Parenting by the Book
STUDY 174
Text: Proverbs 17
24 October 2004
Dear Parents,
SUBTLE REFERENCE TO THE PROBLEM OF BRIBERY
Bribery is not a modern day phenomenon. It has existed from the earliest days. King Balak bribed Balaam to attempt cursing Israel (Numbers 22-23). How the heart must be guarded against the problem of corruption.
A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.Proverbs 17:8
HOW BRIBERY AFFECTS THE INDIVIDUAL
1. The person who resorts to bribing
He knows only too well just how effective bribery is. Thus he keeps using bribes to get things done. Through experience, he knows that when he uses bribes, he will “prosper.”
2. He understands the heart of the person who can be bribed
a) A present is like a precious stone
The present may not be very costly in itself. But in the eye of the recipient, the present is as good as “a precious stone” (rubies, diamonds).
b) In the eyes of the possessor
The person who offers the bribe is often not caught up with the present he offers. He has his own agenda to pursue. He knows that if he can attract the eye of the person he wishes to bribe he would have won the day.
“EVERYONE HAS A PRICE”
It is often said that every man has a price. If only the offer is high enough, anyone could be bribed. Satan tried his utmost to bribe the Lord Jesus. He tried to bribe him with ALL the riches of the world! He failed. Jesus could not bribed!
The devil went on to try and bribe Jesus in other ways! Jesus refused to yield to the temptations! Not everyone can be bought! It is possible to say NO to corrupting bribes!
LIVING BY EVERY WORD FROM GOD
How does a person live free from the temptation that the world offers? What the Lord Jesus said to the Devil holds the secret. If we teach our children how to live by the Word of God, they too can grow up to be strong and upright people.
… Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.Matthew 4:4
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie