Parenting by the Book
STUDY 7
Text: Proverbs 1
12 August 2001
Dear Parents,
A COMMITMENT TO STUDY THE SCRIPTURES
The Word of God provides the richest sources of wisdom that parents could well rely on. Let us first be challenged to set aside time to study the Lord’s Word deeply, and then proceed to teach our children wisdom that would stand them in good stead. Let us be committed to imparting godly wisdom rather than worldly wisdom.
INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
The Book of Proverbs contains much practical wisdom. Whereas other books in the Bible may provide important historical details, or teach significant theological truths, Proverbs offers down-to-earth practical wisdom.
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings gathered over the years. Though the sayings seem very varied, they may actually be categorised into very definite topics.
Let’s take time to collate the sayings into specific categories, and then study them and in the process of time teach these nuggets of wisdom to our children. It will take a lot of hard work but it will be worth it all if we can impart wisdom to our children.
UNFORTUNATELY THE LOVE FOR WISDOM IS NOT A NATURAL HUMAN INCLINATION
As we read the Book of Proverbs, we will find many exhortations to seek wisdom. The first nine chapters of Proverbs will see us reading repeated exhortations to seek wisdom. We may wonder why there is the need to plead with anyone to search for wisdom.
In pondering things over, and in much prayer we discover to our consternation that the love for wisdom is not a natural inclination in the human being. We must constantly find fresh encouragement to impart wisdom to our children.
WISDOM IS NOT AS EASILY OBTAINABLE AS WE MIGHT IMAGINE
As we study the Book of Proverbs, we will find that wisdom is not as easily obtained as we might wish. It is one thing to understand the Word of God. It is another thing to see the Word studied transform itself into wisdom in our lives.
We will need to prepare ourselves to be very diligent if we wish to master the words of wisdom contained in the Book of Proverbs. Let us be prepared to think through all that we are going to read. Let us take time to pray over the many things that God would teach us through the studying of the Scriptures.
Let us first study the Scriptures for our own personal benefit before planning to impart wisdom to our children. If we were to persevere in our determination to become godly and wise parents, our children will certainly be greatly blessed!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie