Parenting by the Book
STUDY 329
Text: Proverbs 27
14 October 2007
Dear Parents,
WE REVEAL OUR TRUE SELVES
Very few people practise “total transparency”. Most try and hide their true selves! Nevertheless, our true character will be revealed soon enough. We cannot hide forever!
THAT WHICH CAUSES THE TRUE MAN TO BE REVEALED
Let us ponder this wise proverbial saying.
As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.Proverbs 27:19
1. Ancient mirrors
In ancient days, there were no mirrors. The things that functioned as mirrors include:-
a) Shiny plates (brass, silver etc)
b) Bodies of clear water
2. Reflections
The nature of “mirrors” must include the following:-
a) Mirrors tell the truth.
b) Mirrors were not meant to do anything but reflect the face of the onlooker.
3. A man’s heart
The heart of man is compared to a mirror (“water”):-
a) The heart of a person will mirror the truth of a person’s character.
b) The heart will either:-
i) Commend the person
ii) Rebuke the person
4. One may hide what the heart declares
The unfortunate thing is that man has learned how to deny or disguise the revelation of the heart! It is far wiser to humbly heed the message of the heart and make corrections when the heart rebukes!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie