Parenting by the Book
STUDY 50
Text: Proverbs 4:10-19
9 June 2002
Dear Parents,
LIFE IS A PATH WE WALK ON
One of the deep insights we obtain from our reading of the Scriptures is to think of life as a path we walk on. This is a fascinating way of teaching our children. Sometimes, we wish we had the wisdom to answer every question our children raise up to us. Unfortunately, we lack the knowledge, experience and wisdom to answer all their questions. There will always be circumstances that are beyond our wisdom. There will always be questions that will have no answers.
It is heartening to learn that though we may not have all the answers of life, we can still teach our children an important truth about life. This wisdom is well captured in this text.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the right paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hindered.
And when you run, you will not stumble.Proverbs 4:11-12
“The way of wisdom…” is not measured in terms of the words that we say to our children. We may not have all the wisdom of the ancients, but if we can teach children that life is a path we walk on, we would have taught them a powerful truth.
THE CONCEPT OF A PATH
Consciously or unconsciously, we all practise this wisdom in our life. We all choose our paths or routes to our working place. Buses have routes. Trains have routes too. This principle of moving along the best possible route is a fact of life!
Teach children this truth. Ultimately, we walk the path most familiar. We walk the path we know best. We walk the path we like best. Life offers many paths. We cannot try all the paths. Wisdom teaches us that we must choose well. Life itself will teach us how to choose.
THE PATH OF EVIL IS EVER PRESENT
We cannot guard our children from looking at the path of evil. Evil will present its own path, in the most attractive way too. We can only guide our children to think wisely enough not to choose the path of evil.
Let us always warn our children against walking the path of evil.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.Proverbs 4:14-15
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie