How can Proverbs 9:6 guide us in mentoring others towards wisdom? Key verse “Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:6) What the verse lays out • A decisive break: “Leave your folly behind” • A promised outcome: “you will live” • A continual direction: “walk in the way of understanding” The call to leave folly • Folly is anything contrary to God’s revealed will (Proverbs 1:7; Ephesians 5:17). • Mentoring begins with helping someone identify and turn from thoughts, habits, and relationships that oppose Scripture. • Repentance is not optional; it is the doorway to life (Acts 3:19). Life springs from wisdom • The verse ties wisdom to “life,” not merely survival but flourishing in God’s favor (John 10:10). • Remind those you mentor that obedience brings tangible blessing (Proverbs 3:1-2). • Life here encompasses spiritual vitality, relational health, and practical wellbeing (Proverbs 4:22). Walking in the way of understanding • “Walk” signals an ongoing lifestyle, not a one-time decision (Colossians 2:6). • Understanding comes from Scripture illuminated by the Spirit (Psalm 119:105; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13). • Mentoring means modeling this walk: consistent prayer, regular study, and obedient action (Philippians 4:9). Practical steps for mentoring toward wisdom 1. Start with Scripture • Read Proverbs 9 together; contrast Wisdom’s invitation (vv. 1-6) with Folly’s lure (vv. 13-18). • Use passages like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to show the sufficiency of the Word. 2. Call for a clean break • Encourage concrete repentance—ending an ungodly habit, seeking reconciliation, deleting harmful media (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Point to the life God promises • Share testimonies of God’s blessing on obedience (Psalm 1:1-3). • Celebrate small victories to reinforce the joy of wise choices. 4. Model the walk • Invite the person into your daily routines: prayer, work, family life (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). • Demonstrate how to apply biblical principles in real-time decisions. 5. Provide ongoing instruction and correction • Meet regularly for Scripture discussion (Proverbs 27:17). • Give gentle reproof when needed, anchored in love and truth (Galatians 6:1). 6. Foster accountability and community • Pair the mentee with additional mature believers (Proverbs 13:20). • Encourage church involvement where corporate wisdom is shared (Hebrews 10:24-25). Scripture reinforcements • James 1:5 — God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. • Titus 2:7-8 — Mentors show integrity and sound speech. • 1 Peter 2:21 — Christ left an example, calling believers to follow in His steps. Takeaway summary Mentoring toward wisdom follows the pattern of Proverbs 9:6: lead others to abandon folly, embrace the life God offers, and keep walking in understanding. Guiding someone through Scripture, modeling a wise life, and providing steady encouragement fulfill this verse’s call and raise up disciples equipped for every good work. |
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