• Lesson 13 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.

As the writer brings this section to a close, notice the most important characteristic of the noble and virtuous woman: “…a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (31:30b).

Now we arrive at the true heart of the matter. The writer shows us the source of all her actions and identifying the why behind all she does. In short, he is shining a light on her own heart and motivations.

Motivations come from many places both without and within. Some are true, loving and righteous, and they are built upon and reflect the good heart of God. Others are deceptive and lead us astray causing us to doubt God at best and reject him completely at worst.

The motives of the Proverbs 31 woman were those driven by faith and love. Her faith in God was the foundation upon which all else was built.

If there is a New Testament equivalent for her faithful and loving service, it would be 1 Corinthians 13. The loving commitments described there are clearly seen in the virtuous woman who fears the Lord, revealing the contents of her heart and showing clearly the why behind the things she does.

The genuine love she shows is “patient … kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [It] does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. [It] never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8).

In the Old Testament, the phrase “fear the Lord” was a common way of identifying those who believed in and followed the one true God. In Deuteronomy 10, for example, Moses challenged his people, saying, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12).

Likewise, the Psalmist wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 111:10). The faith of the virtuous woman provided the foundation upon on which everything else was built. It must be so today, as well.

This truth of God is timeless and perfect: God always looks at the heart. It is the Proverbs 31 woman’s heart where her truest and eternal beauties reside. That is why her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband, too, saying, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all” (Proverbs 31:28–29).

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 12 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 27:17.

I have never worked as a smith, but I have seen such on TV or in the movies. You have likely seen it, too, so you know that fashioning iron is a violent activity. There is a white-hot fire and there is the pounding of metal by some kind of sledgehammer. There is a deafening sound as metal crashes against metal. Sparks fly as the battering continues.

It is a difficult process requiring much work and determination. The smith continues to pound, however, knowing that the product is worth all his pains.

Our proverb used this imagery in describing human relationships. Specifically, the writer was entreating his Jewish family, those who believe in the one true God, to help one another become the best they can be. Sometimes that involves corrections and interventions that can be very difficult. Those corrections, however, when done in the Spirit of the Lord and according to the word of the Lord, are always the most loving thing we can do.

One of the worst lies the devil deceives us with sounds like this: If you love someone, you always support them no matter what. That idea is not biblical and is not of God.

Let us say for example that your 6-year-old likes to play in the street. You sit down your son and explain that the street is not safe. There are cars and trucks that travel those lanes, and they could hurt him. Your child says he will not go there anymore. A couple of days later, you find that same child in the street again. Let me ask you, what is the most loving thing you can do for that child? Knowing the possibility of injury or even death, a loving parent will do what is necessary to be sure that child will not continue to play in the street. Iron sharpens iron.

It was the Sabbath and Jesus, as was his custom, was at the local synagogue. He was asked to read the scroll of Isaiah and did so, saying: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19). Then, knowing it would be controversial and yet also knowing he was the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus, with a heart filled with love for them all confessed: “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

This was a critically important iron sharpens iron moment. The Jews viewed the “Year of the Lord’s favor” as the beginning of the Messianic age. Those who were present and heard Jesus speak these words would have known that he was claiming to be the Messiah.

Notice their reaction. Most of them were greatly offended accusing Jesus of blasphemy. In fact, Luke tells us, “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard [what Jesus said]. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff” (Luke 4:28–29).

Jesus, however, loved them, so he was willing to confront their thinking and their hearts. They were not thinking rightly about their relationship with God. God’s Messiah was preaching to them about the kingdom of heaven and about forgiveness and salvation, but they had not been listening. Again, the most loving thing Jesus could do was to challenge them in their error. Iron sharpens iron.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 11 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 23:17-18.

Interestingly, the word for “zealous” is in the same family of words as “envy.” The shades of meaning are different with zealous inferring a passionate pursuit of that which is good and envy the passionate pursuit of that which is not good.

