Parenting by the Book
STUDY 54
Text: Proverbs 6:6-11
7 July 2002
Dear Parents,
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY ARE TAUGHT
Why are some children industrious? Why are other children lazy? Children learn what they are taught. If they are not taught how to be industrious, they will not be. If they are allowed to become lazy, they will be!
NOT A MATTER OF INSTINCT
Unfortunately, being lazy or industrious is not a matter of instinct. Being industrious or being lazy is something that is cultivated! If children are taught how to be industrious, they can be very hardworking!
TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO BE INDUSTRIOUS
The Book of Proverbs has this advice for parents concerning teaching children how to be hardworking.
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
Which having no captain, overseer or ruler,
Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.Proverbs 6:6-8
Ants are by instinct hardworking. They have the following characteristics, with reference to working.
1. They work without the need of a supervisor.
2. They work hard for their living everyday.
3. They work hard to save for the future as well.
Wouldn’t it be great if our children can learn such lessons till they become like ants?
ATTACKING THE PROBLEM OF BEING A SLUGGARD
The Book of Proverbs attacks the problem of being lazy very actively. This text is just one of a number written to deal with the problem of being slothful.
How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep –
So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.Proverbs 6:9-11
Let us help our children develop the good habit of being industrious.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie