Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 172

STUDY 172

Text: Proverbs 17
10 October 2004

Dear Parents,

THANKING GOD FOR CHILDREN AFRESH
Let us never take our children for granted. There are some who exploit children and they make them work at a very young age. In order to educate the world concerning the value of children, the UN celebrates what is commonly called “Children’s Day” on 1 October every year. The following text reminds us that children are a special gift from the Lord.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is His reward.

Psalm 127:3

In another text, even grandchildren are mentioned in the most positive manner.

“The LORD bless you out of Zion,
And may you see the good of Jerusalem
All the days of your life.
Yes, may you see your children’s children.

Psalm 128:5-6

Children are to be appreciated, not abused or taken for granted!

TAKING TIME TO ENJOY OUR CHILDREN
Let us learn how we may enjoy our children. Let us never take them for granted.

Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.

Proverbs 17:6

1. The pride and joy of grandparents

It is good to see how much happiness children bring to their grandparents. Few things bring more pride to the hearts of grandparents than to see their grandchildren growing up well! These feelings of joy and pride are all within the will of God!

If this is true of grandparents, then it is also certainly true for parents. This is so obvious that it was not even stated.

2. “The crown of old men”

What a beautiful way of describing the crowning event of a person’s life. A person strives hard to achieve many things in life. What is the crown that he will wear at the end of his life? To have grandchildren is “crowning glory” that few things can surpass!

GETTING CHILDREN TO BE PROUD OF THEIR PARENTS
Children must not take their parents for granted! They must learn to “glory” in their fathers. What joy would fill the hearts of parents, if children can speak with joy and pride about their parents (and grandparents)!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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