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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 160

STUDY 160

Text: Proverbs 16
18 July 2004

Dear Parents,

THE PATH OF THE UPRIGHT
The Scriptures naturally extol the concept of righteousness. Even the king is expected to live uprightly, if he hopes to see his kingdom established. The way of righteousness is interestingly compared to a highway in this text.

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

Proverbs 16:17

What a compelling illustration. Imagine the path of righteousness being described as a highway!

1. Evil’s way is always devious.

2. The highway of the righteous is of course straight and true in contrast.

3. The person who keeps walking on the highway of righteousness will preserve his soul indeed!

TWO BASIC BUT OPPOSING CONCEPTS
Once again we have a reminder concerning these two basic but opposing concepts of life.

Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:18-19

1. The Way of Pride

There are some who are so full of themselves that pride and haughtiness are part and parcel of their life. Little do these know that they are setting themselves up for a fall.

a) They could fall because they will end up creating enemies.

b) They could fall because they become over-confident of themselves.

c) They could fall because God may well take a strong stance against them.

2. The Way of Humility

Though despised by the world, this approach could well save the individual’s life.

a) The humble will be loved by people.

b) The Lord Himself will preserve the lives of the righteous.

c) The Lord Himself will bless the lives of the righteous as planned.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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