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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 37: September 7 - 13: "He Shall Direct Thy Paths"

Proverbs 1-4; 15-16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1-3; 11-12

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Proverbs teaches that relying solely on our own understanding can lead us astray, while trusting in the Lord invites divine direction (Proverbs 3:5–6). When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He promises to “direct [our] paths,” which suggests both guidance and correction over time. This principle emphasizes humility and a willingness to align our decisions with God’s will rather than personal preference.

Proverbs 16:9 explains that while we may plan our course, “the Lord directeth his steps.” This reveals a partnership between human agency and divine oversight. Even when life unfolds unexpectedly, we can trust that God is actively guiding us toward growth, refinement, and ultimately our eternal good.

  • Proverbs 15:1 teaches that “a soft answer turneth away wrath,” highlighting how gentle communication can defuse conflict. Conversely, harsh words escalate tension and division. This doctrine reinforces that Christlike discipleship includes intentional, compassionate speech that reflects love and self-control.

The “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker” resource emphasizes that peacemaking is not passive but requires effort, humility, and forgiveness. Choosing to resolve conflict, show kindness, and seek unity mirrors the Savior’s example. As we act as peacemakers, we become instruments in God’s hands to bring harmony and healing to others.

Proverbs 16:8 teaches that “better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” This principle reframes how we evaluate success, prioritizing integrity and obedience over material wealth. It reminds us that eternal blessings far outweigh temporary prosperity.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 concludes that our whole duty is to “fear God, and keep his commandments.” After exploring the emptiness of worldly pursuits, this teaching centers life on reverence for God and faithful obedience. It invites us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that lasting joy and purpose come from aligning with God’s will.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes come from ancient Israel, primarily during the united monarchy and later reflective periods, often associated with the reign of King Solomon (around 1000–900 BC).

Proverbs represents a collection of wisdom sayings used to teach moral behavior, practical living, and covenant faithfulness, often in family or court settings. Ecclesiastes, by contrast, reflects a more introspective and philosophical voice, likely written later, wrestling with the apparent meaninglessness of life without God. Together, they form part of Israel’s “wisdom literature,” which sought to guide individuals in righteous living within everyday life.

  • These writings show that God’s people have long wrestled with questions about purpose, justice, success, and happiness. Rather than offering simplistic answers, they provide divinely inspired principles that acknowledge both the complexity of life and the necessity of trusting God.
  • Understanding this background helps us see that our modern struggles—uncertainty, injustice, the search for meaning—are not new. God’s guidance through wisdom literature remains relevant, teaching us how to live faithfully even when life feels confusing or unpredictable.
  • Proverbs often presents outcomes as if they are guaranteed (for example, that righteousness leads to prosperity), but these are general principles rather than universal promises. They reflect how life typically works when aligned with God’s laws, not rigid guarantees in every circumstance.
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  • This helps explain why righteous individuals sometimes suffer despite living correctly. Ecclesiastes complements Proverbs by acknowledging these exceptions and exploring life’s uncertainties.
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  • Together, these books teach balance—encouraging wise, obedient living while recognizing that full justice and understanding may only come through God’s eternal perspective.
  • A central theme in Proverbs is the “fear of the Lord,” which refers to deep reverence, respect, and covenant loyalty rather than fear in the sense of dread. It is the foundation of wisdom because it places God at the center of all decisions.
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  • This kind of fear motivates obedience, love and trust, not compulsion. It invites a relationship where individuals seek God’s guidance in all aspects of life.
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  • Ecclesiastes reinforces this idea by concluding that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the ultimate purpose of life, showing that reverence leads to meaning and fulfillment.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “These books cannot both be true because they present opposing views of life.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Both books belong to Israelite wisdom literature and were intentionally preserved together in the canon. Their inclusion suggests that ancient believers saw them as complementary rather than contradictory perspectives on life.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Prophets and teachers throughout history have cited both optimistic and reflective teachings, showing that lived experience includes both order and unpredictability.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Readers often feel that both books resonate—Proverbs in times of clarity and Ecclesiastes in times of struggle—confirming their combined truth through lived spiritual experience.
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  10. Logical Analysis: General principles (Proverbs) and existential observations (Ecclesiastes) address different aspects of reality; together they provide a fuller, more honest view rather than a contradiction.
  • Claim: “Religion teaches blind faith rather than thoughtful decision-making.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Biblical figures were often thoughtful leaders, judges, and teachers who applied wisdom in complex situations, showing that faith and intellect work together.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Generations of believers have used both reason and revelation in decision-making, demonstrating that trust in God enhances rather than replaces thoughtful action.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Many individuals report that seeking God’s guidance brings clarity, not confusion, especially when combined with sincere effort and study.
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  • Logical Analysis: Trusting God does not eliminate thinking—it acknowledges human limitations and invites a higher perspective to inform our reasoning.
  • Claim: “Soft answers and peacemaking don’t work in serious disagreements.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Teachings on measured speech appear across cultures and eras, suggesting a consistent recognition of their effectiveness in human relationships.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Personal and communal experiences often show that calm, respectful responses de-escalate conflict more effectively than aggression.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Practicing Christlike communication often brings peace and resolution that feel divinely guided.
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  • Logical Analysis: Escalation fuels conflict, while de-escalation reduces it; therefore, gentle responses are not weak but strategically effective.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Pray for guidance before making even small choices each day.