Watch this carefully. The writer essentially was saying, “It’s fine to be passionate about things in life; just be sure that your passion for God is supreme.” So, we are challenged to replace the passion associated with envy, a negative passion, with a passion that pursues God—a positive passion.

When the writer used the phrase “fear of the Lord,” he was describing a life wholly committed to God. He was describing someone who loves the Lord God with all his/her heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Again, in my imagination I can hear the Savior: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things” (Matthew 6:31–32). Jesus continued, “If you want to run after something, if you want to passionately pursue something, fine, then run after my Father’s kingdom and righteousness.”

It is sometimes very difficult to see past anxiety to a certain, blessed future, yet that is exactly what Scripture asks us to do. Jesus set the example. Look at how the writer of Hebrews said it: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus saw past the horror of the cross to the eternal hope and joy of redeemed sinners, people whom he loved, trusting him as Savior. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, there is a future hope for all who may be anxious in this life. That includes you and me.

The writer of Proverbs was proclaiming joyous hope. “There is surely a future hope” for all who are “zealous for the fear of the Lord.” The contrast could not be greater. There is no hope or future for those who chase after the things of the world, who envy the ways of the sinners, whereas there is a sure and eternal hope for the God pursuers. That sure future is also found in the most known and quoted verse in all the Bible. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 10 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 22:7.

Why do we want what we cannot afford in the first place? Since the beginning of time, people have been inclined to want what others have. No matter what it is, it seems like if someone else gets it, then we suddenly realize that we want it too.

Sometimes that is because our vehicle is continuously breaking down, or our house is too small for our growing family. Sometimes the newest piece of technology would really be helpful to us, or our house is falling apart and needs major renovations.

So, we see someone else with a new vehicle or the newest high-tech electronics, and it only reminds us that we really need to upgrade. Or they get a new house or renovate, and it prompts us to decide it is time that we improve our living situation, too.

But often, we just want something newer, bigger, better, or nicer. We will never be satisfied with less, especially if we see someone else with more.

In this instance, we may really value our purchase, or we may just think that it will make other people value us more. When we think we are defined by what we own, we can be tempted to incur debt just so everyone will see us as successful or important. This is more about our identity and status than it is about how much we value our purchase.

Jesus warned against this way of thinking saying, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15, ESV). Dissatisfaction with what we have, or with who we are, cannot be solved with money and things.

This is a heart problem, not a financial problem. Ephesians 2:10 says that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” We should find our identity in being a Christian and let our love and service toward him make us valuable.

But our insatiable appetite for more may not have anything to do with others. Instead, we may be trying to fill a void within ourselves, thinking that these things will make us happy.

Solomon had beautiful houses, vineyards, and gardens. His flocks and herds were larger than any kings before him, and he had more money than he knew what to do with. He did not restrain himself from any possession or pleasure. He bought everything that he wanted, and yet he said that “all was futility and striving after wind, and there was no benefit under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:4–11).

If Solomon could not satisfy himself with riches, then no one can. The reason that all his acquired wealth was useless is because it could not fill the emptiness he felt inside. Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV) says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” If what we are longing for is spiritual, then we will never find it by accumulating physical possessions. Only God can truly cure heart problems.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 9 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 15:15-17.

To be in need of anything is difficult. But we are only truly poor when our heart is lacking. Without joy, faith and love, we will feel dissatisfied even if we have acquired other great assets.

The world tells us the most successful people have an abundance of money and possessions. But honestly, it is much more valuable to be prosperous inwardly than it is to be rich outwardly.

What good does it do to have all the finest things this world has to offer if we are miserable? We can spend all our time and energy focusing on being successful according to worldly standards, only to find ourselves tired, angry and dissatisfied. But if our family is full of love, then we can be content no matter what our present circumstances may be.

Paul said: “I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12–13).

