SOS Discipline - Daily Proverb and Red Letter Reader
There is no fool like a coward. cf Pr. 10:26
It all comes from the same King. cf Mt. 10:9
Prudence is result. cf Sun Tzu 6.25
From Today’s Stack
Silencing Discontent
A Bible Study in the Sons of Solomon Discipline - Psalm, Proverbs and Red Letters FTW
• Objective: To understand the biblical perspective on discontent, explore its causes and consequences, and learn how to cultivate contentment through God’s Word.
I. Defining Discontent
• Consider:
◦ What is discontent?
◦ How does it manifest in our lives?
◦ Why do we experience discontent?
II. Discontent in the Psalms
• Psalm 42:5-6
◦ "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."
◦ Consider: The psalmist’s struggle with inner turmoil and the solution of hoping in God.
• Psalm 73:1-3, 21-26
◦ "Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
◦ Consider: Envy and discontent with the prosperity of others, and the realization of God’s ultimate goodness and justice.
III. Wisdom from Proverbs
• Proverbs 14:30
◦ "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."
◦ Consider: The physical and spiritual consequences of envy and the importance of a peaceful heart.
• Proverbs 19:23
◦ "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."
◦ Consider: The relationship between reverence for God and true contentment.
• Proverbs 23:17-18
◦ "Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off."
◦ Consider: The call to avoid envy and focus on the future hope in God.
IV. Teachings of Jesus on Discontent
• Matthew 6:25-34
◦ "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
◦ Consider: Jesus’ teaching on trusting God for our needs and the importance of seeking His kingdom first.
• Luke 12:15
◦ "And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"
◦ Consider: The warning against greed and finding life’s meaning in possessions.
• John 14:27
◦ "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
◦ Consider: The peace Jesus offers as an antidote to discontent and anxiety.
V. Practical Steps to Overcome Discontent
1. Gratitude: Regularly practicing gratitude for God’s blessings by praying the Psalms out loud. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
2. Trust in God: Cultivating trust in God’s provision and timing by reading and studying the Proverbs in Jesus’ Name. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
3. Contentment in Christ: Trusting that contentment is because Jesus knows and always has a better plan. (Philippians 4:11-13).
VI. Smart Noting
1. Personal Reflection: Write down areas of discontent in your life and pray for God’s perspective.
2. Scripture Memorization: Choose a key verse from the study to memorize and meditate on.
3. Consider: Share experiences of discontent and how applying these biblical principles has helped.
Conclusion
• Summary: Recap the key points discussed and encourage ongoing application of the lessons learned.
• Prayer: Close with a prayer asking for God’s help to overcome discontent and cultivate true contentment in Him.
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