The Victorious Way, Proverbs 4:20–27 (ESV)

Tombstone: A Beautiful Victorious Life

I. INPUT: Wisdom Fruit

A. MIND: What you put into your mind

Proverbs 4:20 ESV

20 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

· What are these words Solomon is talking about?

· What does it mean to “incline your ear”?

B. MEDITATION: Should be fodder for meditation

Proverbs 4:21 ESV

21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.

· How do I prevent these words from escaping my sight?

o How does a parent prevent an Amber Alert?

· How do I keep them in my heart?

C. MEDICATION: Thereby becoming medication to your flesh

Proverbs 4:22–23 ESV

22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

· Give a “for instance” of words producing life.

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Philippians 4:8 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

· How can wise words produce healing?

· How much healing is Solomon talking about?

· How vigilant must a bank be?

o Do you have treasure in your heart that the devil wants?

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

o What is the correlation with sin?

1 John 5:18 ESV

18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

II. OUTPUT: Wisely Analyzing

A. Your Speech

Proverbs 4:24 ESV

24 Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

· What two types of speech are dangerous?

· Rate how bad the following is (1 very, 5 medium, 10 at all):

o Falsehoods (stretching or bending the truth)

o Gossip (talking about instead of direct)

o Hypocrisy (forked tongue)

· How powerful are our words?

· Which of the following gatekeepers do you like?

o Is it the truth?

o Is it fair to all concerned?

o Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

o Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

o Is it kind?

o Is it necessary?

B. Your Sights

Proverbs 4:25 ESV

25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

· Any tips on guarding “your eyes”?

· Why the emphasis the on direction of our eyes?

· Any practical ideas on who this is done?

Matthew 6:22–23 ESV

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

· What does Jesus warn would happen if our eyes “wonder”?

· What would happen if your eyes don’t drift?

C. Your Streets

Proverbs 4:26 ESV

26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.

· How can this help you avoid temptation?

· How helpful is this? A little or a lot?

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Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:12 ESV

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

· How should we run?

· Where should & shouldn’t we run?

· What work is involved, if any?