A family that knows God, and does their best to live according to his word, already hasacquired the most important thing they could ever have. When God is the foundation upon which everything else is built, our family is strong. Even if we do not have everything else we need, we can remain cheerful and united through him.

Matthew 7:24–27 says: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great.”

God not only gives us strength to handle the hard times, but also is the only true source of a cheerful heart. Psalm 16:11 says God’s “presence is full of joy” and in his “right hand there are pleasures forever.” With God, we also find love, not just because “love is from God,” but also because “God is love” (see 1 John 4:7–8).

The world can bring happiness in wonderful circumstances, but only God can give us joy amid sorrow or peace “which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).

Satan is a thief who uses the lures of this world to steal our joy, kill our love, and destroy our families. But Jesus came so we could live an abundant life (John 10:10). By inviting Christ into our homes, our family can be filled with the kind of love and joy that only he can give. Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 8 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 14:34.

To know the truth and find righteousness, we must look to God. As intelligent and relational people, we may reason things out in our own minds or ask a friend or family member when we are trying to decide the right course of action. But God should always be the first one we ask. Any advice or reason must be filtered through what God says in his Word and through his Spirit. By reading the Bible, attending church and praying, we hear from God. Then we can live out what we know.

Psalm 119:160 says, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous judgments is everlasting.” God’s Word is the only way to know absolute truth and find his righteousness. So, it should always be the first place we look. We should read and listen to Scripture being taught, while also talking it over with other believers. Christian teaching, fellowship and encouragement are so important to our faith. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another” (NKJV).

Praying helps us understand what we read and guides us in truth and righteousness. When Jesus walked this earth, the people followed and learned from him directly. He knew they would feel lost when he went to be with the Father.

So, Jesus comforted them by explaining that God would send the Holy Spirit in his place. The Holy Spirit could guide and teach everyone, at the same time, forever, unlike Jesus who could only teach those who were physically with him (See John 14:26, 16:7, 13). When we pray, this Helper and Spirit of Truth helps us discern the ways of God, too.

By meditating on God’s Word, it is more firmly established. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” When we continuously think about good things, they begin to flow from our minds to our hearts.

Our hearts need to be filled with goodness because whatever is in our heart is reflected in our words and actions. Luke 6:45 says, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” So, if we fill our heart and mind with truth and goodness, then it will begin to pour out of us.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 7 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 13:24.

The believer in Christ is fortunate the Lord does not make demands of us that are unreasonable or impossible. He leaves it to us to trust him with the impossible. We are to merely be obedient and faithful to him.

God’s grace is his unmerited favor toward us. It is God giving to us what we do not deserve. God’s mercy is his withholding of what we actually do deserve. Thank God for his grace and his mercy even in the administering of discipline.

When God disciplines us, he is correcting and instructing us in order for our lives to be properly aligned to his will and way. Ultimately, the Lord is helping us look more like him.

God disciplines us in such a way that shows his instruction toward us, even when unpleasant at times, is not only symbolic of his love in the action, but also in the way he administers such discipline toward us. Parents today would do well in striving to model such a style of discipline for their children.

Colossians 3:21 encourages fathers not to provoke their children to wrath, otherwise you discourage the child. In other words, constant, unending criticism and harsh words could lead to irritation and discouragement for the child. Imagine how quickly bitterness and lack of self-worth would enter our hearts if the Lord mercilessly and carelessly imparted discipline toward us. We might grow doubtful of God’s love for us.

But God gives a healthy balance, as should parents. The Lord encourages us, but he also tells us the truth about our state of being. He loves us too much to leave us in the same pitiful condition. We can ask the Lord to help us to work out that delicate balance.

Ephesians 6:4 echoes the same message as Colossians 3:21 but adding that fathers should bring up their child “in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

The training that is mentioned in the text refers to a type of instruction that should result in the development of certain daily habits. It is a good sign to see a child praying to the Lord because they’ve been raised to. It is a good sign to see a child, and even an adult, love someone who may be difficult to love. They are modeling what they have been instructed to model. And the training does not end in childhood. Believers in Christ go through a lifetime of training.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 6 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 9:1-18.

Christians are not excused from the noise of this life. As sure as God is constantly trying to get our attention, the call for our attention from the felonious, devious folly is always at work to take our attention away from the Lord.

Lady folly is loud and rebellious (Proverbs 7:11). The term “clamorous” literally means “boisterous.” Though she may be attractive and alluring, she is equally as loud and obnoxious to the wise, but a dynamite of desire for drama for the foolish. She is also “simple,” or naïve, and knows nothing.

Folly sits at the door and calls aloud from the highest places of the city. Christian believers should always keep in mind that just because you are walking in wisdom, it does not mean you will not feel enticed to participate in foolish activities. Folly also appears to use the same place to communicate, the highest place of the city.

Individuals devoid of understanding are easily manipulated and taken advantage of by those seeking to do sinful deeds. Proverbs 7:7–8 is particular in pointing out youth, younger individuals who may lack understanding, naively floating through life without God’s wisdom.

The invitation for folly usually never stops at the invitation. Such a moment is followed by foolish reasoning in an effort to convince those who are simple or naïve. Some people do not need much convincing to believe that something sinful can be for good.

Lady folly is using the same style of invitation as lady wisdom, but the motivation and rewards are different. Lady folly is appealing to the simple with immediate gratification. Some scholars believe that the reference “stolen water” in Proverbs 9:17 is referring to illicit sexual activity that occurs outside of marriage. Lady folly also offers a lifestyle hidden in secrecy with the reference to bread eaten in secret. Lady folly considers this lifestyle as “pleasant” or “delightful.”

Proverbs 20:17 says, “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” Imagine the after taste of emotional distraught, guilt and shame that comes from doing a foolish, sinful deed—after the fact.

While there is something exciting and emotionally exhilarating about doing something we have no business doing, the consequences of our actions are always soon to follow.

Even if you believe you got away with something, the searing memory of it is even harder to escape from.

When we sin, willfully or unwilfully, we have an opportunity to repent and ask the Lord to forgive us. And God promised he would. But it is important that we not abuse the grace God gives us. We make it a point to repent, receive the Lord’s forgiveness, and daily choose not to consistently walk in such folly.

Those who choose a life of folly, according to verse 18, have no idea that those who follow folly, follow her to their deaths. This indicates that the life of physical pleasures and secret lifestyles are only “pleasant” for a short period of time. The house of the folly “leads down to death, and her paths to the dead” (Proverbs 2:18), and her house is the way to hell (Proverbs 7:27), and folly’s guests are in the depths of hell.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 5 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 3:9-10.

Proverbs 3:10 wraps up the “then” portion of the “if/then” statement from verse 9. The person who trusts and obeys God experiences the joyous benefits of his promises. Verse 10 reveals the results of what happens when a person honors the Lord with their possessions and with their firstfruits. The result is God’s ongoing provision and protection.

Tithing and giving to the Lord does not always result in seeing an increase in financial wealth, but it always makes room for the Christian believer to see that God is truly the provider.

The writer emphasizes that “barns” or “storehouses” will “be filled with plenty.” Surely the person who honors the Lord with their first and best will experience a fulfilled life with more than enough. Vats, or troughs, that operated like a winepress would overflow with new wine. The King James Version says the vats will “burst out” with new wine.

This was awesome news for people who could not get the kind of access to drinkable water like those in the 21st century. The Israelites had to rely on wine as a viable beverage to consume, due to lack of access to drinking water, drought and contamination.

Imagine having so much that you do not mind giving more to God and blessing others around you.

Surrendering to God is made easier when one understands the promises of God and when one recognizes God’s character as a promise keeper. The children of Israel had to learn this even as they journeyed to the promised land. In Deuteronomy 28:8, the promise that God would bless Israel in their land was dependent on the obedience of the people of Israel within the Mosaic covenant.

The children of Israel would experience agricultural abundance and prosperity, not because of their own abilities or because of a false god in the culture, but because the Lord God had provided and continued to provide for them.

When we are faithful and obedient to God by trusting him with our wealth, we discover God is more than faithful in meeting our every need. When we are generous givers of the things God has blessed us with, we will experience an incredible abundance of blessings that will show up in our faith walk as well. We live and look more like Jesus when we trust God with everything he has given to us.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 4 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 3:5-7.

Trusting in God and not leaning on yourself is the first part, and verse 6 continues the wise saying. Not only must you trust God with your whole self instead of trusting your whole self, but you also must acknowledge God and his work in your life and the whole world. Be aware of God and look for him. You can see God’s activity in your life, because as you put your confidence in him, God will lay out his plans for you.

Do yourself a favor. Out loud, on your own or in a group, speak verses 5–6 as a whole. Repeat this if you need to. As you do this, what stands out? Perhaps say it again and allow yourself to emphasize different phrases. Words rise to the surface depending on how we emphasize them with our speaking and thinking. If you have trust issues, the word “trust” will probably stand out as a directive for you. If you are concerned about where you are going next, the last line of verse 6 will probably catch your attention.

Putting your full confidence in God is important. What follows your confidence in God is your confidence in his plan for you and your life. Making plans is part of what we humans get to do since God gave us free will. Even walking through a day whimsically is a plan; it is just not a detailed plan. We walk to and fro, living out a plan. But what does God have to say about our plans compared to his plans for us?

Proverbs 19:21 said it this way: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Dwell on that for a minute. Inside your heart, the heart that you have full confidence in the Lord from, you develop many plans for you. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, planning from the heart reveals the creative gifts God has given each person. But we need to accept one reality: God is the one who wins.

Surrender is an act of submission to God. As we make our many plans, we must be sure to submit them to God, just as a student submits an assignment to the teacher for approval. We can acknowledge God by deferring our plans to his. The good news is as we live with God and for God, his influence on our life is found in our plans, because we include him in the planning process. As big as God is and as sought after as he is, God enjoys your invitation to sit at the table and lay out plans for you.

Did I mention that God’s plans are good? When we acknowledge God and trust him by surrendering our plans to him, he takes what is crooked and makes it straight. The best efforts you give to planning your life will come off as a crooked path or an uneven road. When you submit those to God, his construction skills have a way of taking your feeble plans and straightening them.

 The image of a path implies that there is a journey involved. There is no need for a path unless you are walking from one place to another. This image points to everyday living. As you live your life, rather than walk alone, acknowledge that God is walking with you. While walking and talking with God, offer your plans to him and trust them to his care. Be willing to take on his better plans for your life, even though they may look different from what you envisioned. You can be sure the path God lays out for you will be good.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 3 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 3:1-4.

There are two focal words that stand out in verse 3: “love” and “faithfulness.” Much like a carefully created crossword puzzle, this verse is crafted meticulously to get the point to the reader in a clear way. These words are much more than expressions or emotions. They are actionable words meant to be exercised and utilized for God, for yourself and for others.

Start with the word for love. Any time there is an opportunity to discuss the Hebrew word “hesed,” which is the word for love here, take that opportunity. It is a deep word with a big meaning. In the Greek language we have multiple words that speak to different expressions of love, but with “hesed” we get a covenant-type of love. This means it is a commitment between two groups or two people, and these people will not let go of their covenant agreement.

In modern-day weddings, this type of expression is witnessed when a couple speaks vows to one another. With witnesses everywhere and God above, two people commit their lives by saying what they will do.

The depth of a covenant love also implies something very strong: “If you let go of your end of the deal, I will not let go of mine.” This is how a covenant is starkly different from a contract. When a contract is signed, if one person defaults on his or her part, then the other person is let off the hook. A contract is for a limited time, but a covenant is for life.

