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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 169

STUDY 169

Text: Proverbs 17
19 September 2004

Dear Parents,

WISDOM – A GREAT PRIZE TO BE VALUED
How important it is that we point our children to walk in the path of wisdom. The benefits of obtaining wisdom are numerous. One may be highlighted in the following text.

A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,
And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

Proverbs 17:2

1. We are not responsible for how we begin in life

A person cannot help how he begins in life. Through no fault of his own he may be born “a servant.” Through no merit of his own, a person may be born “a son”.

2. A humble beginning

A person may be born “a servant.” However, if he is committed to pursuing wisdom, he may not end up as a servant for life.

3. Born with a silver spoon in the mouth

A contrasting picture is described in this text. There is a man who is the son of a man who has servants in his household. He is most privileged. However, he may decide that the search for wisdom is just too much hard work. He may become slothful. He may well end up being a son that causes shame to the family (Luke 15, The Parable of the Prodigal Son).

THE FINAL RESULTS
Final results are not determined by one’s origins. Let us look at the challenging thoughts found in today’s text.

1. The servant may one day rule over the son

The tables can be turned in the most dramatic way! The son may become a servant. The erstwhile servant may yet succeed in life and end up hiring the son (his former master) as his servant.

2. The servant may one day become wealthy

The idea associated with the word “inheritance” is “wealth.” The servant may become as wealthy as the sons who stand to inherit the fortunes of their rich father.

3. Wisdom determines the final results

One may begin with wealth. But if there is a lack of wisdom, the final results could be disastrous. On the other hand, the diligent servant may one day become very successful in his life because he pursues wisdom! Let’s encourage our children to seek wisdom always.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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