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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 143

STUDY 143

Text: Proverbs 15
21 March 2004

Dear Parents,

GUIDING OUR CHILDREN ON THE PATHWAY OF LIFE
How should we see parenting? To answer this question, we may have to ask ourselves, “What is life?” We have an intriguing statement in the following text.

The way of life winds upward for the wise,
That he may turn away from hell below.

Proverbs 15:24

1. The way of life

Life may indeed be described as a way, or a road. It is one long continuous road. The birthdays of life are little more than milestones. Along this road of life, one may pause for a little while, but one does not stop permanently.

2. A road that twists and turns

The road of life is hardly ever straightforward. The road is always winding. There may be some stretches that are fairly straight, but soon, the road turns and the pathway may change drastically.

3. A road that winds upward for the wise

If we can point children in the right direction, they will find that the road of life will lead “upward”. This is a symbolic way of describing a life that gets better and better. The end of that road that leads upward is heaven itself!

4. There is another road that beckons a traveler

In life there are essentially two roads. There is a road that leads upwards. There is also another road that leads downwards. (Matthew 7:13-14; The Lord Jesus spoke a broad way that leads to destruction, and a narrow gate and a difficult way that leads to life).

With great and solemn clarity, we are warned that a road may lead to “hell below”. This is a reference to the way of death!

Given such thoughts, how may we look at the task of parenting? Surely, we must look at it with a great sense of responsibility!

INVOLVING THE LORD IN THE WORK OF PARENTING

Let us be reminded that we must bring the Lord into the task of parenting. May this text bring great encouragement to the heart.

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud,
But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

Proverbs 15:25

His role is vital. Establishment or destruction lies at the end of the road!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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