How Can I Use the Internet Wisely
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 My child, listen closely to my teachings and learn common sense. 2 My advice is useful, so don't turn away. 3 When I was still very young and my mother's favorite child, my father 4 said to me: “If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live. 5 Be wise and learn good sense; remember my teachings and do what I say. 6 “If you love Wisdom and don't reject her, she will watch over you. 7 The best thing about Wisdom is Wisdom herself; good sense is more important than anything else. 8 If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours. 9 It will be like wearing a glorious crown of beautiful flowers.” 10 My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time. 11 I have shown you the way that makes sense; I have guided you along the right path. 12 Your road won't be blocked, and you won't stumble when you run. 13 Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you. 14 Don't follow the bad example of cruel and evil people. 15 Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them.
Proverbs 4:1-15
Memory Verse
Proverbs 4:6
6 “If you love Wisdom and don't reject her, she will watch over you.
When you think of wisdom, what do you imagine? For me, it’s big, dusty books in old libraries, and ink quills and curled pieces of parchment. When I think of wisdom, I think of the past—the collective wisdom over centuries of learning. But today, with the internet, social media and smartphones playing such a big part in our lives, we can also learn to apply wisdom online.
The internet is a fascinating place. It gives us access to all of the information the world has to offer. It’s new, it’s fast, and it allows for easy communication. But some scary dangers come with the internet, too, and people also use it for bad purposes. We need to be wise when choosing where to travel in the online world and make careful choices to use the internet as a positive tool. Proverbs 4:6 tells us: “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” When we learn internet wisdom, we can protect ourselves online. But what we do online has to be more than that because God has called us here, too. We can do God’s work, be a positive Christian presence online, and share his message by safely using the internet.
Think about times when you are wise. Do you look both ways before crossing the street? Do you use safety features while online? Do you put on protective gear before playing sports? Who taught you these? Maybe a parent, grandparent, or other important adult? Proverbs 4:1 says: “Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.” When we listen to the wise adults in our life and follow God’s Word, we can gain wisdom and understanding to keep us safe in all areas.
Prayer
God, thank you for giving us wisdom. Thank you for keeping us safe while giving us the chance to explore and learn new things. Help us to remember to be wise and to share that wisdom with others. AmenRelated Resources
Rachel Syens
Rachel Syens is the Social Media Specialist for ReFrame Ministries, coordinating social media engagement for Kids Corner and five other programs. Rachel graduated with a B.A. from Hope College and M.A. from Western Michigan University. Rachel is passionate about writing, travel, and visiting local coffee shops. Rachel calls West Michigan home.