Parenting by the Book
STUDY 23
Text: Proverbs 1 : 1-7
2 December 2001
BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION
Dear Parents,
“THE FEAR OF THE LORD” AS THE FOUNDATIONAL THEME OF THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
The Book of Proverbs has words of wisdom on many subjects. The Book is after all a collection of wise sayings gathered over many years. The whole idea of the Book of Proverbs is to provide an anthology of wise sayings to guide children in their growing up years.
We may say that the foundational theme for the entire book of Proverbs is “The Fear of the LORD”. When we use the word “foundational” we mean the following things:-
1. The Fear of the Lord is the foundation of genuine faith.
There must be knowledge of God. But this knowledge must lead to a fear of the Lord.
Knowledge must lead to a personal relationship of faith in God. This faith in turn should lead to having the fear of the Lord in the heart. The fear of the Lord is a way of life. God becomes so real and precious, the fear of the Lord becomes the hallmark of our lifestyle.
2. From this foundation, other aspects of knowledge and wisdom ensue.
Living a righteous life is built on the foundation of “The Fear of the LORD”.
A righteous lifestyle necessarily means that there is a rejection of that which is wrong and sinful.
We have just concluded looking at the topic “The Fear of the LORD” in the Book of Proverbs. We have laid the foundation for further studies in the Book of Proverbs. Let us consider other important topics taught in the Book of Proverbs.
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN HOW TO BE DISCERNING WHERE FRIENDS ARE CONCERNED
When children are very young, their “best friends” are their parents. With each passing year, parents are just guardians. The role of parents diminish with each passing year.
Friends take centre stage. Friends become the most important people in the lives of children. This is a difficult and harsh reality that few parents accept easily.
We cannot tie our children to our apron strings! That would be unwise and unhealthy. However, while we still can, let’s teach our children how to discern and how to choose friends.
Ultimately, they must make their own decisions. We can maximize their choosing wisely when we teach them God’s Word. Let us determine to set aside time to study God’s Word deeply that we might become good teachers to our children.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie