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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 162

STUDY 162

Text: Proverbs 16
1 August 2004

Dear Parents,

LEARNING TO SPEAK WELL
Why do some children speak politely while others don’t? Once again, we must face the fact that parents have a lot to do with how children speak. If attention is given to teaching children how to speak politely and well, they would be able to express themselves appropriately.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

1. Pleasant words

Good speech is an acquired art. No one comes by it naturally. Every child must be carefully instructed or he will end up using uncouth language.

2. More than just a great skill

It takes a long time to acquire the ability to speak “pleasant words.” When well mastered, the person who is able to speak “pleasant words” finds that well-chosen words minister in great depth. They bring a special balm to the weary soul. They bring health to tired bones!

The work of training children to speak well is something that every parent must devote much time and energy. The efforts are worth it! Our children’s ability to conduct themselves well will bring joy to our hearts and blessing to many others!

TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO DISCERN
In life, our children will come across many cross-roads. They will always need to choose one path over another. It is difficult to make the right choices all the time. Children must be guided carefully and taught well, with reference to decision-making.

There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 16:25

1. What seems right may not be right

Children tend to take the easiest path. They tend to choose the path of least resistance. They figure that what seems right must be right! That’s a fallacy they must be taught to avoid at all cost!

2. What seems right may be the way of death

Children have no idea that their decisions can be quite costly! Wrong decisions can lead to the loss of life! Obviously, children must be carefully and patiently taught so that they can make good decisions! The effort put in to teach children how to make good decisions is of utmost importance. Their lives are at stake!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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