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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 81

STUDY 81

Text: Proverbs 11
12 January 2003

Dear Parents,

THE MANY FACES OF WICKEDNESS

Wickedness is not just expressed in cruel acts. Wickedness has many faces. Let us consider one of them.

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD,
But a just weight is His delight.

Proverbs 11:1

One of the forms of wickedness is found in the business man who seeks to cheat his customers through using dishonest scales. Many cheat in business. The name of the game to the wicked, seems to be, “to make money” by any means. However, as far as the Lord is concerned, “dishonest scales” are frowned upon! They are described as “an abomination” to Him.

THE THEOLOGY BEHIND THE PROVERBIAL SAYINGS
The Book of Proverbs may phrase its thought in the form of proverbs. However, the fact is that the doctrine or the theology behind the proverbs may be traced to the laws that Moses gave to ancient Israel. Let us consider this text.

You shall do no injustice in judgment,
in measurement of length, weight, or volume.
You shall have honest scales, honest weights,
an honest ephah (a dry measure),
And an honest him (a liquid measure);
I am the LORD your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 19:35-36

How clear this text is! There is express prohibition of dishonest practices. The challenge to ancient Israel was to practise total honesty in life.

A REAL CHALLENGE TO TEACH BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO CHILDREN
How does a person develop honest traits in life? The answer must lie in the way they are brought up. When children are brought up to detest dishonesty, but instead to love honesty, then there is every chance that they would grow up well, and become people of integrity!

“I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD”
This phrase is a very strong recurrent refrain found in Leviticus 19. It is used to underscore all the commandments found in the text of Scripture. God wants us to have the highest regard of the fact that He is personally and directly involved in our life.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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