By It is at least stereo-typically true that those without children think they would be better parents for your children, but once they have children of their own their realise that they too need better parents for their children. The book of Proverbs is that better parent. Whether you are a single parent raising your children by yourself, or whether you are a father-and-mother team bringing up your children, or whether you are a child lacking faithful parental input, Proverbs is happy to step in and help out.
One of the up-front promises made by Proverbs is to teach those who are still young, naïve, and gullible. Proverbs specifically promises to succeed in teaching them some good principles by which to live, some information that they should know by the time they are adults, and some basic proficiency in differentiating between good and evil, wise and foolish.
The proverbs … to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth
Proverbs 1:1, 4
Proverbs will teach your children everything that you feel you are failing in teaching them. Proverbs will teach other children everything their parents failed to teach them. By befriending Proverbs and by really knowing how to read a proverbs and understand a proverb, and use a proverb in life, you will gain God Himself as your parent!
Proverbs will teach children how to get more wisdom. Proverbs will teach children how to avoid bad friends and choose good friends. Proverbs will teach children how to be a good friend and how to maintain, restore, or break off particular relationships. Proverbs will clean up a child’s mouth and make it pleasant. Proverbs will teach a child a healthy work ethic balanced with enjoyment. Proverbs will advise a child on the two things that cause most problems in the world: money and sex. Proverbs will teach children how to counsel themselves through conflict with difficult people. Proverbs will teach a child how to deal with anger. Proverbs will help make better decisions. Proverbs will clearly teach on what is right and wrong. Proverbs will teach them about human authority and true worship.
Are these not all the things we really long for our kids to know by the time they leave the home?!
Proverbs is freely available, but only benefits those who engage with it. A proverb a day might keep the devil away, but it is only through a proverb every day that true wisdom will become second nature.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
Proverbs 4:8
she will honour you if you embrace her.