On Sunday we sat in Church and I heard words that, in my mind, sum up our role as parents and leaders of our families in one little phrase, no matter if you are a parent of a toddler or a parent of an adult child. It comes from Proverbs 1:7, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The passage prompted further reading after returning home. There are many passages in the Bible that tell of the importance of wisdom:
“For the reference and fear of God are basic to all wisdom, knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. I, wisdom will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful. Wisdom is its own reward and if you score her, you hurt only yourself.”
-Proverbs 9:10-12
“Can’t you hear the voice of wisdom? She is standing at the city gates and at every fork in the road, and at the door of every house. Listen to what she says: “Listen, men!” she calls. “How foolish and naïve you are! Let me give you understanding. Oh foolish ones, let me show you common sense! listen to me! I have important information for you. Everything I say is right and true, I hate lies, and every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There’s nothing of evil in it. My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind – if it is only open! My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold.”
For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding. If anyone respects and fears, God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.”
-Proverbs 8-1-13
For the parent of a toddler, beginning to test the waters of who is in charge, you need to start communicating that they need to come when you call or stop when you stay stop. `Having used this example before, it could actually save their life, as in, if they are playing in the yard, the ball goes in the street, they start running after it and YOU see a car coming. When you call for your child to “STOP!” Would they stop? this is where teaching respect for authority starts. Eventually they will learn that they are to respect not only their parents, but their Lord, teachers, coaches and police officers. Learning to fear the Lord, begins with learning to mind their parents. Parents are entrusted with the care and teaching of their child to respect authority. This is taught through example and instruction.
For the parent of the teenager or young adult, wisdom guides your teaching also. Of course the job is easier if respect for God and authority has been taught along the way, but if it hasn’t, it doesn’t mean you give up the ship. In fact, it means you fight as hard as you can not to. You still have a chance to teach respect for authority and wisdom. It may be a little more difficult, but the wards for your child and yourself will be fruitful. For getting on the right path gives them a greater chance of a brighter future. Wisdom may spare them some of the hardships in life. Just read through Proverbs for examples of this and have them read them too.
Let wisdom guide your parenting no matter what the age of your child. Even when your adult children with families of their own, come to you for advice, let wisdom be your guide. I have given just a very few just examples of wisdom from the Bible why not do some searches on your own to inspire you and your parenting or grandparenting. Let wisdom be your guide heading in to 2026 which could lead to many more great days…
Wishing you good health and much wisdom in the New Year 🍎
