Parenting by the Book
STUDY 98
Text: Proverbs 14
11 May 2003
Dear Parents,
THE REALITY OF GOD IN OUR LIFE
How real is God in our life? The Book of Proverbs does not look at faith in the theoretical sense of the word. Instead it puts forward a practical challenge. If a person truly has faith in God, then it must be evidenced in life in the most practical of ways.
He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD,
But he who is perverse in his way despises Him.Proverbs 14:2
Let us make the following observations concerning this text.
1. Note the construction of the text
The construction of the text emphasizes the practical expression of one’s faith. A person may make a bold confession of faith in the Lord! However, this is not evident till it is seen in life. The emphasis is whether he “walks in uprightness”. Only when he does, can he be called one who “fears the Lord”.
2. Note the solemn word of contrast
This text minces no words concerning people who do not walk in uprightness. Where do they stand before the Lord? They are charged with “despising Him”. Solemn words indeed.
Let us be challenged to practise our faith! The focus in the family must be the practice of faith, and not mere profession!
CONCERNING THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH
By now we should be quite familiar with this category. Let us be challenged by these observations.
In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
But the lips of the wise will preserve them.Proverbs 14:3
Why do people continue in their foolishness? Sometimes we cannot but shake our heads and wonder why people choose to remain in their state of foolishness. This text is an eye-opener. The writer suggests that underneath it all is “pride”. Can a foolish person actually spout nonsense from his lips because of pride? This bears deep consideration indeed!
On the other hand, the wise guards his lips carefully. The wisdom that he has will preserve him in life. May we continue to seek wisdom always. Wisdom is not something that we dare take for granted.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie