2026 Sunday School Discussion Guide

Together we will read through the Psalms and Proverbs in 2026!

Here are some helpful discussion questions for your Sunday School class or small group!

Download Discussion Questions through the Psalms and Proverbs

JULY

Week 26 (7/5)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What could we learn from how other denominations or cultures worship?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 76 ~ Psalm 77 ~ Proverbs 16:17-33

1. Psalm 76 starts out with “In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel. His abode has been established in Salem and his dwelling place in Zion.” Is God “known”, regarded as “great”, and “dwelling” within your home? Your workplace? Your neighborhood? Your community? How do we make someone “known” and regarded as “great”? What are some effective ways you have found for sharing the Jesus where you live and work? What are some witnessing methods you have found to be ineffective?

2. What are some of the most beautiful places/sights that you have seen in God’s creation? Why do you think the Psalmist brings the image of a mountain in describing God? (Psalm 76:4)

3. When we look at many of the biblical victory stories, we often think of God’s protection, strength, and deliverance. Why do you think God describes the side of the enemy’s loss and destruction so vividly? What can we learn from those verses? (Psalm 76:5-10)

4. Why do you think Psalm 76 finishes with an emphasis (v.11-12) on making and keeping vows to God? Giving gifts to God? How does our gratitude and generosity to God reflect our heart?

5. When we find ourselves in “trouble”, what might be some of our first reactions and responses to difficulty? If we forget or fail to go to God in prayer when we are in trouble, what might that teach us about how we might need to grow spiritually? Why is prayer such a healthy first response to times of trouble (whether small or big situations)? (Psalm 77:1-3)

6. Read Psalm 77:13. Why do we need this faithful reminder in times of trouble?

7. How do you think a shepherd leads his flock of sheep? Why? How does a shepherd speak to his flock? How has God been faithful to lead, care, and speak to us (his flock)? Why? (Psalm 77:20)

8. How would you define “pride”? In what ways is pride the root of all sin? How can we discern pride within us? Why does God give us so many warnings about “pride” and a “haughty spirit” leading to “destruction” and “a fall”? (Proverbs 16:18)

9. What are some keys to having a “lowly spirit”? Why is it better to be poor with a “lowly spirit” than to be rich among the “proud”? (Proverbs 16:19)

10. How do the words of others impact us? Who is someone you know whose speech is always full of “sweetness” and “gracious words”? (Proverbs 16:21,23-24) How have they impacted you?

11. Read Proverbs 16:25. What does this mean? What should we do with this warning?

12. How would you define “gossip” (“whisperer” Proverbs 16:28)? Why is gossip so harmful? How can we protect ourselves from the temptation to receive or share gossip?

13. What do you think about the process of aging? How might Proverbs 16:31 change our perspective on aging?

14. What does Proverbs 16:33 teach us?

General Discussion Questions

• What was something new you noticed this week? What impacted you the most? Why?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

Week 27 (7/12)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

How do you think church will change over the next 10 years? 50 years?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 78 ~ Psalm 79 ~ Psalm 80 ~ Proverbs 17:1-14

1. How does it encourage you to know that God never abandoned His love of you, even when you were living in sin as a lost soul? In what ways did you see God’s faithfulness in spite of your rebellious heart during those seasons? Why did Israel need a similar reminder in Psalm 78?

2. Why would you want the “coming generation” in your family to learn from your mistakes rather than to repeat your mistakes? What are ways we can effectively warn and guide our children and grandchildren? (Psalm 78:4)

3. What are some ways we can effectively reach and teach the “next generation” about Jesus? Why is it important and motivating to have your Christian faith reach the “children yet unborn” and “their children”? (Psalms 78:6)

4. Why are setting one’s “hope in God”, not forgetting “the work of God”, and keeping “his commandments” evidences of saving faith? (Psalm 78:7) Why are not keeping “God’s covenant”, refusing to “walk according to the law”, and forgetting “his works” evidences of lostness and rebellion? (Psalm 78:10-11, 22)

5. Why is the description of the Exodus such an example of what it looks like to follow or rebel against God? (Psalm 78:12-55)? What descriptions of Israel’s sins parallel ways we sin today?

6. Psalm 79 is a Psalm of lament over Israel’s suffering from their disobedience, with grief and repentance. What areas of our community, state, or nation grieve you today? Where do we need to see repentance, confessing our sin and responding in obedience?

7. When was a prolonged season of suffering in your life? How did you speak to God in prayer in that season? What parts of Psalm 79 & 80 sound similar to ways you may have prayed?

