--- title: "07 - Wisdom Brings Strength" url: "https://books.hardwired.org/18/ecclesiastes/180/07-wisdom-brings-strength" --- Family Devotion 1: The Value of Wisdom Theme: Wisdom is better than riches. Activity/Time: Dinner time discussion. Scripture: Proverbs 3:13-14 - "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." Devotion: Introduction: Begin by asking, "What is something you think is really valuable?" Let each child share their thoughts. Discussion: Explain that the Bible tells us wisdom is more valuable than money or treasures. Wisdom helps us make good choices and live a life that pleases God. Interactive Question: Ask, "Can you think of a wise choice you made recently? How did it help you?" Prayer: Pray together, asking God to give each family member wisdom in their daily lives. Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to share their thoughts freely. Affirm their ideas and guide them gently towards understanding the importance of wisdom. Family Devotion 2: Patience and Trust in God Theme: Patience is better than pride. Activity/Time: During a car ride or while waiting for something (e.g., dinner to cook). Scripture: Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Devotion: Introduction: Ask, "Have you ever had to wait for something you really wanted? How did it feel?" Discussion: Explain that being patient means trusting God’s timing. Sometimes we want things right away, but God knows the best time for everything. Interactive Question: Share a time when you had to wait for something and how it turned out. Ask your children to share their experiences. Prayer: Pray for patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. Parenting Tip: Use this time to model patience. Show your children that waiting can be a time to trust God and grow in faith. Family Devotion 3: The Power of Words Theme: Words can build up or tear down. Activity/Time: While doing chores together. Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Devotion: Introduction: Ask, "What are some nice things someone has said to you? How did it make you feel?" Discussion: Explain that our words have power. They can make someone feel good or hurt them. God wants us to use our words to encourage and build others up. Interactive Question: Challenge each child to say something kind to another family member. Prayer: Pray for God to help you use your words wisely and kindly. Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to practice using kind words throughout the day. Praise them when they do. Family Devotion 4: Contentment in God’s Plan Theme: Trusting God’s plan for our lives. Activity/Time: Bedtime reflection. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Devotion: Introduction: Ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up? Do you think God has a plan for you?" Discussion: Explain that God has a special plan for each of us. Sometimes we might not understand it, but we can trust that it’s good. Interactive Question: Share a story of a time when you trusted God’s plan and how it worked out. Encourage your children to think about how they can trust God. Prayer: Pray for trust in God’s plan and contentment in His timing. Parenting Tip: Reassure your children that God’s plan is always for their good, even when it’s hard to see. Family Devotion 5: Avoiding Foolishness Theme: Choosing wisdom over foolishness. Activity/Time: During a family walk or outdoor play. Scripture: Proverbs 14:16 - "The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure." Devotion: Introduction: Ask, "What do you think it means to be wise? What about being foolish?" Discussion: Explain that wisdom means making choices that honor God, while foolishness is doing things that can hurt us or others. Interactive Question: Ask your children to think of a wise choice they can make this week. Prayer: Pray for wisdom to make good choices and avoid foolishness. Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to think about the consequences of their actions and guide them in making wise decisions.