SutherN GentFaith · Skill · Legacy

CHARACTER GROWTH · GUIDE 05

Wisdom With Strength

Growing power that knows when and how to act

Pursue wisdom that listens to God, examines consequences, welcomes counsel, and uses influence for the good of others.

KEY TRUTH

Wisdom is more than information. It is the ability to recognize what is true and choose a faithful course. Real power is strongest when wisdom governs how it is used.

READ TOGETHER

Scripture foundation

Proverbs 1:7

Wisdom begins with reverence for God, not confidence in our own knowledge.

James 1:5

God invites those who lack wisdom to ask Him for it.

James 3:13–18

Wisdom from above is shown through humility, peace, mercy, sincerity, and good fruit.

1 Kings 3:5–12

Solomon asked for discernment to govern people well rather than seeking power for himself.

Read each passage in your preferred Bible translation. The notes above summarize the teaching and are not direct quotations.

TEACH

The lesson

Knowledge is not enough

Facts can tell you what is possible. Wisdom asks what is faithful, loving, just, timely, and likely to produce good fruit.

Wise men seek counsel

Asking for help does not surrender responsibility. It widens what you can see, tests your motives, and reveals consequences you may have missed.

Influence is stewardship

Authority, skill, money, physical strength, and experience are forms of power. Scripture directs a man to steward them for service and justice, not domination or self-importance.

EXAMINE

Start with yourself

  1. 01Where am I moving fast because I want control?
  2. 02Whose counsel challenges rather than merely agrees with me?
  3. 03Who carries the consequences of the decision I am considering?
  4. 04Would my choice produce humility, peace, mercy, sincerity, and good fruit?

DISCUSS

Questions for the room

  1. 01How does reverence for God change decision-making?
  2. 02What is the difference between influence and control?
  3. 03When has wise counsel helped you see a hidden consequence?
  4. 04Which kind of power or responsibility are you learning to steward?

PRACTICE TOGETHER

Use the WISE decision grid

  1. 01Word: Which Scripture principles clearly apply?
  2. 02Impact: Who benefits, who bears risk, and what could this choice produce later?
  3. 03Seek counsel: Which truthful and experienced people should speak into this?
  4. 04Execute faithfully: Choose the next responsible step, then review its fruit.

LIVE IT

A seven-day practice

  1. 1Ask God for wisdom about one real decision.
  2. 2Write the facts separately from your assumptions.
  3. 3Name everyone who may carry the consequences.
  4. 4Seek counsel from someone who can disagree honestly.
  5. 5Compare the choice with James 3:13–18.
  6. 6Take one responsible next step rather than forcing the whole outcome.
  7. 7Review the fruit and adjust with humility.

CLOSING PRAYER

God, You are the source of wisdom. Teach me to listen, seek counsel, and consider the fruit of my choices. Help me use every strength and responsibility to serve rather than control. Give me courage to act when the right path is clear. Amen.

YOUR CHALLENGE

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LEADER NOTES

Teach with honesty and care.

  • Keep wisdom connected to humility and service; reject language that treats power as dominance.
  • Use a real, age-appropriate decision for the activity without requiring anyone to reveal private details.
  • Remind the group that prayer and Scripture do not remove the need for qualified financial, medical, legal, or mental-health guidance.