Small Group Guide: "Who's the Wise Guy? Understanding True Wisdom"

Opening Question: Who is the wisest person you know? What makes them wise in your eyes?

Key Takeaways:

1. Wisdom is not just knowledge, but the right use of knowledge.
2. True wisdom is practical, gentle, and spiritual.
3. There are two types of wisdom: earthly (worldly) and heavenly (godly).
4. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
5. Wisdom can be developed through knowing God, reading His Word, praying, and living obediently.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the sermon's definition of wisdom ("the ability to discern what is right in God's sight and to act accordingly") differ from common cultural understandings of wisdom?
2. The sermon mentions that wisdom is practical. Can you share an example of how you've seen wisdom practically demonstrated in someone's life?
3. James 3:13 talks about the "gentleness of wisdom." How can gentleness and wisdom work together in our daily lives?
4. The sermon contrasts earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom. What are some examples of earthly wisdom you see promoted in society today?
5. James lists eight characteristics of heavenly wisdom (pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere). Which of these do you find most challenging to embody? Why?
6. How can we cultivate a "fear of the Lord" that leads to wisdom, without becoming fearful or anxious?
7. The sermon mentions that wise people attract others. Have you experienced this in your own life? How can we use this attractive quality of wisdom to point others to Christ?

Practical Applications:

1. Commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs each day for the next month.
2. Identify one area in your life where you need more wisdom. Spend time this week praying specifically for wisdom in that area.
3. Practice the "gentleness of wisdom" this week by consciously responding to a difficult situation or person with gentleness rather than harshness.
4. Reflect on the eight characteristics of heavenly wisdom. Choose one to focus on developing in your life this week.
5. For parents or those who mentor others: Consider how you can intentionally model and teach godly wisdom to those under your influence.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the gift of wisdom. Help us to seek Your wisdom above all earthly knowledge. Give us discernment to recognize the difference between earthly and heavenly wisdom. May we grow in the fear of the Lord and in the practical application of Your wisdom in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.