Connect
◾An important decision I made this year was… How did that turn out?
◾Who is someone who is different from you (personality, religious beliefs, temperament, etc.) that has had a positive impact in your life? In what way?

Pray
Spend a few minutes releasing your cares and worries to God. Draw your attention to the One who knows you and cares about you far beyond what you can think or imagine.

You might pray, God I trust You with… (then name things that come to mind).

A simple centering prayer: God, You are the source of all that is good and beautiful and right. We pray You’d fill us with more of Your life. Help us grow deeper in Your love. Restore our union with You. We pray You’d give us strength to endure, wisdom to choose what’s right, and a hope that anchors our souls. Protect us from the evil one who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Move us beyond only looking at our own needs, and fill us with a deep love for each other. May Brookwood become a community that’s continually growing stronger together. Amen.

1. These verses name three types of people: wise, foolish and evil. How are each of them described?

The book of Proverbs provides a wealth of insight on being, becoming and relating to each of these kinds of people. Let’s look at a few more passages then move into a time of personal reflection and application.

2. What do these passages say about people who are wise?

3. What do these passages say about fools?

4. What do these passages say about those who are evil?

5. Look back over the attributes you listed. Think of times you were around each of these kinds of people. What impact did those relationships have on your character, values or decision-making? Share examples that come to mind.

6. Describe a time you were wise, foolish or even harmful in someone else’s life. How do you feel as you reflect back on what happened? What can you learn from that situation?

7. How do you differentiate between someone who is simply immature versus someone who is foolish and leading you astray?

8. Jesus spent time with broken and misguided people. How can we follow His example without falling into compromise? Do you have an example from your own life?

9. How can you correct or help a foolish person without becoming arrogant or condescending?

10. Are there situations where walking away from foolish people is wiser than trying to help them? Why do you say that?

11. What’s an example of a decision you made (either good or bad) that has had a long-lasting impact on your life?

Spend a couple of minutes in quiet. How is God leading you to respond to this week’s lesson?

Scripture Memory
Memorizing Scripture enables you to carry the life-shaping words of God in you at all times and in all places.

Here’s a verse to store in your heart and mind based on this week’s theme:

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
Proverbs 14:16 (ESV)

The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.
C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200.

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.