Consistently involving the Lord builds a habit of reliance on Him rather than on limited personal understanding. Over time, this strengthens spiritual sensitivity and helps you recognize His direction more clearly.

  1. – Begin your day with a specific prayer for guidance.
  2. – Pause before important (or stressful) decisions.
  3. – Ask, “What would the Lord have me do?”
  4. – Act on promptings, even if they feel small.

Encouraging Thought:

When we put our trust in God, He can guide our steps even when we cannot see the whole path.

Action Step: Choose one situation this week where you intentionally respond with a “soft answer.”

Words shape relationships, and choosing gentleness can immediately change the tone of a conversation. Practicing this consistently helps develop Christlike patience and emotional discipline.

  1. – Identify a relationship or situation that feels tense.
  2. – Prepare a calm, kind response ahead of time.
  3. – When conflict arises, pause before speaking.
  4. – Respond with kindness, even if others do not.

Encouraging Thought:

Peacemaking is not passive—it is a powerful choice to reflect the Savior in difficult moments.

  • Action Step: Evaluate one priority in your life and realign it with what matters most to God.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that worldly pursuits alone can feel empty, but focusing on God brings lasting purpose. This shift helps reduce stress over temporary concerns and increases peace and direction.

  1. – Reflect on how you currently spend your time and energy.
  2. – Identify something that feels “out of balance.”
  3. – Set one spiritual priority (scripture study, service, prayer).
  4. – Make a small but consistent adjustment this week.

Encouraging Thought:

  • When we center our lives on God, even ordinary moments take on eternal meaning.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how trusting God leads to guidance.

Blindfold, simple obstacle course (or chairs), scriptures (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Invite a volunteer to walk a short path blindfolded while another person gives directions.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Proverbs 3:5–6 and discuss how trusting God is like relying on a guide who sees more than we do.
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  5. Application (5 min): Ask learners to share situations where they need to trust God more and write one way they will do so this week.

Follow-Up Question: When has trusting God led you in a better direction than you expected?

Objective: Show the impact of speech on relationships.

Toothpaste (or paper and tape), scriptures (Proverbs 15:1)

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Squeeze toothpaste out and ask if it can be put back in—illustrating how words cannot be taken back.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Proverbs 15:1 and discuss how words influence conflict.

Application (5 min): Have learners rewrite a harsh response into a “soft answer” and share examples.

Follow-Up Question: How can you prepare yourself to respond with kindness in difficult moments?

Objective: Help learners identify eternal priorities.

Jar, rocks, sand (or small objects), scriptures (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Fill a jar with sand first, then try to fit in large rocks (showing poor priorities). Repeat by placing rocks first.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Ecclesiastes 12:13 and discuss what the “big rocks” in life should be.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to list their top priorities and adjust them to better reflect eternal values.

Follow-Up Question: What is one “big rock” you want to prioritize more in your life right now?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Trusting the Lord brings direction and clarity (Proverbs 3:5–6).
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  • The Lord guides our lives even when outcomes differ from our plans (Proverbs 16:9).
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  • Gentle, thoughtful speech can resolve conflict and build peace (Proverbs 15:1).
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  • Righteousness matters more than worldly success (Proverbs 16:8).
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  • Life finds meaning when centered on God and His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • God has always guided His people through chosen servants, and that pattern continues today. Just as ancient prophets taught wisdom for their time, modern prophets provide inspired direction for current challenges. Their teachings consistently point to Christ, encourage righteousness, and invite personal confirmation through the Spirit.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • God works through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. Agency allows growth, learning, and accountability, which means mistakes are part of the mortal experience. Rather than preventing all errors, God guides, corrects, and ultimately fulfills His purposes despite human weakness.