The Wise Heart Trains Desire
INTRODUCTION
This Proverbs mini-series is focused on developing a biblical anthropology of “the heart.” In the first three weeks, we will ask: What is the heart? How is it shaped? And how does it become wise? In the second three weeks, we will deal with common heart problems.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Some people say following your heart is the only way to be authentic and genuine. What do you think?
BIG IDEA
According to Proverbs, the wise person isn’t ruled by their heart but instead trains their heart.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Some people say following your heart is the only way to be authentic and genuine. What do you think?
BIG IDEA
According to Proverbs, the wise person isn’t ruled by their heart but instead trains their heart.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Read Proverbs 16:32
In the Hebrew mind, the spirit, heart, and soul are essentially the same thing: that deep inner part of us from which flows all our desires, longings, and emotions. This particular Proverb commends the person who, rather than being ruled by their desires and emotions, actually “rules” over them.
Read Proverbs 3:5
In this Proverb, the author calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart to acknowledge Him in all of our ways. The Hebrew word translated as “acknowledge” could also be translated as “notice.” Here, the author is calling us to a life of constantly noticing and acknowledging the presence of God in all of life.
In the Hebrew mind, the spirit, heart, and soul are essentially the same thing: that deep inner part of us from which flows all our desires, longings, and emotions. This particular Proverb commends the person who, rather than being ruled by their desires and emotions, actually “rules” over them.
- Share a time when you experienced the sort of inner anger this Proverb talks about. What happened to make you so angry? How did the situation turn out?
- Practically, what does it look like to rule over your desires and emotions in a moment like this?
- What specific gospel truths or spiritual practices could aid you in this fight to rule over your desires?
- What is one problematic desire that is consistently hindering you in your discipleship to Jesus?
Read Proverbs 3:5
In this Proverb, the author calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart to acknowledge Him in all of our ways. The Hebrew word translated as “acknowledge” could also be translated as “notice.” Here, the author is calling us to a life of constantly noticing and acknowledging the presence of God in all of life.
- How aware are you of God’s presence, provision, power, and grace daily? Why do you think that is?
- As a group, brainstorm all the ways God is at work all around us every day.
- What are one or two practices that could help you “train your heart” to more consistently see and acknowledge God in every nook and cranny of your life?