The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
The last words in the Old Testament tell us the Messiah will “turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers,” healing what is broken between them (Malachi 4:6). Few relationships carry greater room for pain or influence than the parent-child relationship. The book of Proverbs does not assume this relationship is easy or naturally healthy, but it does acknowledge that it has the capacity to shape a young person’s life in beautiful and lasting ways.
Reflection Questions:
Looking back, how did you see the wisdom in these verses modeled for you or not modeled for you when you were younger? What can you learn from that now?
Read Proverbs 10:1. Why do the actions of a child have so much impact on the hearts of his or her parents?
In what ways can the parent-child relationship uniquely cultivate understanding of the gospel in our lives?
We are a product of our upbringing. However, it’s up to each of us to determine how we live. Thankfully, God walks with us and never forsakes us, showering us with love that heals all pain and suffering, making a way for us.
This was a hard read for me because I was the foolish child who brought much heartache to my mom. I have apologized to her for my actions and I know she loves me but I do not feel special to her. I feel less around her as I watch her with my younger sister and see the special relationship they have. My heart breaks but I know my actions caused a rift between us. This has made it hard for me to come to a belief that God would see me any different,
Coming from a broken home, I never had instruction from either parent unless it was threats for doing wrong and getting punished. I am grateful everyday for my salvation and that of my mom as well. Now we walk in grace and forgiveness with one another. I have no idea how I would of reacted in her situation of being newly divorced with three children and not being a believer in the time she did. We all have the capacity to love but sometimes that love is handicapped by hurts we have all faced. I have to ask myself, what hurts shaped my mom.
I am humbled by the love and sacrifices my parents made for me. In a family with seven kids, as adults my Dad has told each of us we were his favorite. My sister and I had fun with this always joking that we were the favorite favorite. The thing that struck me was that I always knew my parents loved us unconditionally and equally and that made me more confident in their love and that reflects the love of God, for I believe that I am His favorite, that He gave it all that I might have eternity with Him, and yet I am overjoyed that each of you are also His favorite, and no matter what your parents love might have lacked or how you might have been hurt by these relationships or even that which by our own choices we have been broken, we are each His favorite and if we can not fathom this, it is still true, He loved us so that He willingly died to give His favorites, each one of us what they need to run into the Fathers arms. As the prodigal son came home, the older son took his eyes off of the Father because he was jealous, when if he had just continued to remember and look toward his father, he would have seen the love he always had was still his as well. This is what God has told me keep looking to the Lord, for His love never fails, look at all He is teaching you and doing and praise the Lord. Love to you Sisters. Praying for our nation, His peace and love poured out no matter what passions people carry politically that God would be honored this day by the votes and the actions of His people.
Our parents try their best but we live in a sinful world and my parents did not follow the lord when I was young . There was a lot of pain and disappointments but God is faithful to bring people in our lives that follow Him and I learned that broken people hurt others but God can restore the broken heart and bring healing and wholeness . My father now follows Jesus as a recovering alcoholic and my mother I will find out in heaven if she repented? I was there just before she died and she knew who Jesus was but wasn’t following him. It was not for me to know and in this God is so good. I love the Lord and know my parents loved me but there was many trials and challenges with our family and God has shown me how important it is to bind the word of God in your hearts and forehead. Follow his word and truth and he will set you free from the bondage of sin and death.
Sadly, I grew up with a dad who was pretty neglectful towards his family although he was a Baptist pastor. So although God used the fact that I was surrounded by his Word to speak to my heart… there’s a lot of pain that revolves around the thought of my dad. Preaching on thing and not actually living out the Gospel.
I’m thankful that God is the perfect father, and that He really does feel joy when he sees me! I strive to live to honor him and delight in living for him.
I can look back at when I was growing up And see how I was so desperate for my dads attention… and I am so incredible thankful that i never have to earn Gods love or affection!
What a perfect time in His Word this morning after sharing a first general election with our two eldest this morning. As parents, we are supposedly the improved versions of our parents and so will be our children the new versions of us… train up a child…
Even though my childhood wasn’t always easy with an alcoholic father, I never doubted my parents love for me and I always respected his role as head of our household. The Lord was in our home, and in the lives and intentions of my parents, even in the hardships. It mattered to me growing up that I bring honour to my parents instead of grief (even though I’m sure I gave them some measure of the latter lol). I’m thankful for my parents and for them pushing me to grow in my walk with the Lord!