthew 10:16 ESV
Copyright Rick Henderson, Th.M. 2026, SouthBeachHope@gmail.com