Parenting by the Book
STUDY 60
Text: Proverbs 6:24-35; 7:1-27
18 August 2002
Dear Parents,
FIRM AND CLEAR TEACHING NEEDED
The text that we read for today (Proverbs 6:24-35) teaches us how we must always be frank when we speak to our children about the facts of life. The subject raised here is not something easy to broach to children (young people) as they grow up. Nevertheless parents cannot afford to be squeamish when it comes to the matter of instruction.
TEACH CHILDREN THAT THERE ARE IMMORAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
Sometimes, we try and shield or shelter our children so much that they grow up quite naïve about the real world out there. From this text, we learn an important lesson. We need to prepare our children to face the real world out there.
The world can be a very difficult one. It can be a nasty one too. There are people who will try and seduce the innocent. This text describes a harlot attempting to seduce a foolish and naïve young man.
INSTRUCTION FROM PARENTS SHOULD BE REALISTIC
Parents must do more than coach their children in their studies. They must seek to prepare them to face an ugly world out there. Only when they are well brought up, with good and strong moral values will they be able to escape the tempter’s snare.
THE IMMORALITY TRAP
The world may have advanced much in terms of knowledge of technology. However, where morals are concerned, the world seems to have deteriorated immensely. All the more reason why parents need to prepare their children to face the real world.
One of the traps that is difficult to beat is the immorality trap. How we need as parents to teach our children how to have strong Biblical and moral values. This is an area of emphasis that will demand much time and energy from parents.
THE POWER OF “WISDOM”
When it comes to the matter of the heart, the best, the only alternative is “wisdom”. (Read the two passages as a whole).
Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’
And call understanding your nearest kin,
That they may keep you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words.Proverbs 7:4-5
Let all parents stay committed to their life-long task of guiding their children. Above everything else, teach them to value wisdom and understanding
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie