A Word to the Wise (Proverbs 22:17–24:34)

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Wisdom doesn’t aim to make us clever; it aims to make us whole. Journeying through Proverbs 22–24, we unpack the “words of the wise” and show how ancient guardrails still protect modern lives. From boundary stones to bank accounts, from influence to appetite, these sayings meet us in ordinary choices and ask bigger questions: What lines will you honor? Who gets your compassion? What future are you actually building?

We start with the surprising power of a stone on a field’s edge and trace how integrity shows up in contracts, credit, and care for the vulnerable. God’s special concern for the fatherless and widow isn’t a footnote—it’s a moral north star. Then we turn to money’s magnetism. Hard work is good; heart-work is better. When effort slides into obsession, wealth grows wings and flies away, leaving us tired and thin. We compare short-term shine with long-term hope and offer practical ways to reset ambition without losing excellence.

Finally, we face two appetites that rarely come with warning labels: food and drink. The counsel is direct—draw hard lines with gluttony and stop admiring what makes you stumble. The sparkle in the cup becomes a sting, and self-control proves wiser than self-justification. Along the way, we contrast the soft seats of the wicked with the hard benches of the faithful and explain why the view changes when you look farther down the road. If you’ve felt pulled by envy, pressured by wealth, or dulled by habit, this conversation offers honest direction and durable hope.

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The Christian's Compass is a companion study guide that corresponds to each of these lessons along The Wisdom Journey. Download a copy for free, or cover the cost of printing and shipping and we'll mail you a booklet.

Learn More: https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/the-christians-compass

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