8. Why is the name of God as “shepherd” and the people of God as “flock” always a good reminder? (Psalm 80:1)

9. Why is asking God to “let your face shine” such an important way to pray? (Psalm 80:3)

10. When was a time your recommitted to your relationship with God? What were your prayers like? What were your hopes and goals? How did you mature, grow, and take steps closer to God in that season? (Psalm 80:18)

11. Why might we find it so easy to put others down and to judge people by their appearances or differences? If we make fun of others, how is it disrespectful to God? (Proverbs 17:5) How can this verse renew our mind to protect us from an arrogant spirit?

12. Read Proverbs 17:6. How have you experienced or seen this truth play out?

13. Why is forgiveness so powerful? Why is bitterness so damaging? (Proverbs 17:9)

14. What can we learn from Proverbs 17:14? What are some good techniques you have learned to stop a conflict as soon as possible?

General Discussion Questions

• Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this? How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

Week 28 (7/19)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is something you are excited about in the next 12 months?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 81 ~ Psalm 82 ~ Psalm 83 ~ Proverbs 17:15-28

1. Psalm 81 challenges God’s people to faithfulness. Who is someone that has challenged your faith to mature? How did they set an example for you? What sort of important questions did they ask or tough statements did they make to help you grow?

2. What is our initial response when an authority (parent, coach, teacher, boss, law enforcement) corrects us? Why? Do we usually listen well when we are confronted? Why should we listen well? If God was to correct you now, what sort of corrections do you think He would give you? (Psalm 81:8)

3. What sorts of “strange god[s]” and “foreign god[s]” do you see worshipped in your community and nation? (Psalm 81:9)

4. What are the dangers to not listening to God and following false gods? (Psalm 81:11-12)

5. Why is abundant “wheat” and “honey” a description of the blessings of listening to and following God faithfully? (Psalm 81:16)

6. Why is it important to remember that God has more power and authority than all human kings and fallen angels? (Psalm 82:1,8) Why is it so easy to lose sight of God’s sovereignty?

7. What are practical ways we can “give justice to the weak and the fatherless”? “Maintaine the right of the afflicted and the destitute”? “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked”? (Psalm 82:3-4)

8. What is some evil you observe in the world that you would love to see the Lord end immediately? (Psalm 83)

9. Why do you think the Lord mention the examples of Midian, Sisera, Jabin, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna? (Psalm 83:9-12) Who are some examples of God’s justice over sinful rebellion that He has given you in your lifetime as a warning?

10. Read Psalm 83:18. How is this a good description of the “fear of the Lord”?

11. Who have been some of your best friends over your lifetime? What are characteristics of a good friend? In what ways are you seeking to be a good friend? What does God mean by “a brother is born for adversity”? (Proverbs 17:17)

12. Why does the foolishness of a child hurt a parent so deeply? (Proverbs 17:21)

13. What sorts of things “crush” our spirits? Why does a “crushed spirit” feel so draining? What sorts of things bring us “joy”? How does a “joyful heart” serve as “good medicine”? (Proverbs 17:22)

14. What sort of sinful underhanded or hidden behaviors have you noticed in life? Why does Proverbs describe so many of these behaviors?

a. “a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 17:1)

b. “an evildoer listens to wicked lips” (Proverbs 17:4)

c. “a bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it” (Proverbs 17:8)

d. “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous” (Proverbs 17:15)

e. “a crooked heart…a dishonest tongue” (Proverbs 17:20)

f. “wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice” (Proverbs 17:23)

15. Read Proverbs 17:27-28. What is God teaching you through this? How do you want to change?

General Discussion Questions

• What do these passages teach us about our enemies’ attacks (deceptions, distractions, discouragement, and temptations)? How can we better resist these attacks?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

Week 29 (7/26)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite part about church? Why?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 84 ~ Psalm 85 ~ Psalm 86 ~ Proverbs 18

1. What sort of places do you hope to travel to in the future? What is one of your favorite vacation spots in the past? Why? Read how Psalm 84 starts with the first four verses. How does this perspective and future hope help Christian saints to endure in the midst of so much earthly suffering? What are some of your favorite Bible verses about Heaven?

2. Read Psalm 84:10. If you chose to memorize this, when do you think the Lord would bring it back to mind to help you? Why is Scripture memorization such an effective spiritual discipline?

3. What are some of your favorite verses that you have memorized? Why did you memorize them? Have you found any helpful techniques to help you memorize Scripture?

4. When is a time that you think you endured the discipline of the Lord? What did the Lord teach you in that season of discipline? How did He “revive” you “again” after that difficult season? (Psalm 85)

5. What are some of God’s blessings you are grateful for? Why is gratitude to God evidence of Christian faith? (Psalm 85:10-13)

6. Why do little children seek out their parents when they are hurt, frustrated, or afraid? In a similar way, why should Christians diligently and desperately seek out Jesus in prayer when they have a situation that overwhelms them? (Psalm 86:1-7)

7. What are some of your favorite parts of Psalm 86 that describe who God is? Why do you think David included these descriptions?

