Parenting by the Book
STUDY 132
Text: Proverbs 15
4 January 2004
Dear Parents,
MANY DUTIES OF PARENTS
Many are the duties of parents. Provision and protection form the great bulk of the work of parents. But those are not the only roles they play. Let us consider another role – Guidance.
The way of life winds upward for the wise
That he may turn away from hell below.Proverbs 15:24
1. Guidance concerning different paths of life
The secular mindset thinks of matters only in terms of life on earth. Success or failure, wealth or poverty – these are the considerations. The spiritual and Biblical mindset is quite different. It takes into consideration the practical matters of life. But it adds another dimension. It considers the ultimate destiny of the soul. Heaven and hell are taught as reality!
2. The way of life
Two aspects are intimated in this text. Let us consider both aspects, for they form a balanced view of “the way of life”.
a) Life on earth
Life on earth is not unimportant! There must be concern that children learn “the way of life”. This path is marked by wisdom.
b) Life in heaven – as the ultimate destination
The hope of heaven was something that was nursed in the heart of the patriarch Abraham. Let us look at the following text found in the Book of Hebrews.
By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him
of the same promise; for he waited for the city
which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.Hebrews 11:9-10
c) Life on earth may be “winding”
Life on earth is anything but smooth and straightforward. Indeed, it may even be described as “winding”. But as long as it is winding upwards, we can bear with the vagaries of life.
3. The “hell below”
The doctrine of “hell” was never meant to be used to terrify children. Rather it is taught wisely and sensibly as a reality. Children who are wisely taught have a healthy comprehension of the doctrine of hell below.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie