Walking in Wisdom's Way [Prov. 11:1-14]

Text: Proverbs 11:1–14

Introduction

I learned very early in my life in my old neighborhood, having street smarts was as important as having ‘book smarts!’ I always loved learning the book knowledge, because much of the times, I was learning things I wanted to learn—knowledge I wanted to take in. But so often the street smarts I learned, often came out of some of the hardest and heartbreaking times in life, but I had to learn, if I wanted to survive!!! However, there is a way that God wants for us to live and has given us instructions in WALKING IN WISDOM’S WAY!

The book of Proverbs is God’s practical wisdom for everyday life. It teaches us how to live in a way that honors God, blesses others, and keeps us from unnecessary trouble. In chapter 11, Solomon contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked.

The truth is, church family, choices have consequences. How you live, how you treat others, and how you walk before God will determine whether your life is steady or shaky. How many of you want some wisdom in your life? If you want to walk in wisdom’s way, know that:

1) Wisdom Calls for Integrity (v. 1–3)

“The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”

The definition of integrity is ‘the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and uprightness.’

God delights in honesty. In ancient times, dishonest merchants would use crooked scales to cheat people. Today, it might be lying on taxes, cheating in business, or cutting corners in relationships. But integrity is what pleases God.

Illustration (young listeners): Think about playing a board game. If someone cheats to win, it doesn’t feel good. Winning only matters if you played fair.

Illustration (seasoned listeners): Some of us remember the old saying: “Your word is your bond.” Folks didn’t need contracts — they trusted your character.

Call and response:

“Crooked scales!” — “God won’t bless that!”

“Honest living!” — “God smiles on that!”

2) Wisdom Guides with Righteousness (v. 4–9)

Proverbs reminds us that wealth can’t save us in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteous walk in a straight path, but the wicked trip over their own lies.

In other words, righteousness is not just about being right — it’s about living right. It’s about aligning our walk with God’s will.

Illustration (young listeners): Think about GPS on your phone. If you follow the right directions, you get to your destination. But if you ignore it, you end up lost. God’s righteousness is our spiritual GPS.

Illustration (seasoned listeners): You can’t take money with you when you leave this world. But if you’ve walked with God in righteousness, you’ll leave behind a testimony that outlives you.

Call and response:

“Riches fade!” — “But righteousness remains!”

“Money runs out!” — “But God’s mercy never runs dry!”

3) Wisdom Brings Stability in Community (v. 10–14)

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices, but when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. A nation, a family, or a church stands strong when wisdom and righteousness are at the foundation.

Verse 14 says: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” We all need godly counsel. No one can make it on their own — we need the wisdom of the Word, the Spirit, and the people of God.

Illustration (young listeners): Think about a sports team. One player can’t win the game alone. They need teammates, coaches, and a game plan. That’s how God designed life.

Illustration (seasoned listeners): Some of us know the strength of a praying church — when the righteous gather, the whole community is lifted.

Call and response:

“A crooked house will fall!”

“But a righteous house will stand!”

“A selfish nation will crumble!”

“But a God-fearing nation will rise!”

Celebration / Close

Beloved, Proverbs 11 teaches us:

Wisdom calls for integrity.

Wisdom guides us in righteousness.

Wisdom brings stability in community.

But here’s the good news: Jesus is the Wisdom of God!

He lived with integrity — no sin was found in Him.

He walked in righteousness — fulfilling the law and the prophets.

He brought stability — reconciling us back to God and one another.

And on the cross, they thought Wisdom was defeated. But early Sunday morning, Wisdom rose with all power in His hands! Now we can live wise, walk straight, and stand firm because Christ is Lord!

So I dare you to shout it with me:

“I will walk in wisdom!”

“I will live in righteousness!”

“I will stand on Christ the Solid Rock!”

And the church said: Amen!