Guys like to be strong. But Proverbs 24 says the real test of strength isn’t how much you can lift. It’s how you hold up under pressure.

Pressure Reveals Strength

Proverbs 24:10 If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

Anyone can look strong when life is easy. Trouble shows what we’re really made of, whether it’s in school, sports, friendships, or faith.

Get Back Up

Proverbs 24:16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Strong people still fall. The difference is that they get back up. Failing doesn’t make you weak. Quitting does.

God Renews Your Strength

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Real strength comes from God. When we trust him, he gives us what we need to keep going.

The Takeaway

The true test of strength is how you handle pressure. Even when you fall, get back up and trust God to give you strength.

Discuss and Dive Deeper

Talk about it:

  1. Fathers and sons, read Proverbs 24 together, taking turns by section.
  2. Rank your “strength” in each of these areas: school, sports, friendships, faith.
  3. Share a time when you failed in one of these areas under pressure.
  4. What are some things you can do to develop strength in these areas?
  5. Dads, share a time you fell and got back up. What helped you?
  6. What’s your favorite verse from this chapter? Explain.
  7. Close your time together in prayer.

See also:

Proverbs for Men and Boys (Men’s Series)

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