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a journey through Psalms and Proverbs

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Psalms and Proverbs are rich in wisdom and full of deep emotion. Part of the “wisdom literature” section of the Bible, they offer insight on the human experience and a practical guide for navigating life’s challenges. I’ve always enjoyed these books of the Bible, and I thought it would be interesting to draw together verses from both books around common themes. What you’ll find here is a Bible study based on Psalms and Proverbs with an introduction and ten different themed sessions. Let’s dive in!

First, some housekeeping:

This is a study I’ve created to use with the executive board of the women’s ministry at my church. We meet monthly, but not in July, so I typically introduce the year’s unit in January and then cover ten different sessions at our other meetings throughout the year. One week prior to each meeting, I email the group with the appropriate reading assignment and a question to ponder. The question for this study is, “What do you notice in these passages related to the theme of [insert the appropriate theme]?”

I prepare handouts for each meeting. During the time set aside for spiritual growth, we go through the handout together. Generally, we take turns reading different portions and allow for discussion at each step. They’re a WONDERFUL group of ladies, and it’s a joy to share life with them. If you’re interested in seeing the handouts, I’ve linked to them later in this post.

Introducing the study on Psalms and Proverbs

Start with an overview of Psalms:

The Book of Psalms is often called the Bible’s “hymnbook” because it gathers 150 poems and songs written over centuries by various voices, notably David, Asaph, and the sons of Korah. These writings display the full range of human emotion: joy, grief, fear, repentance, awe, and trust. The psalms serve as prayers, praises, and reflections on who God is and how God relates to humanity.

At its core, Psalms teaches us how to engage with God honestly. Whether celebrating God’s goodness or crying out in suffering, the psalmists model a life of worship, trust, and vulnerability. Through their words, we see God revealed as both the powerful creator and the compassionate shepherd who walks with God’s people through every season of life.

The psalms are divided into five sections, echoing the structure of the Torah. Each section carries deep theological insight about God’s justice, mercy, faithfulness, and reign. These writings continue to shape worship, personal devotion, and communal prayer.

Look at the structure of Psalms:

  • Book 1 (Psalms 1–41): Focuses on faith and trust, especially in times of trouble. Many are attributed to David and emphasize the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. 
  • Book 2 (Psalms 42–72): Expresses a longing for God, often in seasons of hardship or exile. These psalms cry out for deliverance while affirming confidence in God’s promises. 
  • Book 3 (Psalms 73–89): Engages with themes of crisis and deep questioning. These psalms wrestle with injustice and suffering, yet they still turn toward God. 
  • Book 4 (Psalms 90–106): Re-centers on God’s sovereignty and eternal reign. Psalm 90 reflects on human frailty and God’s timelessness. Many psalms in this section proclaim God’s kingship and remind us that God remains in control, even when the world feels unstable.
  • Book 5 (Psalms 107–150): Overflowing with praise, thanksgiving, and hope. These psalms celebrate God’s steadfast love and look forward to future deliverance. Psalm 119 lifts up the beauty of God’s word, and the final psalms (146–150) are exuberant calls for all creation to praise the Lord.

I recommend going through the overview in detail but giving the outline of the structure to participants for future reference. I would approach Proverbs similarly.

Overview of Proverbs:

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions, most often linked to King Solomon, though other voices (like Agur and King Lemuel) also contribute. Its purpose is to offer practical guidance for godly living by teaching wisdom, self-discipline, and reverence for God. These teachings apply to every area of life, from relationships and work to integrity and justice.

At the center of Proverbs is the belief that true wisdom begins with a deep respect for God. Those who follow God’s ways will find blessing, while those who reject wisdom risk destruction. Through short, memorable sayings and longer reflective passages, Proverbs offers a timeless guide for living with purpose, character, and faithfulness.

