Proverbs 4:11
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I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
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Have you taught your children how to have a long and prosperous life (4:10)? Have you taught them how to avoid the distractions, troubles, and traps of life (4:12)? Mothers, you are not exempted from this privilege and duty (1:8; 4:3; 6:20).
Our proverb has three lessons - the duty, content, and confidence of good parenting and teaching. Read the Preacher's words, and see all three lessons; and let us apply the lessons today. We must teach; we must teach the right things; we must do it confidently!
Graduating from high school or getting a college degree does not impress the Lord, nor does it help your children. Most pagans have college degrees, and most college graduates are pagans. Only 1% of the saints in history even thought of going to college. These humanistic and worldly goals of the N.E.A. are foreign to Heaven and true success! The excellent spirit of Daniel and the unfeigned faith of Timothy are what we must cultivate!
The "way of wisdom" and "right paths" are contrary to a liberal arts education. These things, which lead to pleasing God and man in life, are no longer taught. The scope and sequence of today's schools is a curriculum from hell to make little humanists. Parents, we must teach wisdom and true knowledge at home! Neither is the pastor responsible, for a few hours a week does not approach the daily instruction of faithful parents.
Are your children gracious? Very diligent at work? With high energy and focus? With sterling character? With financial wisdom? Do they hate sin? Being late? Injustice? Are they socially skilled? Good communicators? Considerate and generous? Do they know the gospel? False doctrine? How to solve problems Scripturally? Is their word as good as gold? Are they merciful and forgiving? Wise and prudent? Holy and pure? Are they esteemed in the real world? Are their names honored? Do they have many friends?
Parent, are you confident like the father in our proverb? Our Creator did not give us the truth for us to apologize for it or minimize it. Read Job 32 and see the godly confidence of Elihu. We must be bold, dogmatic, and critical; for Satan and the world surely are in their efforts to oppose us and abolish truth. We have the only answers, and we should say so. And we should reject anything to the contrary (Ps 119:128; Is 8:20).
Fathers, what will you give your family tonight? Read a chapter of Proverbs and explain one verse to them. Every man can do this. One such small point made each day will soon form a mountain of wisdom. If you do not believe this, watch the ants in your yard!
Our lesson here is not a suggestion for fathers - it is a commandment (Eph 6:4). Let every man fulfill his charge from Heaven, and let him see the future with the eye of faith. A godly seed to God's glory, the defense of the faith, and the happiness of our families is well worth it. Consider the duty, the content, and the confidence of teaching; and do it!
Fathers! Mothers! Consider this noble claim by the wisest parent! Read it again. Will you be able to say these words at the end of your life? Can you say them today? Will God and your children agree with you? What have you done for your children today?
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