Proverbs 23
Proverbs 23
“Commit yourself to instruction; tune your ears to hear words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12
The second half of chapter 24 focuses on family discipleship. The author takes the point of view of a father speaking to his child. Growing up, who were your greatest influences? For some people, it may be their parents who invested in them. For others, it may be a teacher or coach. No matter who you are, you have been influenced and changed by someone who took the time to teach/invest in your life.
This is why discipleship is so important, and specifically in this passage, family discipleship. Everyone is being shaped by someone, so how can you step into their life to shape them with the gospel? Parents, you are called not only to discipline your child, but to give them instruction, advice, truth, and wisdom. You get to spend the most time with your kids, therefore you have the most say over who influences them. Capitalize on that by discipling them one on one. Verse 24 says, then you will “have cause for joy.” My parents poured into me, read God’s word with me, taught me how to have a quiet time, prayed with me, counseled me, had hard conversations with me. Was it easy, no! But today I love Jesus more than anything, so it was worth it.
For those who don’t have children, you are called to the same task. You have been given a gift, your salvation in Christ, so you must share that gift. Not everyone has godly parents, which is why they need YOU in their life to impact them with God’s word. Commit yourself to grow in your walk with God and commit yourself to help others do the same.
Family Discussion
By: Joe Weaver
“Commit yourself to instruction; tune your ears to hear words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12
The second half of chapter 24 focuses on family discipleship. The author takes the point of view of a father speaking to his child. Growing up, who were your greatest influences? For some people, it may be their parents who invested in them. For others, it may be a teacher or coach. No matter who you are, you have been influenced and changed by someone who took the time to teach/invest in your life.
This is why discipleship is so important, and specifically in this passage, family discipleship. Everyone is being shaped by someone, so how can you step into their life to shape them with the gospel? Parents, you are called not only to discipline your child, but to give them instruction, advice, truth, and wisdom. You get to spend the most time with your kids, therefore you have the most say over who influences them. Capitalize on that by discipling them one on one. Verse 24 says, then you will “have cause for joy.” My parents poured into me, read God’s word with me, taught me how to have a quiet time, prayed with me, counseled me, had hard conversations with me. Was it easy, no! But today I love Jesus more than anything, so it was worth it.
For those who don’t have children, you are called to the same task. You have been given a gift, your salvation in Christ, so you must share that gift. Not everyone has godly parents, which is why they need YOU in their life to impact them with God’s word. Commit yourself to grow in your walk with God and commit yourself to help others do the same.
Family Discussion
- Why are parents instructed to discipline their children? (V13-14)
- What causes the father (the author) and mother to rejoice in this passage? Be specific
- This chapter is all about family discipleship. Are you discipling someone/being discipled? If so, how can you encourage others to do the same? If not, what is keeping you from taking that step of obedience?
By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
Praying for all of you with young children. Parenting requires wisdom from God. It is too easy to cross the line from just giving them Jesus into legalistic rule following. May those who follow after us see our love for God and seek to love Him also.