(Instruction: This guide is for teaching prep. Use student handout as class focus)
Text: Proverbs 3:13–26
Audience: Youth, college students & young professionals
Goal: Students will understand that God’s wisdom is more valuable than wealth or success, provides lasting security and peace, and is worth holding onto in every season of life.
1. Opening & Icebreaker (5 minutes)
Icebreaker Question:
• “If you could choose one thing right now—more money, a secure future, or peace of mind—which would you choose and why?”
Transition:
Explain that many people chase money or success hoping it will give them security, but Proverbs teaches that wisdom from God is even more valuable and far more reliable.
2. Introduction to the Passage (5 minutes)
Teacher Teaching Points:
• Proverbs 3:13–26 continues Solomon’s teaching on wisdom. The term “wisdom” in the book of Proverbs is actually “wisdom from God” or “wisdom of God.” This source of wisdom comes from God Himself.
• Wisdom is not merely a principle but a precious treasure—God’s counsel and commandments revealed in the Bible.
• This passage shows both the value and the results of wisdom.
Key Idea to Emphasize:
What we value most shapes how we live.
3. Reading the Scripture (5 minutes)
Activity:
• Have students read Proverbs 3:13–26 aloud (assign sections to different students).
Observation Question:
• “What benefits or promises are connected to wisdom in this passage?”
4. Teaching: The Value and Power of Wisdom (15 minutes)
A. Wisdom Is More Valuable Than Wealth (vv. 13–15) – emphasis v13
• Wisdom is described as better than silver, gold, or jewels.
• Money can be lost, but wisdom shapes a lifetime.
• God’s wisdom helps guide decisions that money cannot fix.
Teaching Insight:
You can have money and still ruin your life—but wisdom guards your life.
B. Wisdom Brings Life and Stability (vv. 16–18)
• Wisdom offers long life, honor, peace, and joy.
• Wisdom is called a “tree of life,” pointing to lasting blessing.
• True satisfaction comes from walking God’s way, not chasing temporary success.
C. God Himself Uses Wisdom (vv. 19–20)
• God created the world through wisdom.
• Wisdom is woven into the order of creation.
• Living wisely means living in alignment with how God designed life to work.
Illustration:
Living against God’s wisdom is like fighting gravity—you may ignore it, but the consequences still come.
D. Wisdom Provides Security and Peace (vv. 21–26) – emphasis v23 & 26
• Wisdom guards our path and helps us walk without fear.
• Trusting God brings peace even when circumstances are uncertain.
• God Himself becomes the source of confidence and safety.
5. Wise vs. Worldly Values (7 minutes)
Teaching Point:
• The world values money, success, and status.
• God values godly wisdom, character, and trust in Him.
• Godly wise people choose long-term peace over short-term gain.
Small Group Discussion (3–4 students per group):
- What does our culture say will bring security and happiness?
- Why is it hard to value wisdom over money or success?
- How can “wisdom of God” protect us from bad decisions? Give examples of godly wisdoms vs worldly decisions to do not please God (example: choosing a close friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse – etc…).
Teacher Wrap-Up:
Wisdom of God shapes not only what we choose, but who we become.
6. Personal Reflection & Application (6 minutes)
Reflection Questions:
• What do I value most right now?
• Do my decisions show that I value God’s wisdom?
• How do I respond to fear or uncertainty?
Application Challenge:
Encourage students to evaluate one area of life (money, career, relationships, habits) and ask: “Am I choosing wisdom or just comfort?”
7. Closing Summary & Prayer (2 minutes)
Summary Points:
• Godly wisdom is more valuable than wealth.
• Godly wisdom brings life, peace, and stability.
• Those who hold onto wisdom do not walk alone or afraid – because true wisdom is reliance on God, and His teaching and promises from the depth of His Word.
Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help students value godly wisdom above worldly success and trust Him for security and peace.