We now get to hear how God’s wisdom protects from evil if you are wholeheartedly seeking it (2:1-9). When you wholeheartedly seek God’s wisdom, the control-center of your life (“heart,” v. 10a) is so dominated by the fear of the Lord (“wisdom”) that you love and desire his Word (v. 10b; Ps 19:10; 1 Pet 2:2). God’s Word won’t hard to swallow but will be the tastiest food you can’t get enough of (v. 10b; Ps 1:2). As God changes you to be more like Christ you will be able to see temptations for what they really are and where they ultimately lead. God’s wisdom delivers you from evil men and their evil ways (vv. 12-15). God’s wisdom also delivers you from the evil woman and her end (vv. 16-19). When your senses are directed and trained by God’s Word you are protected from the sensually oriented temptations of evil men and women (Heb 5:12-14). God’s wisdom affects the company you keep and the direction you go (v. 20).

1. Why can’t sinners correctly discern what is truly right? Why can’t they see the traps of sin?
2. What are the characteristics of evil men and their evil ways (vv. 12-15)? How does his character and ways differ from God’s?
3. What are the characteristics of evil women and their end (vv. 16-19)? How does her character and end differ from God’s?
4. God’s wisdom protects you from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. What is your responsibility in all this?
5. The world tells you to follow your own path and do what makes you feel good. Where will that lead? Why is that so hard to fight against? What are you doing about it?
6. What kind of company do you keep? Who influences you? Who do you allow into your heart and mind?