8. Do you think much about Hell? Should you? Why is God’s deliverance of you from Hell such an important truth to remember? (Psalm 86:13)

9. What are some ways the Lord has shaped and grown your prayer life? How have you found the Psalms a helpful guide in prayer? How have the Proverbs helped you in prayer?

10. How does someone “isolate themselves” in order to seek “his own desire”? (Proverbs 18:1) Why do such isolating choices not end well?

11. How have you seen Proverbs 18:2 in life? Proverbs 18:6-7? How do these verses encourage you in watching the words you use?

12. How does a bad work ethic harm others? Harm oneself? (Proverbs 18:9)

13. What is some advice you would give on how to be a good listener? Why is being a good listener so important? (Proverbs 18:13, 15)

14. Why is a godly spouse such “a good thing”? (Proverbs 18:22) Why is a close friend more valuable than “many companions”? (Proverbs 18:24) How do these passages make you want to be a better spouse and friend?

General Discussion Questions

• What did you learn about humanity or yourself in the readings this week? About your identity, character or purpose as a Christ-follower?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

AUGUST

Week 30 (8/2)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite Christian song? Why?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 87 ~ Psalm 88 ~ Psalm 89 ~ Proverbs 19:1-13

1. Where were you born? Are you proud of where you were born? Why or why not?

2. If someone asked you about the “city of God” (Zion, Jerusalem) in the Bible, how would you describe it? What do you know about it? (Psalm 87:1-3)

3. Why was it a privilege to be born in the city of God? (Psalm 87:4-7) Why is the spiritual state of your upbringing (family, community, culture, nation) the most important characteristic?

4. If someone asked you about the eternal “city of God” (new Jerusalem) in Revelation (Revelation 3:12, 21), how would you describe it? What gets you excited about the descriptions of Heaven in Revelation 21?

5. When was a time in your life when you were overwhelmed and anxious about future? How did you experience God during that season? Did you ever feel He was far away or ignoring you? Like He was punishing you? (Psalm 88:3-7, 14) How did God end up rescuing you from or strengthening you through that season of suffering?

6. Did you ever have friends abandon you in hard times? What did that look and feel like? How did you have other friends stick with you and reveal their genuineness in rough days? (Psalm 88:8, 18; Proverbs 17:7)

7. Why is important to keep coming to God daily and throughout our day (“day and night” Psalm 88:1, “every day” Psalm 88:9, and “in the morning” Psalm 88:13)? How does it help you to have regular and continuous conversation with God in prayer? What are some practices that help you be more consistent in prayer and Bible reading/listening?

8. Read Psalm 89:5-12. What parts of God’s creation make you more in awe of God? Why? How could you be more intentional to enjoy God through His creation?

9. What does it mean to “walk” or live in “the light of” God’s “face” (Psalm 89:15) and “exult in your name all the day”? Why is such a person described as “blessed”? (Psalm 89:15-18)

10. Psalm 89 focuses a lot on Israel’s hope through King David and his descendants. How did God show His “steadfast love” and “faithfulness” to Israel through King David and his descendants? (Psalm 89:1) Although King David and many of his descendants failed significantly and were dethroned (Psalm 89:38), his descendent in Jesus never failed and is enthroned forever. How is Jesus the ultimate King of Kings? What does that mean for us? How should that impact our prayers?

11. How would you define “integrity”? How do you seek to be a man or woman of integrity? Why is being a person of integrity so important to our Christian witness? What earthly benefits come with being a person of integrity? (Proverbs 19:1)

12. How can you tell a true friend from a fake friend? What are some good characteristics of friends? (Proverbs 19:4,6,7)

13. Why is the pursuit of “sense” and “understanding” so important to your soul and life? Why does ignorance not lead to bliss or happiness? How do we teach our children in a way that they desire knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? (Proverbs 19:9)

General Discussion Questions

• What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character? How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

Week 31 (8/9)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

If you could see one person in your life be saved, who would it be?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 90 ~ Psalm 91 ~ Psalm 92 ~ Proverbs 19:14-29

1. What are the purposes of a “dwelling place”? What does it mean to say that God is your “dwelling place”? How have you experienced God as your “dwelling place”? (Psalm 90:1)

2. What does Psalm 90:2 mean? Why is it such a significant truth? How does it connect with John 1:3?

3. How do our lives measure up against God’s longevity? (Psalm 90:3-6) Why do you think God used Moses to write this Psalm to the people of Israel before crossing over into the Promised Land?

