Parenting by the Book
STUDY 232
Text: Proverbs 20
4 December 2005
Dear Parents,
BLOWING OUR OWN TRUMPET
We are familiar with this saying. At some point of time, we are probably guilty of blowing our own trumpet. Why we do like to blow our own trumpet anyway? Let’s consider some of the following reasons:-
1. An inflated ego
Let’s not mince words. We are often quite guilty of “thinking of ourselves more highly” than we ought.
2. Foolishness
We become foolish in our pride and we speak much more of ourselves than we should.
3. Sin’s deception
Ultimately, we have to deal with the problem of sin. One of the most deadly activities of sin is its work of deception.
4. Biblical observation
We have a humbling text to study here. This text is blunt and to the point.
Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,
But who can find a faithful man?
The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.Proverbs 20:6-7
WHAT WE TRULY ARE
What we truly are is not found in our proclamation of our own goodness. That would be “blowing our own trumpet”. This proverb challenges us to consider a better alternative to blowing our own trumpet. Four challenges are outlined as follows:-
1. “A faithful man”
The best proof of the worth of an individual is his “faithfulness”.
2. “The righteous man”
The faithful man is also a righteous man.
3. “Walks in his integrity”
The faithful and righteous man proves himself by “walking in his integrity”.
4. “His children are blessed after him”
This is the final proof. The blessing of God follow after.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie