Proverbs: The Quest for Character

by | Jan 2, 2022 | Sermon

We might define success by using external qualities like the amount of money someone accumulates or the amount of fame they achieve. However, in the Bible, we find a successful life is defined by our character – our disposition towards qualities like love and generosity. With that definition of success in mind, the book of Proverbs provides timeless wisdom on our quest to become people of character.

Who are the people you consider your heroes? What do you admire about them? In your opinion, what makes them successful?

Read Colossians 3:12-16. What qualities does Paul encourage followers of Jesus to have? How are these qualities similar or different to the qualities you listed in the first question?

Read 2 Peter 1:3-8. The words “effective” and “fruitful” can be synonymous with success. According to Peter, what qualities lead result in a successful life? Do these qualities change the way you think about success? If so, in what ways?

Considering your answers to the first and second questions, what are some of the challenges or difficulties you face pursuing this kind of success? How would you ask God to help you develop a successful life?

Further Reading

Searching for Reconciliation

Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...

Searching for Courage

On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....

Searching for the Abundant Life

Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...

Searching for Real Friendship

Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...