Parenting by the Book
STUDY 181
Text: Proverbs 17
12 December 2004
Dear Parents,
FALSE FRIENDS ABOUND
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous people in the world. These would not hesitate to take advantage of gullible people, in the name of “friendship.”
WARNING OUR CHILDREN
It is only right and fair that as we teach our children how to make friends, we also teach them about false friends.
A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes a surety for his friend.Proverbs 17:18
This text offers much wisdom. Let us attempt to teach the following principles very carefully to our children.
1. “A man devoid of understanding…”
This describes the gullible person. He wants to be a good friend to others. However, he appears to lack understanding or discernment. He is sadly described as a person “devoid of understanding.”
2. “Shakes hands in a pledge”
In days gone by, when a person shakes hands, a deal is considered done. A handshake is equivalent to a pledge. The lesson to be learned is still valid. The focus is not the “handshake” but the pledge. There are people who pledge to help false friends.
3. “Becomes a surety for a friend”
The word “pledge” is linked with the word “surety.” In the name of friendship, a pledge is confirmed. The unsuspecting individual becomes “surety” or “guarantor” for a friend. The friend “devoid of understanding” does not realize that he could end up being badly burnt because of his foolishness!
REMEMBERING AN EARLIER LESSON
One of the earlier lessons found in the Book of Proverbs is on this same subject. The word of warning was stated even more extensively then.
My son, if you have become surety for your friend,
If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
You are snared by the words of your mouth,
You are taken by the words of your mouth…Proverbs 6:1-2,
The text in Proverbs 6 urged the reader to spare no efforts to deliver himself out of his entrapment! That word of wisdom is to be appreciated as a gnomic truth.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie