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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 165

STUDY 165

Text: Proverbs 16
22 August 2004

Dear Parents,

TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO RESPECT THE AGED
It is vital that we teach our children how to have a high regard for the aged. Respect and love for the old does not come naturally or easily. In any day and age, the need to teach the younger generation how to have a high regard for the old is of paramount importance.

THE RIGHTEOUS AGED
What do the Scriptures say about the aged? Let us take time to ponder this text.

The silver-haired is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31

1. The world has little or no time for the aged

Older people seem to be tolerated than respected. The worth of a person seems to be with reference to his economic worth. If the individual is old and not working, he is seen as a liability. This is essentially the way the world views the aged. This is a prevailing attitude that we must combat!

2. The silver-haired is a crown of glory

When age creeps up on a person, one of the signs of aging is “silver hair.” To the world, the silver-haired are the senior citizens who have outlived their contributions to society! If the silver-haired have no income of their own, severe problems can occur in the family. Their children and their grandchildren merely tolerate their presence. They are seen only as caregivers to the little ones.

The Scriptures teach otherwise. Silver hair is to be seen as “a crown of glory.” It is by the Lord’s grace that one has reached a very mature age! There should never be a despising of age!

3. The way of righteousness

If a person is aged and has been righteous all his life, he should be even more highly regarded. He may be infirm. He may be slow. He may be hard of hearing. These physical defects are going to be “facts of life.”

These details do not cancel out the significance of the righteous life they sustained. The Lord Himself blesses and honours the righteous silver-haired men and women.

PRACTICAL LESSONS TO BE TAUGHT
Children need to be taught practical lessons as to how they ought to regard the aged. Respect, honour and most of all, love, must be taught. May our children grow up with a right regard for the aged righteous.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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