1. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." How does this verse challenge our understanding of human nature?
2. How might recognizing the deceitfulness of the heart influence our decision making?
3. Jeremiah talks about the righteous being like a tree by water in Jeremiah 17:7-8. Why do you think he chose this imagery?
4. Why is it bad to trust only in people and not in God, like it says in Jeremiah 17:3-4? Can you think of examples today where people trust in the wrong things?
5. In Jeremiah 17:10, it says God tests our hearts and minds. Is this a comforting or challenging thought? Why?
6. Jeremiah 17:11 talks about not being greedy. Why is being too focused on getting stuff not a good thing? Can you think of a time when wanting too many toys or games caused a problem?
7. Jeremiah prays for his people in Jeremiah 17:14-18. Why do you think he does that? Have you ever asked for help when things were tough?
8. People in Jeremiah 17:15 ask God for help. Why do you think they only ask when things are going wrong? Is it okay to talk to God only when we need something?
9. Jeremiah doesn't pretend everything is easy in Jeremiah 17:16. Is it always okay to tell the truth about when things are hard?
10. What is one step you can take today to grow in your awareness of your own heart's deceitfulness?