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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 106

STUDY 106

Text: Proverbs 14
6 July 2003

Dear Parents,

ENJOYING THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
The Book of Proverbs may be enjoyed in a number of ways. We could enjoy it for its instructive value. We could also enjoy it for its many literary devices employed in communicating a lesson. Sometimes, the writer seems to veer towards writing paradoxically, but at other times, he seems to be almost philosophical in his inclinations. In any case, the writer continues to show that he is deeply committed to teaching truth!

There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12

The meaning of the text becomes clearer when we look at the next text (not necessarily the next verse).

The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.

Proverbs 14:14

THE SUBJECT OF BACKSLIDING
The theme of backsliding was not unfamiliar! This was a problem that the prophets lamented over on many occasions. Jeremiah pleaded with Israel to return to God and to repent from the folly and sin of backsliding (Jeremiah 8:5). But he was not the only one who called upon Israel to return to God!

1. The backslider and his ways

The backslider will be filled with his own thoughts and his own ways! He will pursue them vigorously, because he believes that he is right in pursuing them. His ways seem right in his estimation! No one can persuade him to think otherwise.

2. The end result

The end result is of course disastrous. The backslider cannot understand why his ways turn out awry. The ultimate end for the unrepentant backslider is “death”.

THE PROBLEM OF SPIRITUAL BACKSLIDING HITTING US AND OUR CHILDREN
We dare not be anything but honest when we look at the deadly danger that backsliding presents! Even though we are parents, we cannot avoid the danger of backsliding. How can we help our children fight this problem of perpetual backsliding?

Let us humbly seek the Lord to help us deal with this problem of going astray. Let us bestir ourselves and work furiously against falling into the sin of perpetual backsliding!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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