Wise Parenting

The Wise Parent (and their children)

Text: Proverbs 1:8-9

The parental plea to be heard

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction.”

WISDOM:

Being heard is a result of an established caring relationship

If you want to have others listen to you, start by listening to them

Seek first to understand, then be understood - Steven Covey

Instruction is:

A means to inform someone of previously unlearned

information

A means to correct a misapplication or misunderstanding of information

The encouragement to learn from us

“Do not forsake your mother’s teaching”

WISDOM:

Parents do not want their children to make their same

mistakes

Raising children is a team sport

Teaching:

Directing others in the fundamental customs of behavior (civil and spiritual)

Most behavioral lessons are more “caught” than “taught”

Imparting the necessary information to maximize the possibility of a good life.

The desire to have your motives understood

“It is for your good” or “I only want the best for you”

WISDOM:

Your children do not belong to you (Ezekiel 18:4)

Your desire should be to influence, NOT control (Prov. 22:6)

Parenting means you must let them go (Genesis 2:24)

Your (adult) children’s choices are not your responsibility (Deuteronomy. 24:16)

Footnotes:

If they do not learn to make wise choices in the home, they will not make wise choice later either. Permit your children to reap

the negative consequences of their choices and poor behavior.

Ezekiel 18:4 “Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine.”

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even

when he is old he will not depart from it”.

Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”

Deut 24:16 “Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be

put to death for his own sin.”

The reward of choosing wisely

(The application of parental instruction and teaching shall be)

“a graceful wreath to your head, and ornaments about your neck”

WISDOM

(The wreath is a symbol of HONOR)

Following godly parental instruction will lead to an honorable life

(The necklace is a symbol of AUTHORITY)

Applying godly parental wisdom will accord you respect and

leadership opportunities

Wisdom for Today

Children would be wise to hear and heed their parent’s counsel.

Christians would be wise to hear and heed their Heavenly Father.

(We are the first models for our children)

JESUS IS OUR MODEL OF A WISE SON

Parents would be wise to love, influence, and guide their | children

(rather than intimidate, dominate & seek to control their children)

GOD IS OUR MODEL OF A WISE PARENT