A PROMISE?

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TRAIN A CHILD

Read Proverbs 22

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV

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Many Christians today want to explain away the above Proverb because all too often the children of believers do turn away from what they have been taught. But then, perhaps all or most of the training today comes from teachers, television, or peers. How many parents sit down with their children for extended instruction like Solomon is giving his son in this book?

Solomon tells his son that this practical teaching is so that he will learn to trust the Lord. He says, “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.” (22:17-19)

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Lord, help us to set aside the time to speak eye to eye with our children about all of the issues of life; and may this teaching be in accord with your perfect Holy Word. Help us to wisely discipline our children as you have said, "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." (22:15) But most of all give us the wisdom to faithfully teach our children “in the way they should go.”

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Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge; that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you? Proverbs 22:20–21 NKJV