Small Group Study Guide: Wisdom from Proverbs (KJV)

1. The Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7)

Icebreaker Questions

• a moment you realized you didn’t have all the answers
• a person you consider wise and why
• a time when advice changed your direction

Key Verse (KJV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Discussion

• humble dependence: What does it look like to approach life with reverence rather than self‑reliance
• teachability: Why is being open to correction so central to wisdom
• spiritual grounding: How does acknowledging God shape our decisions

Application

• Identify one area where you need to slow down and seek God’s perspective this week.

2. Walking the Path of Wisdom (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Icebreaker Questions

• a habit that helps you stay grounded
• a time you trusted your own understanding and it backfired
• a decision you’re currently seeking direction on

Key Verses (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Discussion

• daily discipline: What small habits help you stay aligned with God’s direction
• course correction: How do you respond when you realize you’ve taken a wrong turn
• intentional living: What helps you choose purpose over autopilot

Application

• Choose one daily practice (prayer, journaling, Scripture reading) to strengthen your walk.

3. The Power of Words (Proverbs 15:1)

Icebreaker Questions

• a compliment you still remember
• a time someone’s words hurt more than expected
• a phrase you try to live by

Key Verse (KJV): “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Discussion

• thoughtful speech: When have you seen gentle words defuse tension
• truthfulness: Why is honesty essential for healthy relationships
• gentle answers: What makes it hard to respond softly in conflict

Application

• Practice pausing before responding in a tense moment this week.

4. Integrity and Community (Proverbs 20:7)

Icebreaker Questions

• someone you trust and what built that trust
• a time you saw integrity in action
• a value you want to pass on to others

Key Verse (KJV): “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”

Discussion

• honest dealings: How does integrity build trust
• kindness as strength: What does strong kindness look like in action
• justice-mindedness: How can we reflect God’s heart for fairness

Application

• Identify one relationship where you can practice greater consistency or honesty.

5. Diligence and Stability (Proverbs 10:4)

Icebreaker Questions

• a task you’re proud you stuck with
• a goal you’ve been procrastinating on
• a routine that helps you stay productive

Key Verse (KJV): “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

Discussion

• consistent effort: What helps you stay faithful in small tasks
• wise planning: How do you balance planning with trusting God
• avoiding complacency: What distractions pull you away from diligence

Application

• Set one realistic goal for the week and commit to steady progress.

6. Wisdom in Relationships (Proverbs 17:17)

Icebreaker Questions

• a friend who has shaped your life
• a quality you value most in relationships
• a time someone showed up for you in adversity

Key Verse (KJV): “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Discussion

• choosing companions wisely: How do your closest relationships shape you
• healthy boundaries: Where might boundaries bring peace
• loyalty and faithfulness: What does steadfast love look like in friendships

Application

• Reach out to someone who has supported you and express gratitude.

7. Pride vs. Humility (Proverbs 16:18)

Icebreaker Questions

• a funny moment when pride got the best of you
• a person who models humility well
• a lesson you learned the hard way

Key Verse (KJV): “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Discussion

• self-awareness: How can we recognize pride in ourselves
• teachability: What helps you receive correction well
• balanced confidence: How do you stay confident without becoming prideful

Application

• Ask someone you trust for honest feedback in one area of growth.

Closing Reflection

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.” — Proverbs 3:13 (KJV) Encourage your group to take one small, faithful step toward wisdom this week.