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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 49

STUDY 49

Text: Proverbs 4:1-9
2 June 2002

Dear Parents,

RECALL HOW YOU WERE BROUGHT UP
One of the most invaluable of resources within reach is our own personal experience. Many of us should be able to recall lessons learned during childhood. We may not be able to recall everything our parents (or grandparents) taught us, but those lessons recalled can become a powerful tool of teaching.

We have such an example in this text. Note how the writer made reference to his childhood. Nostalgic lessons are quite often very striking.

When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
He also taught me, and said to me…

Proverbs 4:3-4

LESSONS IMPRINTED AT A TENDER AGE
Children are quite capable of learning deep lessons! Some of these lessons lie imprinted in the memory. While they are growing up, it might appear as if the children have not learned the lessons that we want them to learn. Don’t be discouraged. The lessons we seek to teach them are being imprinted on them. They may not be able to reproduce the lessons and apply them in their life at the present moment, but the lessons you teach them are not in vain!

When children grow up, and they become parents themselves, and especially when they try and bring their children up, they will recall what they have learned in their childhood. We may not be able to recall every lesson our parents taught us, but it is gratifying to know that the lessons they taught were not in vain.

IF THERE IS JUST ONE LESSON THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED…
Children will forget many of the lessons they have been taught. Perhaps, only one or two lessons would be remembered. They must learn life’s lessons on their own. They must become wise on their own personal account and experience.

But if they could remember only one or two lessons, we must choose to teach these well. Consider this text well. It was something that the writer remembered from his childhood.

Get wisdom! Get understanding!…
Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:5,7

Plan to teach profound truths that would be imprinted on your children’s minds!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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