Day 188
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| Children on the Right Path! |
Scripture
Observation
Chapter 10-21 define godly and ungodly living as seen in your actions, reactions, priorities, and relationships. Now beginning with chapter 22, Solomon shifts the emphasis from knowing the truth to doing the truth. The issue is not how many proverbs you know in your head, but how many proverbs you apply in your heart. "Listen to this wise advice; follow it closely, for it will do you good" (22:17)—wise words in any generation!
Application
Here is a scene repeated countless times in the average Christian home. The names have been changed to protect the guilty.
Father: "Son please do what I told you."
Son: "Why, Dad?"
Father: "Because I told you so, that's why."
The drama can unfold with almost limitless variations. Sometimes it's mother and daughter, or mother and son, or father and daughter. On occasion, the "what I told you" is as crucial as life and death, or as trivial as picking up after themselves.
While these is good reason for children to learn instant obedience, it is equally important for parents to be able to explain the convictions behind their commands. Nine times in chapter 23, the command to do something is followed by the reason why. (Watch for the telltale word "for.")
Parents, have you been guilty of falling back on the words "because I told you so" rather than taking the time to explain your convictions to your children? Why not carve out some time to do precisely that today. Your Children will respect you all the more for it.
Father: "Son please do what I told you."
Son: "Why, Dad?"
Father: "Because I told you so, that's why."
The drama can unfold with almost limitless variations. Sometimes it's mother and daughter, or mother and son, or father and daughter. On occasion, the "what I told you" is as crucial as life and death, or as trivial as picking up after themselves.
While these is good reason for children to learn instant obedience, it is equally important for parents to be able to explain the convictions behind their commands. Nine times in chapter 23, the command to do something is followed by the reason why. (Watch for the telltale word "for.")
Parents, have you been guilty of falling back on the words "because I told you so" rather than taking the time to explain your convictions to your children? Why not carve out some time to do precisely that today. Your Children will respect you all the more for it.
Prayer
Lord, what a better world this would be if as parents we would follow the Proverbs counsel on wisdom for teaching children to choose the right path that would lead to them remaining on that path. Bless parents all over the world that they will adhere to these wise words contained in our lesson today and ultimately trust in you O, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen!
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| Teach Them Young! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
