Raising Wise Children

Although God’s childraising instructions appear in just about every chapter of Proverbs. Chapter 2 is literally filled with solid, godly direction for parents. Every single verse contains messages, warnings, and instructions for parents to pass on to their children. This wisdom is meant to prepare each child for facing life and avoiding its pitfalls. How does Proverbs say this is done?

Speak Up

As a parent you must speak up. “Receive my words and treasure my commandments within you” and “heed instruction and be wise” (Proverbs 2:1; 8:33). I have read these words so many times that they have become embedded in my heart and thoughts. With passion and a fierce love for God and for our children, parents must speak up!

“Wisdom” is portrayed as a woman—a very verbal and vocal woman who is not ashamed or shy about speaking up. She “shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square” (1:20). There is nothing casual or halfhearted about her zeal for others to be wise. And for our children, the teaching of wisdom should be even more passionate.

Raise Up Wise Children

As a wise parent, commit to this responsibility. Own it. Dedicate yourself to be faithful to what God is calling you to do as a parent. As we are faithful to follow God’s instructions to us as mothers to teach His wisdom to our children, He will faithfully enable us to do it. Lean on Him. Talk to Him. Trust in Him. Desire to be a mom after God’s own heart—a mother who will do all God’s will, including teaching wisdom to your precious ones.

I love these words written by a devoted father to his two teenage sons. Summing up the benefits of obtaining wisdom and responding to God’s call to be wise, he writes:

[Proverbs] pronounces a blessing on those who heed her instruction, walking in her ways. It promises happiness to those who wait ardently at her gate, who keep faithful vigil at her doors. It holds out life and divine favor to those who find her, but personal loss and death to those who miss her.

Blessing. Happiness. Life and divine favor. This is what we moms want for our children—what we speak up for, what we live for…and what we would die for.

RESPOND

Lord, please help me to be on my toes today with my children. Help me to speak up and take every opportunity to share Your truths with them. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

Proverbs for a Woman’s Day by Elizabeth George — covers the matters closest to your heart, including how to train and enjoy your children. Don’t miss out on this uplifting Bible Study! 

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REFLECT

Have I dedicated myself to be faithful to what God is calling you to do as a parent … to raise wise children?

REMEMBER

As we are faithful to follow God’s instructions to us as mothers to teach His wisdom to our children, He will faithfully enable us to do it.