Positive Proverbs

After starting with sin, I figured a happier topic next would balance things out. The book of PROVERBS is a MUST STUDY for ALL families. It contains powerful pearls of wisdom for all ages that are short and to the point. Here are 7 Proverbs that not only apply to how we parent, but also how we live our lives in general.

• "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3


• "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7


• "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13:20


• "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30


• "Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." Proverbs 19:18


• "The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23


• "Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." Proverbs 20:22

What do you think about these verses and how their advice produces a powerful parent? Do you want to share other proverbs we should live by and teach our children? I can't wait to read what God has laid on your heart!

SIN

The Bible teachings that sin is the state of being lost or separated from God and His will by our choices and actions. Sin interrupts, opposes, or delays the reign of God. Sin is a terrible condition, which is why it required a horrible sacrifice to save us from it. Although we are all born in sin, we must “wage war against it” (Romans 7:22-23) and “aim for perfection” (II Corinthians 13:11). Praise the Lord that Christ our Savior “set us free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2)!

1. Genesis 3:8-21 I can easily imagine my children trying to hide when they are about to get caught. Then pretending they didn’t do anything and blaming anyone else when playing innocent doesn’t work. Hopefully, all parents can easily see themselves doling out the earned painful and appropriate punishment. After explaining the consequences of disobedience we should show love and forgiveness by an act of kindness while still enforcing the punishment. Did you realize the Lord God made clothes for Adam and Eve?

2. Numbers 5:5-7 Punishment is a painful part of discipline, and unfortunately there’s more! We all should confess our sins and make full restitution for them. As parents it is our job to teach this to our children. Here’s where teaching by example becomes a major challenge!

3. I Samuel 15:22-23 These words are important to remember when our children disobey us. If we do not take a definite stand against rebellion we enable our kids to seriously offend our Lord, embarrass parents, and harm themselves.

4. II Chronicles 7:14 I always relate redemption to the new testament, but this is over-simplistic and incorrect. Christ was “slain from the creation of the world” (Revelation 13:8), and healing words like these gave hope before Jesus graced the earth in the form of man.

5. Hebrews 12:5-13 This passage explains so eloquently how discipline heals and the lack of discipline cripples us. Sadly, many today think the opposite.

You might be asking how do I put into practice what the Bible preaches? Here are some suggestions to consider…

† Take sin seriously. Don’t overlook or make excuses for disobedience.

† If the Bible doesn’t clearly label a situation you are dealing with as sin, think about whether or not it helps or hinders a relationship with God and a Christian witness to the lost.

† Effective punishment does not mean your kids stop being disobedient. Punishment should cause your child to fear consequences of sin, and as a result sin less.

† PRAY without ceasing!