4. Why do we prefer to avoid the topic of God’s wrath, anger, and justice? Why is it important for us to hear passages like Psalm 90:9-11? What does it mean for God to “teach us to number our days”? (Psalm 90:12) How has God taught you these sorts of lessons of the years?

5. In what situations might it feel that God is disciplining you or far from you? What does it feel like when God shows favor to you? (Psalm 90:13-17) How might this Psalm guide our prayers in hardship?

6. How might a shadow be a safe place? How can we “abide in the shadow of the Almighty” according to Psalm 91:1-2? Why is this a helpful way to describe salvation?

7. What stands out to you in the description of God’s protection io Psalm 91:3-6?

8. How does Psalm 91:9-10 sound like God’s protection over His people during the plagues of Egypt?

9. Who tried to twist Psalm 91:11-13 against Jesus? (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11) Does this Psalm encourage Christians to put themselves in danger? What was Jesus’ response to Satan? Why do you think Satan so often uses the twisting of Scripture as one of his warfare tactics against believers? How do believers best prepare for such attacks?

10. Why is it “good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises” to His name? (Psalm 92:1) How does a spirit of gratitude and joy change our perspective in life? Why do we like being around people who are grateful and joyous? Who is someone you would describe as grateful and joyous? Would people describe you as grateful and joyous? If not, how can you be more intentional to change your reputation?

11. How does it feel to know God’s justice will certainly occur against His “enemies” and “all evildoers” (Psalm 92:9,11)

12. What does God mean that “the righteous flourish…in the house of the Lord”? (Psalm 92:12-15) How does this passage describe the purpose of Christians?

13. Do you have a favorite Proverb from this week’s reading (Proverbs 19:14-29)? If so, why is it your favorite? Is there a Proverb you had a hard time understanding?

14. What does Proverbs 19:16 mean? How does it connect to Ephesians 6:1-3 and the 5th commandment?

15. When should we lend to the poor (Proverbs 19:17)? When should we not help the poor (2 Thessalonians 3:10)?

16. Do you find it hard “to listen to advice and accept instruction”? (Proverbs 19:20) What helps you to be a better listener and learner?

17. What do you find helpful about Proverbs 19:21?

General Discussion Questions

• What was something new you noticed this week? What impacted you the most? Why?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

Week 32 (8/16)

Christian Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What do you think about miracles continuing today?

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 93 ~ Psalm 94 ~ Psalm 95 ~ Proverbs 20:1-15

1. What comes to mind when you think of a King, Queen or royalty? What comes to mind when you read Psalm 93:1-2? How does it help us to remember that our God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

2. Why are floods, rivers, and oceans such demonstrations of chaos? What sort of chaos do you observe in the world today? What sort of chaos is in your life currently? How does it help to remember that our God is “mightier” than all of our personal and global chaos? (Psalm 93:3-4)

3. Do you trust your government? Judicial system? Why or why not? How does Psalm 93:5 give you confidence in God’s Word and God’s reign?

4. What kind of wickedness and evil in our community and world alarms you the most? Why? Do you see any overlap with the specific evils mentioned to God in Psalm 94:1-7? How might this Psalm guide your prayers to God against the current day evils that disturb and concern you?

5. Why do you think the Psalm writer uses the questions and statements of Psalm 94:8-11 to address the foolish ones and evil doers? What kind of questions might you ask, or statements would you make, in addressing the lost today for the sake of their salvation?

6. How does Psalm 94:12-15 encourage you to “not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13)?

7. When are some times that God “held” you up, encouraged your soul, and strengthened you? (Psalm 94:16-23)? How does it comfort you to know that God will ultimately “wipe out” all who continue in wickedness and sin?

8. What is your favorite verse from Psalm 95? Why?

9. How does God change and move in us when we sing worshipfully to Him? (Psalm 95:1-7)

10. Have you ever tried kneeling when you pray? Does it help? What postures help you in prayer? What postures are less helpful to you in prayer? (Psalm 95:6)

11. How has God shown Himself as a faithful shepherd to you over your life? (Psalm 95:7)

12. Look at Exodus 17:7 & Numbers 20:13. What is God specifically warning us about in Psalm 95:8-11? When are we prone to complain against God’s plan and provision?

13. Why do you think Proverbs 20:1 is such a good warning about drunkenness? What lessons have you learned the hard way about the dangers of addictions? What practices do you have that protect you from the dangers of addictive substances?

a. See also: “What does the Bible really say about alcohol?” www.trustworthyword.com/alcohol

14. What are some good practices to “keep aloof from strife”? (Proverbs 20:3)

15. What does Proverbs 20:4 & 20:13 mean? Why do you think God includes so many warnings about laziness in Proverbs?

16. In what ways might a parent’s righteousness and integrity bless their children? (Proverbs 20:7)

General Discussion Questions

• Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this? How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)