Marriage, Home, and Family The Methodology of Wise Parents, # 2

Proverbs A.Reproof 1.Rebuke. II Ki Reasoning. Job Arguments. Job Chasten. Psalm B.As Solomon uses it, it is emblematic of parental authority to instruct and correct C.As Solomon uses it, it is an instrument of verbal correction

What does Solomon have in mind? A.Solomon’s Bible was mostly the Pentateuch, so let’s look at it. 1.Genesis certainly implies some form of instruction 2.In Genesis 18.19, God worked in Abraham in such a way that he would instruct his children i.In fact, God worked in such a way that Abraham would COMMAND his children ii.Abraham would be much more than a “role model”

3.Exodus i.Rather than a different miracle every year ii.God did one miracle iii.And then commanded parents to teach their children about it 4.Deuteronomy i.Devotion leads to instruction B.We find examples of that instruction in the first 9 chapters of Proverbs: instruction about friends, the Bible, God Himself, giving, morality, finances, and hard work

Solomon doesn’t envision a world where a parent chooses between the rod and reproof A.Instruction in what is right and expected comes first; this is followed by correction B.The goal is WISDOM: skill for living C.The purpose of verbal or physical correction is never revenge, or demonstration of power, or mere unbridled anger.

God gives us His own perspective A.Proverbs Love is God’s motivation Wisdom is the goal Taking instruction to heart is the appeal. 3.11

A final note Parents are obligated to instruct and correct their children Children are obligated—although the parent has little true power over this—to take the instruction to heart The parent must be sincere—they must be honestly endeavoring to obey the instruction they are giving The parent must be consistent—don’t say it if you don’t mean it, and if you do say it mean it—to the point of following through.