Parenting According to Proverbs

Parenting requires wisdom! How many times have we heard someone say, “If children would come with an instruction manual…”  Well really they do.  There is no better instruction manual than God’s word; for all of us.  The book of Proverbs is full of parenting guidelines.  When I first began to read my Bible on a daily basis, I would read the chapter of Proverbs that coincided with the day of the month.  It is a discipline I enjoy to this day.  I know many of you do this and I highly recommend it if you do not.

I would have to quote the entire book to give you all of the practical wisdom it contains. I won’t do that but I will point out some of the verses that have helped me through the years.  My children were 6 months, 4, and 5 when I started reading through the Proverbs; they are now 18, 22, and 23.  The words are still as applicable as ever.  Oh how I love God’s word!

Right out of the gate Solomon lists his reasons for writing the Proverbs:

Proverbs 1:2-7 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young — let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. NIV

Below are examples of how chapter after chapter offers insight and wisdom in simple ways to teach our children.

1 Fathers Instruct, Mothers teach

2 Discretion protects, understanding guards, wisdom saves

3 Trust in the Lord with all your heart…He will direct your paths.

3:12 The Lord disciplines those He loves just like a father.

4 Parents are to start when children are young. Urge them not to forget.

5 God sees everything we do. 

6 Work hard, don’t borrow, and don’t use credit

7 Be careful with your love

8 Let your mouth speak what is true

9 Wisdom rewards the wise

10 The blessings of the Lord brings wealth not trouble

11 he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed

12 There is joy in the hearts of those who promote peace

Ok you get the picture.  It continues through the entire book.  We can teach our preschoolers these wise principals.  If we do, then as Proverbs 22:6 says “when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Melanie Smith

Behind the Scenes

 I was a Sunday School teacher for many years before I came on staff at FBCW.  On Sundays I came in, went to my classroom, met the parents and the children at the door and started teaching what I love; Jesus and the Bible.  I taught two year olds so at the beginning of the year they cried, at the end of the year I cried.   I've had Pastor Johnny's grandkids, Rick Young's kids, Kim Williams', Tony Nolans', Dan Dorners', and many other kids of staff, leaders, and volunteers in the church.  Not one of those kids remembers me.  That's ok, I still love them and remember many things about them.  To see them get babtized and be descipiled in the ways of the Lord is such a blessing and I enjoy knowing I had a little bitty part along the way.  Who cares if I am the only one who remembers.
When I came on staff 10 years ago, I had no idea how many people it takes to make Sunday work!  In Preschool alone we have Kim and  5 other staff members whose job it is to make Sunday run effectivly.  Add to that the hundreds of volunteers - Teachers, Coordinators, Imprinters, Greeters, Preschool Worship teams, Roll preparers, etc.  That's a lot of people!  One of our prayers is that God is blessing the families of our church by equiping all those precious people who serve behind the scenes.  I know I am blessed! Are you?
This week in Sunday School your children will learn about the Sick Boy made well. It is an amazing story of faith even when you can't see the result...yet!   "Give thanks to the Lord. His Love endures forever"