Think about how costly a covenant love is. It is sacrificial, and it is for a long period of time. How else would you describe the difference between a contract love versus a covenant love? God practiced this faithfully with the Israelites throughout the Old Testament, and he still practices this love with his children today. When people are unfaithful to God, he remains faithful to his love for them, regardless. This is the type of love that should never leave you.

Faithfulness is a significant word, and it is made all the stronger when it is tied with love. Another way to translate faithful-ness is “dependability.” As you surrender your life and your time to God, be sure you practice covenant love along with dependability. Be a reliable follower of God, one who God always sees as faithful and obedient. The image is also that you hang on to these two things and don’t let them run away from you.

How do you hang on to love and faithfulness? Bind them around your neck, like a necklace or a band of some sort that stays around you and with you at all times. Not only will you feel the weight of these two actionable words; you’ll also be putting them on display in front of others. As you live your life for God, showcase God’s love and faithfulness through your actions for others and in front of the world.

Showing God’s love and faithfulness is certainly important. At the same time, these must be deeply etched inside of you. Is there really a tablet of stone inside your heart, as the last line suggests? No, but it is possible for actionable words to be etched into the flesh of your whole self. Basically, these two words are your words to live by. They must impact you on the inside so you will live them on the outside.

Understand this: to surrender your life, the time you have on this Earth, is no small decision. It does bring about more life for you, and it also requires how you live your life by surrendering your whole self to God, his love and faithfulness. Like taking seeds in your hands and planting them in a garden, take hold of love and faithfulness, and plant them in your heart. Next, live them out as they birth fruit in you.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 2 in the Connect360 unit “The Search for Wisdom: Words to Live By” focuses on Proverbs 2:1-15.

A “rite” could be a type of formal ceremony or a type of custom, and in either case, it represents something being passed on from one person to another. In this case, think of God as the wise Father passing his wisdom to his faithfully obedient child. Interestingly enough, there are biblical scholars who point to this chapter as a type of poem, which could be easily shared from one person to the next. This gives a formality to what you are reading right now.

As you read these verses, imagine that you are sitting with God, your Father, and he is passing on what he has to you. Much like giving an heirloom or a meaningful piece of family history to a descendant, wisdom is that sacred treasure that is being shared. Because of your faithful obedience with God, relating to him as family, God is saying now you will understand and be wise.

If “wisdom” is the umbrella term, the parts that make up this umbrella include understanding, discretion and means of rescue. This proves that wisdom itself, while it is so simple and yet so deep, has a way of impacting your life in every way from big to small. Wisdom will help you as you seek out God’s overall will for your life, just like wisdom will help you decide whether or not to buy that car or eat that fatty meal. There is no limitation to God’s wisdom, because it can inform and transform the whole life.

On your lifelong search for God’s wisdom, you will find that as he reveals it to you, you will recognize how it benefits you and how it protects you. Much is said here about how it rescues you from wicked ways as well as wicked people who are trying to lead you astray. This theme of wicked ones will come up throughout the rest of the book, because there are adversaries to God’s wisdom as well as God’s children who live his wisdom.

As a closing idea for this section, think about what rites of passages you have heard of. If you are thinking of tribal groups around the world, one example would be the “walkabout” that takes place in the Australian aboriginal groups. If you are thinking of religious groups, Jews have their “bar mitzvahs” or “bat mitzvahs.” Around the world, there are rites of passage—some that are sacred and some that are hardly noticeable. But in all these, there is an idea of something passing from an older one to the younger one. What would it look like if our churches had a rite of passage that passes on the wisdom of one generation to another? Most importantly, what if we reflected these as sharing God as the source of all wisdom?

God is inviting you to meet him as your Father, just as Solomon invited the first listeners of Proverbs to come near and meet him. Solomon is not the original source of the wisdom he had and shared; God is the original. Let’s make time to come near to God and ask him to share his wisdom with us.

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