We learn not to trust when we place our trust in the wrong people or things and they hurt, betray, or deeply disappoint us.

For Reflection/Discussion: (1) Is there a Bible verse or passage that has a special meaning for you? What is it and why is it important? (2) How would you define trust? Do you see yourself as a trusting or a distrustful person? (3) Why do some of us have a hard time trusting others? Trusting God? (4) Have you ever placed your trust in someone or something that hurt, betrayed, or deeply disappointed you? How have your responded? (5) Why is trust so important for living wisely and being blessed?

We are instructed to gain understanding. But we are not supposed to lean on our own understanding.

Despite our deeply limited understanding, we can still live wisely and be blessed if we know and truly trust the Lord.

For Reflection/Discussion: (1) The Book of Proverbs urges us to gain understanding and apply our hearts to understanding, while also instructing us not to lean on our own understanding. How do you reconcile the two? (2) What is Jon Bloom's argument in his article The Insanity of Leaning on Our Own Understanding? Why is it so difficult for us to recognize and acknowledge the limits of our own understanding? (3) What role does humility play in learning to trust in the Lord with all our hearts? (4) If it's true that "You don't know what you don't know" is it possible to become aware of our blindspots or areas of ignorance? How?

We waste an extraordinary amount of time, money, and emotional energy leaning on our own understanding and making stuff up as we go along. There is a time-tested alternative to all the unnecessary drama that comes from learning by trial and error.

For Reflection/Discussion: (1) Has your life been a straight line or a long and winding road? (2) What are some of the problems you might have avoided if you had trusted in the Lord with all your heart and not leaned on your own understanding? (3) Are there any areas of your life that continue to be "off limits" to God? Are there places in your life where you are ignoring or disobeying what God's Word teaches? Why? What are you going to do about them?

For Reflection/Discussion: (1) How or where does God show us how life is best meant to be lived? (2) Do you participate regularly in worship? A growth group? A daily quiet time with God set aside for Bible reading and prayer? Why or why not? (3) What next steps do you need to take in order to trust God more?