The structure of Proverbs:

  • Chapters 1–9 An invitation to wisdom: These opening chapters introduce wisdom as something precious and worth pursuing. Wisdom and folly are personified as women calling out, each offering a different path: one leads to life, the other to ruin. 
  • Chapters 10–22 Proverbs of Solomon: This section presents hundreds of short, practical sayings. Common themes include speech, work, family and friends, and justice and integrity.
  • Chapters 23–24 Sayings of the wise: These sayings give practical life advice. They focus on character and promote self-control, humility, and the value of wise counsel. Warnings against excess and reminders to pursue righteousness are also common.
  • Chapters 25–29 More proverbs of Solomon (collected by Hezekiah’s officials): These proverbs emphasize leadership and emotional wisdom. They speak to rulers and those in authority, encouraging fairness, patience, and humility.
  • Chapter 30 The sayings of Agur: Agur’s reflections are more poetic and contemplative. He humbly acknowledges human limits and encourages trust in God over prideful thinking. His proverbs invite readers to ponder the mysteries of life with a sense of reverence and awe.
  • Chapter 31 The sayings of King Lemuel and the virtuous woman: This final chapter begins with lessons from a mother to her son about leading with wisdom and avoiding destructive behavior. It ends with the well-known portrait of a virtuous woman. I’ve written a Bible study based on Proverbs 31, and it’s linked at the bottom of this post.

Then present a list of the unit’s themes:

  • Trusting God,
  • The way of wisdom,
  • God knows me deeply,
  • The power of words,
  • God is our refuge,
  • Humble hearts, quiet strength,
  • Justice and compassion,
  • The joy of gratitude,
  • Living with integrity, and
  • God’s faithfulness endures.

Have everyone share their favorite psalms and proverbs. Are there any that are special to you? Meaningful in some way? Do you turn to them for praise, encouragement, or something else? 

Then close your introductory session in prayer: Awesome God, we thank you for Psalms and Proverbs. We cherish the wisdom, praise, instruction, encouragement, and consolation. Teach us what you want us to learn. May we grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

Ten different themed sessions

Each of these sessions focuses on one passage in Psalms and three related verses in Proverbs.

Jump to the desired session:
trusting God
the way of wisdom
God knows me deeply.
the power of words
God is our refuge.
humble hearts, quiet strength
justice and compassion
the joy of gratitude
living with integrity
God’s faithfulness endures.


Let’s take a look at each of the themed sessions!

Trusting God

Suggested reading: Psalm 27:1–6, 13–14; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 29:25; and Proverbs 16:3

Discussion starters:

  1. Trust beyond understanding: Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us not to rely on our own intelligence. When have you struggled to trust God above your reasoning, and what shifted?
  2. Experiencing protection: Psalm 27 paints God as light and fortress. Share a time you felt God’s protective presence in your life. How does that memory shape your faith today?
  3. Courage to move forward: What are practical ways our group can encourage each other to “be strong and let your hearts take courage” in everyday life?

Closing prayer: Trustworthy God, we thank you that we can trust you beyond our understanding, that we can turn to you in times of need, and that in you we find strength and hope. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

The way of wisdom

Suggested reading: Psalm 1:1–3, 6; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 4:7; and Proverbs 9:10

Discussion Starters:

  1. Rooted in God’s word: Psalm 1 speaks of delighting in God’s instruction. What are some practices that help you stay grounded in scripture like a well-watered tree?
  2. Defining wisdom: According to Proverbs, the fear (awe/reverence) of the Lord is foundational. How would you describe this kind of “fear”? How does it differ from being afraid?
  3. Wisdom in real life: Share a time when choosing wisdom made a significant impact on your life or someone else’s.

Closing prayer: God of wisdom, we want to be more strongly rooted in your word. Help us to walk in reverence and wisdom. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

God knows me deeply.

Suggested reading: Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18; Proverbs 15:3; Proverbs 16:2; and Proverbs 20:27

Discussion Starters

  1. Being fully known: How does it feel to know God is intimately familiar with your thoughts, routines, and even your unspoken words?
  2. Motives and discernment: Proverbs reminds us God sees not just actions, but motives. When have you sensed God nudging you to check your inner intentions?
  3. Sacred worth: Psalm 139 declares we are “marvelously set apart.” How might recognizing your own sacred design shape the way you treat yourself and others?

Closing prayer: Loving God, we thank you that you know us fully and have set us apart. Help us to be mindful of our motives. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

The power of words

Suggested reading: Psalm 19:7–14, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:24, and Proverbs 18:21

Discussion Starters

  1. Internal and external alignment: Psalm 19 ends with a prayer about our words and thoughts. How do you seek to keep your inner life aligned with your speech?
  2. Words that bring healing: Proverbs 16:24 speaks of pleasant words as healing. When has someone’s words been a source of unexpected strength or grace in your life?
  3. Communication check-in: How can we become more intentional in using our words to uplift, encourage, and bless? What about when our emotions are intense?

