Big Idea

We can break free from the stress of debt by following God’s wisdom in our financial decisions.

Scripture

James 1:2-4, Proverbs 21:5, 22:2, 22:7, 25:28, Hosea 4:6a

Opening Questions

1. Who have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. in the last few weeks? How about this next week?
2. Do you consider yourself a penny pincher or a big spender?
3. The average American has a fair amount of debt, and it has been cited in a Nerdwallet study that debt is a source of shame for people. It is often a source of stress in the household. When you think about debt, what comes to mind? Or how does it make you feel?

Bible Discussion

We’re going to read several Proverbs today, but before we do that, it might help to reflect on the nature of these statements. Old Testament scholar John Walton says, “The truisms of Proverbs are not absolute promises, but general principles based on careful observation of the human experience.” With that in mind, let’s look at several proverbs on our topic today.

4. Read Proverbs 22:7. What is this Proverbs saying about the nature of money and people?
5. Read Proverbs 21:5. What is this Proverb saying? What is the benefit of a plan when it comes to money?
6. Read Proverbs 25:28. In what ways does this passage relate to the way we manage our money?

Life Application

7. Was handling money something that was talked about openly in your home? What impact did it have on you?
8. Why is having a plan for your money a good idea in our world today? In what way would it be helpful to you? Or how has it helped you?
9. What kind of steps can we take toward doing better with our finances? What are some small steps?