Parenting 101

 Prov 6 “Wise Counsel Protects Now and Later”

We all have experienced broken hearts over a child that has gone astray in some way, either through poor decision choices or rebellious spirits. As a parent, we are especially vulnerable to the “broken heart syndrome” and often we hear: if only, if only. How then can we raise up children who will walk the talk and not stray from God’s way? The first piece of advice; start early implanting God’s Word. Secondly, mirror to your children the right path following Deut 6 “teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.” Thirdly, stay on our knees for them [Eph 6, Col 4, 1Thess 5, and more]. However, sometimes some still slip into the enemy’s territory.

As you experience the “broken heart syndrome,” and you wonder what you should do you? First, hide God’s Word in your heart and use it whenever you pray and whenever you share. God’s Word will not return void: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void,” [Is 55:11].

Raising a child with God’s Word within that will be lived without comes directly from Prov 6 in today’s reading. “The advice in this section provides a good example of what prudence is. A prudent person is one who is capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters. He or she is cautious and discreet in conduct, is circumspect, and is sensible.” [Dr. Constable]

1. Vs. 1-5 Teach and show about the dangers of being unequally yoked with those whose heart is not aligned with God’s.
2. Vs. 6-11 Assign chores to teach teamwork and responsibility early on. Allow consequences and rewards to be visible and tangible.
3. Vs. 12-15 Teach how to discern people’s unsavory qualities as well as those whose lives mirror godliness.
4. Vs. 16-19 Observe and teach what qualities God hates as well the contrasting qualities God loves. In particular, note vs. 19 about the results when those qualities of ungodliness arise. Paul taught, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” [Rom 12]
5. Vs. 20 and Ex 20 Honoring thy parent comes with a promise and a consequence for dishonoring them
6. Vs. 21 – 23 The whole purpose of this is that God’s Word is like a flashlight, and discipline is like a roadmap.

There is much to glean from this chapter. Parents, grandparents, and teachers can also share truths that might otherwise fall upon the fallow ground when a child does not want to follow or listen. Remember this verse so you can stay grounded:

 Prov 6 “Wise Counsel Protects Now and Later”

We all have experienced broken hearts over a child that has gone astray in some way, either through poor decision choices or rebellious spirits. As a parent, we are especially vulnerable to the “broken heart syndrome” and often is heard: if only, if only. How then can we raise up children who will walk the talk and not stray from God’s way? The first is to start early implanting God’s Word. Secondly, mirror to your children the right path following Deut 6 “teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.” Thirdly, stay on your knees for them [Eph 6, Col 4, 1Thess 5, and more]. However, sometimes some still slip into the enemy’s territory. You wonder what you should do as a parent? First, hide God’s Word in your heart and use it whenever you pray and whenever you share. God’s Word will not return void:

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void,” [Is].

Raising a child with God’s Word within that will be lived without comes directly from Prov 6 in today’s reading. “The advice in this section provides a good example of what prudence is. A prudent person is one who is capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters. He or she is cautious and discreet in conduct, is circumspect, and is sensible.” [Dr. Constable]

1. Vs. 1-5 Teach and show about the dangers of being unequally yoked with those whose heart is not aligned with God’s.
2. Vs. 6-11 Assign chores to teach teamwork and responsibility early on. Allow consequences and rewards to be visible and tangible.
3. Vs. 12-15 Teach how to discern people’s unsavory qualities as well as those whose lives mirror godliness.
4. Vs. 16-19 Observe and teach what qualities God hates as well the contrasting qualities God loves. In particular, note vs. 19 about the results when those qualities of ungodliness arise. Paul taught, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” [Rom 12]
5. Vs. 20 and Ex 20 Honoring thy parents comes with a promise and a consequence for dishonoring them
6. Vs. 21 – 23 The whole purpose of this is that God’s Word is like a flashlight, and discipline is like a roadmap.

Beloved, parents have much to glean from this chapter. Grandparents can also share truths that might otherwise fall upon the fallow ground when they do not want to follow or listen to a parent. Pro 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.”

Wisdom begins when one fears the Lord, and understanding exercised is found when one heeds the rules the Word offers. Today find encouragement as you ponder each truth.