Lesson 13 – Walking Wisely with Integrity and Humility
Text: Proverbs 11
Audience: Youth, College Students, Young Professionals
Purpose: To understand how wisdom is expressed through integrity, humility, righteousness, and generosity—and how these traits shape both our relationship with God and our impact on others.
Opening Reflection
Icebreaker:
Have you ever seen someone gain success or advantage in a dishonest way? How did it make you feel, and what eventually happened?
Key Transition:
Proverbs 10 showed us that wisdom is lived out in daily habits. Proverbs 11 goes deeper by showing that wisdom is not only about what we do, but who we are becoming—especially in integrity, humility, and relationships with others.
Main Idea
Wisdom shaped by the fear of the LORD produces integrity, humility, and righteousness, while folly leads to pride, deception, and eventual downfall.
Reading the Scripture
Read selected verses from Proverbs 11 aloud (assign sections if helpful):
- 11:1–3 – Integrity vs. dishonesty
- 11:4–8 – Righteousness and deliverance
- 11:16–21 – Pride vs. humility
- 11:24–31 – Generosity and life
Observation Prompt:
What contrasts do you notice between the righteous and the wicked in this chapter?
Exegetical Teaching, Discussion & Life Application
1. Wisdom Walks in Integrity (Proverbs 11:1–3)
“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.”
Exegetical Insight:
Integrity matters to God because it reflects His character. Dishonesty may seem small or hidden, but Scripture treats it seriously. Wisdom chooses honesty even when shortcuts are available.
Biblical Emphasis:
- God delights in integrity
- Dishonesty erodes trust and character
- Wisdom values faithfulness over advantage
Discussion Questions:
- Why are small dishonest choices tempting?
- How does integrity protect us long-term?
- Where is integrity most tested today (school, work, online)?
Life Application:
Is there an area where I’m tempted to cut corners instead of walking honestly?
2. Righteousness Protects, Wickedness Traps (Proverbs 11:4–8)
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Exegetical Insight:
This passage reminds us that external success cannot save us when life collapses. Righteousness—living aligned with God—provides stability and deliverance. Folly trusts temporary security; wisdom trusts God.
Biblical Emphasis:
- Righteousness brings protection
- Wealth without wisdom fails
- God rescues those who walk uprightly
Discussion Questions:
- Why do people trust success or wealth for security?
- How does righteousness provide protection in crisis?
- What false securities tempt us today?
Life Application:
What am I relying on more than God for security?
3. Humility Leads to Honor; Pride Leads to Ruin (Proverbs 11:16–21)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Exegetical Insight:
Pride blinds judgment and isolates people from correction. Humility keeps the heart teachable and open to wisdom. God consistently opposes pride because it competes with trust in Him.
Biblical Emphasis:
- Pride resists instruction
- Humility opens the door to wisdom
- God honors the humble
Discussion Questions:
- How does pride show up subtly in our lives?
- Why is humility essential for spiritual growth?
- How does humility affect relationships?
Life Application:
Where do I need to practice humility instead of defending myself?
4. Wisdom Overflows in Generosity and Blessing (Proverbs 11:24–31)
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched…”
Exegetical Insight:
Wisdom is not self-centered—it overflows to others. Generosity reflects trust in God’s provision, while selfishness reveals fear and insecurity. God’s design is that life multiplies when we give.
Biblical Emphasis:
- Generosity leads to life and joy
- Selfishness shrinks the soul
- Wisdom blesses both giver and receiver
Discussion Questions:
- Why does generosity require faith?
- How does giving reflect trust in God?
- What forms of generosity matter most today?
Life Application:
How can I practice generosity—time, attention, resources—this week?
Wise vs. Foolish Character (Summary Contrast)
|
Wise Character |
Foolish Character |
|---|---|
|
Walks with integrity |
Cuts corners |
|
Trusts righteousness |
Trusts success |
|
Practices humility |
Defends pride |
|
Gives generously |
Hoards selfishly |
|
Builds lasting influence |
Leaves broken trust |
Core Truth:
Wisdom shapes not only our actions but our character—and character determines our legacy.
Group Discussion
- Which trait—integrity, humility, or generosity—is hardest to practice today?
- How does pride prevent us from growing in wisdom?
- What kind of character do you want to be known for?
Personal Reflection & Application
- Where is my integrity most tested right now?
- How does pride affect my relationships or decisions?
- What step can I take to live more generously this week?
Weekly Challenge:
Choose one character trait (integrity, humility, or generosity) and intentionally practice it in a specific situation this week.
Closing Prayer
Lord, shape our hearts with wisdom. Teach us to walk in integrity, grow in humility, and live generously. Guard us from pride and deception, and help us reflect Your character in all that we do. Amen.
How this continues your Wisdom Unit
- Lesson 9: How folly deceives
- Lesson 10: Wisdom calls and invites
- Lesson 11: Choosing between wisdom and folly
- Lesson 12: Living wisdom daily
- Lesson 13: Becoming people of wise character