Parenting by the Book
STUDY 395
Text: Proverbs 30
18 January 2009
Dear Parents,
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE PRESENTATIONS
Several themes stand out in the Book of Proverbs. These are presented very obviously by way of contrast.
1. Positive presentation
There is the positive presentation of good virtues. One such virtue is wisdom.
2. Negative presentation
The opposite of good virtues is also presented. One of the features is that of “folly”.
THE EXALTING OF SELF
The following statement warns against a common problem.
If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
Or if you have devised evil, put your hand to your mouth.Proverbs 30:32
1. “Exalting yourself”
a) This is not a virtue.
b) It is foolish especially if one has no reason to exalt oneself.
c) The folly of doing this is highlighted for good reason.
2. “If you have devised evil”
a) Sometimes folly and evil go together.
b) While folly is not in itself evil, it is true to say that evil is always folly.
c) Evil is seldom a spontaneous act.
d) Evil is often “devised”.
e) Evil is therefore something “deliberate”.
This is a strong suggestion to cease and desist… immediately!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie