Parenting by the Book
STUDY 362
Text: Proverbs 29
1 June 2008
Dear Parents,
THE TRANSGRESSOR
This is one subject that we will have to teach as we bring up our children. Transgression takes many forms. Some may be noted below.
A man who flatters his neighbour
Spreads a net for his feet.
By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.Proverbs 29:5-6a
1. Flattery
a) There is an absence of sincerity.
b) There is often deception.
c) People are beguiled by flattering words.
d) The use of flattery may indeed be compared to a net that ensnares!
2. Ensnaring
a) The original intention is to ensnare an intended victim.
b) Instead, the evil man finds himself ensnared.
c) This is always the way of transgressors.
d) The transgressor will end up hurting himself.
THE RIGHTEOUS
What about the righteous? How does he fare? The following text is most telling.
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
Proverbs 29:6b
1. The righteous does not engage in flattery.
2. He prefers to give his attention to “songs” (that praise God).
3. He finds that his heart is always rejoicing.
May our children choose the way of the righteous.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie