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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 163

STUDY 163

Text: Proverbs 16
8 August 2004

Dear Parents,

LESSONS THAT CHILDREN SHOULD LEARN
There are many lessons that we must seek to impart to our children. We have an interesting text to study right here.

The person who labours, labours for himself,
For his hungry mouth drives him on.

Proverbs 16:26

1. The value of “labour”

In ancient Jewish culture, wealthy parents make sure that their children enjoy the privilege of going for higher education. However, they also make sure that their children learn a trade. (The apostle Paul is a case in point. He was not only well educated, he learned the tent-making trade. That stood him in good stead when his support was slow in coming).

2. Learning to labour for oneself

Wealthy parents made sure that their children would not depend on their wealth to see them through life. They make sure that their children learn how to labour for themselves. Who knows if their fortunes are reversed? What if there were severe setbacks and their resources dried up?

3. Learning lots about motivation

One of the most powerful motivations is “a hungry mouth.” The person who is hungry will work extra hard to feed himself. Self-preservation is a very strong instinct indeed! It must be developed in children!

DANGERS THAT COME WITH AFFLUENCE
While no one wants to be poor, affluence on the other hand has its own set of dangers. Two may be highlighted.

1. The danger of being too well-provided for

It is possible to “over-provide” for our children! Our children can grow up with a false sense of security, thinking that parents have an inexhaustible supply of funds.

2. The danger of not wanting to labour at all

It is easy to become soft and lazy. When children are provided so well, their instinct of survival can be adversely affected. They detest hard work. Menial labour is beneath them. If ever a financial disaster is experienced, they would be greatly disadvantaged.

Let us teach our children how to “labour.” They can start by making themselves useful in the house, notwithstanding the fact that maids have been employed!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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