Parenting by the Book
STUDY 87
Text: Proverbs 11
23 February 2003
Dear Parents,
MAKING A LIST OF THINGS TO TEACH
It is always useful to make up a list of things to teach our children. It will take a life time to teach them all that they need to know, and thus all parents are admonished to seek patience and perseverance from the Lord so that they can discharge their responsibilities well.
Here’s another list of things to consider teaching your children.
1. Good counsel
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.Proverbs 11:14
a) Children tend to move away from seeking counsel as they grow up.
b) Children ought to learn that when they seek good counsel they would make fewer mistakes.
2. Surety
He who is surety for a stranger will suffer,
But one who hates being surety is secure.Proverbs 11:15
a) We are reminded of Proverbs 6:1-5
b) Teach children never to commit themselves to so-called “friends”.
3. Graciousness
A gracious woman retains honour,
But ruthless men retain riches.Proverbs 11:16
a) The distinction is made between “honour” and “riches”.
b) Wisdom teaches us to value honour more than mere riches.
4. Merciful
The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.Proverbs 11:17
a) This reminds us of the popular saying, “What goes around, comes around”.
b) Teach children that ultimately, what one does in life will return to either bless or haunt.
c) When one practices mercy, only good will come out of it.
d) But when a person practises cruelty, he will end up hurting himself.
Pray much even as these truth-principles are taught to the children.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie