In last week’s entry, I shared a few simple principles for helping your children learn some of what we are learning from the book of Proverbs. Today, I continue that endeavor with 3 more ways that are directly linked to recent sermons. These are closely intertwined.
1. Teach your children to embody the characteristics of wisdom.
In my message two weeks ago, I went to significant length to lay out the picture of “the wise man/woman” from Proverbs. If you missed the message, you can watch or download it here or look at the list of the characteristics that I have posted below to encourage through both word and deed (remember, more is caught than taught…) in the lives of your children. It is also a good practice to point out examples of wisdom (and folly) that you might see in your own lives in the news, in the lives of other members of the church, neighbors, in-laws etc.
2. Teach your children all of the God-honoring and practical benefits of wisdom.
I believe it is no accident that the Proverbs are FULL of examples of the good things that happen when we choose to walk the path of wisdom. While there will naturally be potholes along the way, following wisdom is truly the way that MAKES LIFE WORK. As with the qualities of wisdom, look below for the post of all of them listed out. Also, as before, get creative and look for ways that you can show these benefits in action. Make up characters, stories, draw pictures…whatever it takes to write these lessons on your children’s minds and shows them that walking in wisdom is the way to live that brings God the most glory and them the most good.
3. Point to Jesus as the Ultimate embodiment and example of the wisdom of God.
Throughout this series, we will continue to come back to the important truth set forth in 1 Corinthians 1:24—that Jesus Christ is the wisdom and power of God. As I have said time and time again, we must always remember that God didn’t send Jesus just to make us wise people but to pay for our sins and draw us into a life that leads us toward becoming like Him. We must continue to communicate this important truth to our children, holding out their need to turn to Jesus in faith and repentance. The way I often do this is by reminding them that if they look to Christ, He will help them make the “wise choice” and that His grace is there for them if they don’t.
What Does Wisdom Look Like in Practice?
- Accepts reproof (9:8)
- Accepts instruction which leads to greater wisdom (9:9)
- Receives commandments (10:8)
- Lays up, seeks and commends knowledge (10:14, 15:2, 18:15)
- Captures souls (11:30)
- Listens to advice, accepts instruction (12:15, 13:10, 19:20)
- Receives instruction which leads to knowledge (21:11)
- Hears his father’s instruction (13:1)
- Overlooks insults (12:16)
- Makes his speech judicious (16:23)
- Sees danger and hides himself (22:3)
- Is cautious, turns away from and is wary of evil (14:16, 27:12)
- Is full of strength (24:5)
- Turn away wrath (29:8)
- Quietly holds back his spirit (29:11)
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom?
- Blessing, long life, riches and honor, peace (3:13-18)
- Wealth, treasure and provision (14:24, 21:20)
- Wise will inherit honor (3:35)
- Makes your father/parents glad (10:1, 15:20, 23:15, 24, 29:3)
- Will lead to a future and a hope (24:13-14)
- Longevity, lack of fear, better sleep (3:21-24)
- Appeases wrath (16:14)
- The tongue of the wise brings healing (12:18)
- The lips of the wise will preserve them (14:3)
- Leads to deliverance (28:26)
- Will have the favor of leaders (14:35)
- Leads to ruling and leading (17:2)