Closing prayer: Healing God, we thank you for teaching us about aligning our hearts and words. May we speak words of encouragement and support to others. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

God is our refuge.

Suggested reading: Psalm 46:1–3, 10–11; Proverbs 18:10; Proverbs 14:26; and Proverbs 3:25–26

Discussion Starters

  1. Safe places: Psalm 46 declares God is our refuge and strength. What does that look like for you in everyday life? How do you take shelter in God’s presence?
  2. Passing peace along: Proverbs 14:26 mentions the confidence and refuge our children receive when we honor God. How can your trust in God become a blessing for others?
  3. Fear and faith: When the “mountains crumble,” how can we shift our focus from fear to the God who says, “Be still and know that I am God”?

Closing prayer: God of refuge, we thank you that we can turn to you for strength, courage, and peace. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

Humble hearts, quiet strength

Suggested reading: Psalm 131, Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 22:4, and Proverbs 17:27

Discussion Starters

  1. Quiet confidence: Psalm 131 gives the image of a weaned child resting calmly. What helps you cultivate that kind of stillness and trust in your relationship with God?
  2. Humility and wisdom: How have you seen humility open doors to wisdom or peace in your life or in someone you admire?
  3. Measured speech: Proverbs 17:27 suggests wisdom shows up in how we speak or don’t speak. How do we cultivate this quiet strength?

Closing prayer: God of peace, we thank you for offering us a still and quiet strength. Help us to reflect humility and calm. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

Justice and compassion

Suggested reading: Psalm 82:1–4, Proverbs 31:8–9, Proverbs 14:31, and Proverbs 21:3

Discussion Starters

  1. Faith and justice: Psalm 82 reminds us of God’s heart for justice. How do you feel called to “defend the lowly” in your daily life or community?
  2. Speaking out: Proverbs 31 encourages us to use our voice for others. When have you had the opportunity to speak up? Are there situations where you wished you had?
  3. Everyday justice: What does it look like to act “with righteousness and justice” in the small choices and routines of your week?

Closing prayer: Compassionate God, we know you have called us to stand up for the marginalized and value peace with justice. Strengthen us for the call. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

The joy of gratitude

Suggested reading: Psalm 103:1–5, 11–14, 17–18; Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 17:22; and Proverbs 11:25

Discussion Starters

  1. Blessing with your whole being: Psalm 103 encourages us to remember and praise God for all God’s goodness. What helps you shift your focus to gratitude in daily life?
  2. Healing joy: Proverbs connects joy to physical and spiritual well-being. When has joy or laughter helped you navigate a hard season?
  3. Refreshing others: Who in your life needs encouragement right now? How might you live out Proverbs 11:25 this week?

Closing prayer: Gracious God, we praise you for your goodness. Use us to support and encourage others. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

Living with integrity

Suggested reading: Psalm 15, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 11:3, and Proverbs 20:7

Discussion Starters

  1. Walking the talk: Psalm 15 paints a picture of someone whose actions match their values. What part of that description resonates most with your spiritual goals?
  2. Integrity as a guide: Proverbs 11:3 calls integrity a guide. When has living with honesty helped you make a tough decision or spared you heartache?
  3. Legacy and example: How might your integrity (or your struggles) shape those who come after you, whether children, friends, or mentees?

Closing prayer: Righteous God, develop faithfulness and integrity in us. May we continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

God’s faithfulness endures.

Suggested reading: Psalm 100, Proverbs 3:3, Proverbs 28:20, and Proverbs 16:20

Discussion Starters

  1. Generational faithfulness: Psalm 100 affirms that God’s love and faithfulness continue through all generations. How has God’s faithfulness shown up across different seasons of your life or your family’s story?
  2. Writing faith on your heart: Proverbs 3:3 challenges us to make loyalty and faithfulness central. What would it look like for you to “write them on the tablet of your heart” in this season?
  3. Living in trust: What are you currently trusting God with? How can this group support one another in holding fast to trust and joy?

Closing prayer: Faithful God, we praise you for your longstanding goodness to us. Thank you for how your word has encouraged and instructed us. May we hold these lessons close and continue to grow closer to you and stronger in our faith. Amen.

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image links to a free printable pdf of the complete study

What would you add to this study of Psalms and Proverbs?

Please drop your suggestions in the comments. What other themes would you consider? Anything else?

If you’re interested in reading about some of my other Bible studies, find them at these links:

Or something totally different:

Fondly,

Crysti

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