Proverbs 3:1-12

Baby boomers are arriving at the traditional age of retirement reluctant to rest comfortably on their laurels. They are looking for ways to continue to contribute to the world and make the most of their lives. The face of postsecondary education has changed to reflect this significant generation’s outlook on life. With so many people living well into their eighties or more, second- or even third-career training has become very popular. But making the right choice can be difficult. The university campus has changed dramatically since these students last sharpened a pencil and grabbed their three-ring binders. With so many options available, including online, intensive scheduling, the CLEP program (http://clep.collegeboard.org), and traditional classroom instruction, it is easy for a new or returning student to get lost. Older students would do well to talk to some other second-career folks and sit down with an admissions counselor or even a professor to plan their new career.

Some peoples’ understanding of the college campus can be clouded by the media or previous experiences. We must be careful not to rely only on our own, human understanding when making important life choices. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, / and do not rely on your own insight” (Proverbs 3:5). Too often we think we have everything figured out because we once did something or we read about it online, but we end up just showcasing our ignorance. God’s knowledge and wisdom are perfect; ours is passable at best. Therefore, we need to study God’s Word, seek wise counsel, and pray for guidance so we can know how to act in new situations. If we do that, God will honor our efforts and make our paths straight.

1. Are you or someone you know preparing for a second career? If so, in what field? What are you or they doing to prepare? How are family members and friends reacting?

2. Without mentioning names, do you know of someone who has been “wise in [her or his] own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7)? Why do you say that? What do you think this person should do differently? What makes you an expert?

3. How does God discipline God’s children? Do you think you have been disciplined by God? If so, what were the circumstances?