Pastor Chris talked about how foolishness can be alluring and super-destructive at the same time.
MY STORY
Who is the most foolish individual you've ever seen in a movie or TV series? What made this person such a tragic character?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!"And to him who lacks sense she says, "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. " But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs 9:13-18
Why do you think the author equates loud volume with folly? When can foolishness be very quiet?
Why do you think she uses food and drink to attract people? Why the emphasis on stolen drink and eating in secret?
What makes her so seductive? What attracts people into her house?
Why are those who lack sense drawn to folly? Why would people with common sense know better?
What does God want us to hear? What are some of the more factual "takeaways" from this passage for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
God tells us that Folly is calling to everyone, even those who are passing by and going straight on their way.
What decisions can you make ahead to time to make it easier to say "No" to folly when she appears?
In the beginning of Proverbs 9, Wisdom is also described as a woman. Contrast the promises of these two metaphorical women, (Wisdom and Folly), in their respective houses.
What are some modern-day examples of "stolen water" and "bread eaten in secret"?
What does God want us to do? What are some hypothetical, but practical, ways to apply this chapter from Proverbs?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Chris reminded us that Folly always over-promises and under-delivers. Think about a time when you gave in to the empty promises of foolishness, and were deeply disappointed by the results. Looking back, what decisions would you have made differently?
Discuss ways to cultivate wisdom and sense in your life. What are some practical steps you can take, starting this week, to build a hedge against foolishness?
Start a self-reflection journal and think of some of the ways folly is present and active in your own life. What can you do to begin to weed out some of these enticements, especially before you're right in the middle of the temptation?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you to take in the coming week?
Message Notes
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