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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 129

STUDY 129

Text: Proverbs 15
14 December 2003

Dear Parents,

DISPOSITIONS OF OUR CHILDREN
Our children are differently disposed. One is inclined one way, another is inclined another way, and the third leans in yet another way.

1. Dispositions not to be tampered with

If dispositions indicate areas of giftedness, then these should not be tampered with. These dispositions ought to be encouraged.

2. Dispositions that are potentially harmful

There are some dispositions which are potentially dangerous. These must be noted and dealt with promptly. Let us consider some of the things which must not be taken lightly.

A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

Proverbs 15:18

The way of a lazy man is like a hedge of thorns,
But the way of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 15:19

SEE DISPOSITIONS AS EARLY WARNING SIGNALS
A man who is “wrathful” did not become one overnight. Chances are that his problem can be traced all the way back to the way he was brought up. If as a child, he is given to angry outbursts, and he is allowed to get away with temper tantrums, and if he is not corrected in time, his disposition would in time become a part of his character.

A man who is lazy did not develop his bad habit in a short space of time. His inclination towards laziness was probably never addressed when he was a child. He never learned the virtues of uprightness. Thus laziness prevailed.

POOR DISPOSITIONS CAN BE CORRECTED
This is a hope that as parents we must never lose! With God’s help, with patience, perseverance and lots of love, our children can be helped!

UPRIGHTNESS CAN BE CULTIVATED
Not only must poor or wrong inclinations be corrected, good virtues must be cultivated to replace the wrong dispositions. A child can be taught to modify his angry disposition. He can be helped out of lazy habits. Each set of parents must seek the Lord’s grace. There must be commitment to help the children cast away bad habits and create healthy new ones.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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