Parenting by the Book
STUDY 118
Text: Proverbs 14
28 September 2003
Dear Parents,
THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH
Once again, the topic of the wise and the foolish comes up. Each mention is always slightly different from the previous word. Each text contributes its own special nuance.
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding,
But what is in the heart of fools is made known.Proverbs 14:33
ANOTHER MENTION OF THE HEART
The focus on “the heart” is correct! We must cultivate “a sound heart” in our children. We must also work at implanting wisdom till it rests securely in their hearts. If these two things can be done effectively, then our children would be blessed indeed!
WISDOM IN THE HEART
How does that come about? Let us consider the following thoughts.
1. Wisdom involves the search for knowledge (Proverbs 1-9) .
2. This knowledge must include the spiritual dimension.
3. The fear of the Lord must be extolled as the greatest knowledge ever.
4. Wisdom is knowledge applied in real life situations!
5. Only when the above are carefully practised can we say that wisdom resides in the heart.
FOOLISHNESS IN THE HEART
The contrast is just as obvious. Let us ponder the following thoughts.
1. There is hardly any inclination towards searching for knowledge (Proverbs 1-9).
2. The spiritual dimension is disdained in favour of the material and physical.
3. The fear of the Lord is certainly absent.
4. Foolishness is revealed in the most obvious and embarrassing ways!
Let us keep working at implanting seeds of wisdom in our children’s hearts!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie