Parenting by the Book
STUDY 137
Text: Proverbs 15
8 February 2004
Dear Parents,
ABUNDANCE IN LIFE
Everyone desires to have abundance. It is everyone’s dream to have wealth. To have ample seems to be an indicator of success in life.
WHEN THERE IS PRECIOUS LITTLE
How do we cope when there isn’t abundance in life? Let’s take a look at this interesting insight from the Book of Proverbs.
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
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord”
What a challenging thought! We must not mind if there isn’t abundance in life! What is more important is the Presence of the Lord, represented by the phrase, “the fear of the Lord”.
“Better is a dinner with herbs where love is”
A dinner with herbs describes the normal fare of the poorer people. Poverty does not mean the absence of the Lord, nor does it mean the absence of love. Where love is, there will be great happiness in the family.
“Better… than great treasure with trouble”
Having great treasure in itself does not guarantee happiness. Wealth does not provide guarantees on many things in life. There is no guarantee that the Lord’s Presence would be there. There is no guarantee that love would be present in the family.
Many times, where there are great treasures, there is also trouble in the family. Siblings fight over money! The family’s harmony can be severely threatened.
“Better… than a fatted calf with hatred”
Having a fatted calf for dinner is something that few can afford. To have a fatted calf represents great wealth in the family. However, being able to afford to eat well does not guarantee the presence of love. If the family does not honour the Lord and His Presence in the family, hatred could arise and overwhelm!
ABUNDANCE ISN’T EVERYTHING
Let us teach our children to look beyond the desire for abundance. Let us point them to the importance of having the Lord and love in the family as greater goals!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie