Walking in Wisdom: Adrienne Camp on How Proverbs Shapes Family Life

The Way of Wisdom is an 8-session Bible study on the book of Proverbs, authored by six Bible teachers: Jen Wilkin, Ruth Chou Simons, Kelly Minter, Adrienne Camp, Elizabeth Woodson, and Courtney Doctor. We asked Adrienne Camp to tell us what she learned about wisdom and how what she learned applies to marriage and family life.

Adrienne, you are a contributor for The Way of Wisdom, Lifeway Women’s new Bible study on the book of Proverbs. Tell us what God taught you while preparing a Bible study session on wisdom at home.

While preparing for this study, God really impressed upon me the reminder that wisdom is not just about teaching knowledge — it’s about living it out and having it woven into the fabric of your life. It’s easy to acknowledge great principles, in other words, “Do this — don’t do that,” but true wisdom comes when we model it and live it out.

Wisdom is about a life lived in the presence of the Lord and allowing His wisdom to shape everything we do. As I ask the Spirit to shape me and participate in my life, I have to examine my own life as a wife, mother, and friend, aware of my shortcomings and deeply grateful for the sustaining grace of God. This study has underscored that wisdom at home must be lived, not just taught, because the people in our lives absorb by example.

How is the wisdom found in Scripture about families still relevant in the lives of those who are unmarried or do not have children?

Proverbs is for everyone — not just for those who are married or have children. Passages about families are relevant because they’re about relationships. Proverbs teaches us how to be wise in our friendships, manage our time well, approach our work diligently, and cultivate humility and patience. These principles apply to every relationship, not just if you’re married and have kids.

For those who are unmarried, the passages about honoring others, living wisely, and working with integrity are still foundational. Wisdom is about how we engage with the world, and the same principles that apply to family relationships — respect, listening, and loving others well — are just as important in friendships, work environments, and interactions with strangers. We all need wisdom to navigate life’s complexities, whether building a family or friendships.

What does the way of wisdom look like in marriage? Can Proverbs be a guide to us?

The way of wisdom in marriage is built on humility, patience, and love. Proverbs is full of wisdom on how to relate to our spouse. A wise woman builds her home (14:1), and a wise man leads with integrity (20:7). In marriage, wisdom means choosing grace over frustration and humility over pride. It means listening more than speaking and learning to communicate with kindness and respect.

Proverbs teaches us the power of our words — how a gentle answer can turn away anger (15:1). Marriage requires a steady commitment to wisdom because it’s easy to react emotionally or be selfish. But Proverbs reminds us that the wise person is slow to anger and quick to forgive. So yes, Proverbs is definitely a guide for us. It helps us remember that our marriage should reflect Christ, and that wisdom in marriage is rooted in sacrificial love.

Are there any specific proverbs you have found helpful in conflict or restoring relationships?

Absolutely. Proverbs 15:1 is one I cling to: “A gentle answer turns away anger.” Sometimes in conflict, our first reaction is irritability, anger, or frustration, but this verse challenges us to pause, take a breath, and hopefully respond with gentleness instead. It doesn’t mean avoiding the conversation but creating an atmosphere where healthy communication and healing can happen rather than escalating and adding to the conflict.

Another verse is Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check.” It’s a similar reminder to hold back our immediate (not-so-great) reactions and respond with thoughtfulness and wisdom. So often, our initial response in conflict isn’t the wisest, and Proverbs encourages us not to be impulsive, but to listen and speak carefully with healing.

What does wisdom look like in parenting, whether you’re raising young children, guiding teenagers, or relating to adult children? How can Proverbs help us navigate these different stages, and what specific wisdom have you found helpful in each phase?

Wisdom in parenting looks like knowing when to correct and when to encourage, knowing when to speak and when to listen, and always, always being aware of God’s grace. I try to remember that instruction, discipleship, encouragement, and consistency are necessary. Proverbs 22:6 is foundational for me: “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.” This verse reminds me that my investment in the hearts of my children now matters in the long run. Wisdom gives space for them to grow, make mistakes, and develop independence while still guiding them with truth.

Proverbs 1:7, which says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” reminds me that it’s not just about correcting them but helping them see the value of walking with God. I must trust that God has their lives in His hands and that He’s working even when I can’t control the situation or their decisions. Proverbs helps me remember that, at each stage, I’m not just raising children, I’m also guiding them toward growth and understanding. And it’s a constant prayer for God’s help to see what they need and how I can speak into their lives.

What scriptures do you pray over your children and your marriage? Are there any passages that have been particularly impactful in your family’s life?

Romans 12 is a passage that hangs on a huge painting in our home, reminding us of the importance of living sacrificially and of not conforming to the world’s way of thinking. I pray over my children that their hearts will be inclined toward God, that they will hunger for Him, and that they will hear His voice clearly (see Matt. 7:7-8). For my marriage, I often pray for unity and humility. Ephesians 4:1-2 is key: “Walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

There are so many wonderful verses we can pray over our homes that act as beautiful reminders of how we want to live, reflecting Jesus to the world and learning to rely on His wisdom and grace daily.

Tell us about what it looks like to disciple your children in seasons when they are not receptive to your wisdom.

When my children are not receptive to me, I definitely SOS the Holy Spirit. It’s not always easy to accept that they may not be ready to hear me, but I trust that God is still working in them, even if I don’t see it in the moment. I remind myself that my relationship with them is not about control or getting them to think or act how I want them to, but about connection and friendship. I ask myself questions like, How can I connect with them better? Can I offer wisdom in a way that will make them more open to receiving it? Am I paying attention to what’s on their hearts?

I’m also careful about recognizing when I’m parenting out of fear or frustration. Sometimes, when my kids are pushing back, it’s an opportunity to pause, pray, and ask God for self-control, kindness, and patience. Ultimately, I need to be confident that God will work in their hearts, even if they’re not open to hearing from me.

As your children get older, how have you seen them begin to model the way of wisdom to you?

Watching them grow and start modeling wisdom back to me has been a gift. They self-evaluate, and when they make mistakes, they own them and ask for forgiveness. I see them growing in humility and intentionality, especially in how they speak to others and the way they think about people. They’re learning to see the bigger picture and pursue wisdom in their relationships with God. As they submit their lives to the Lord and grow in their understanding of Him, I see them beginning to model humility, grace, and wisdom, which I pray continues into adulthood.

How has the body of Christ come alongside you in your marriage and parenting? Are there older couples you look to for wisdom or encouragement you’ve received along the way that has impacted you?

My parents have been massively encouraging to me in both marriage and parenting. Their marriage has withstood a lot of difficulty, yet they have stayed deeply committed to each other and continue to grow in love. Watching them choose humility and a willingness to change has been a powerful lesson for me. They both actively seek the Holy Spirit in their lives, inspiring my whole family. I am so thankful for their wisdom and encouragement as they continue to shape how I approach family life.

Adrienne Camp, originally from South Africa, relocated to America at age 19 to pursue a career in music. She met her husband, fellow musician Jeremy Camp, and they have been married since 2003. Together, they have two daughters, Bella and Arie, and a son, Egan. In addition to her musical career, Adrienne is the author of many books and Bible studies, and is a contributing author to the Bible study The Way of Wisdom. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in theology through Denver Seminary. Adrienne is deeply committed to her family and to God’s love worldwide. Her greatest aspiration is to know God intimately and to make Him known to others.

The Way of Wisdom

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This article will appear in the October 2025 issue of HomeLife Magazine. Want to learn more about The Way of Wisdom? Read this excerpt from the study by contributing author Kelly Minter.