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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 128

STUDY 128

Text: Proverbs 15
7 December 2003

Dear Parents,

THE PROBLEM OF DISCONTENTMENT
One of the biggest problems many seem to grapple with is the problem of “discontentment”. Many keep striving to earn more money. In the process, many families are endangered. Let’s recall a wise word of advice given by the apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy. The text is so clear it is self-explanatory. The problem is not comprehension but application!

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing,
with these we shall be content.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts
which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,
for which some have strayed from the faith in greediness,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

THE CHALLENGE OF PRACTISING CONTENTMENT
We have a similar word of advice in the Book of Proverbs. Let us consider the following text.

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD,
Than great treasure with trouble.
Better is a dinner with herbs where love is,
Than a fatted calf with hatred.

Proverbs 15:16-17

1. “Better…”

An obvious comparison is being made in the text. The point of the comparison is between wealth and poverty. The wealthy can boast of having “great treasure” but they may not be able to speak of possessing “the fear of the Lord”. The poor may have humble fare for his meals. He eats only herbs whereas his rich counterpart feasts on “a fatted calf”. If the former has love in his family, he is far better off than the rich man having a family torn by strife and hatred.

2. “Godliness with contentment”

This is obviously the picture here. The challenge for all parents is to create a home atmosphere where there is contentment and the fear of the Lord. Few environments could be more satisfying and enriching than this one!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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