1. Wisdom for the Family A Study in Proverbs
Our eternal existence is greatly influenced by how we live during this short life
Foolish or willful decisions can make our life miserable
They can also jeopardize our eternal destiny
The value of wisdom is especially seen in family relationships
(Proverbs 11:29), “He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.”
We must seek advice in this all-important task...
But, the experts of the world do not have the answers
As societies moral values change, they do more and more damage to the family designed by God!
Fortunately, in His grace God has preserved the wisdom needed to provide for and raise a family in His scriptures.
Much of this wisdom can be found in "The Book Of Proverbs“
Print Slides 2,3,4,5,7,8
A Study in Proverbs

2. Providing for the Family
Instilling a Fear for the Lord
Proverbs 15:16
10:27; 16:6; 22:4
CONSIDER WHAT MANY PEOPLE THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING FOR A FAMILY
Many would say it is the "necessities" of life (Food and clothing, a place of shelter)
Most would feel that other things are also necessary (Finer things for the children, which parents never had as children, a good "education" for the children, etc.)
The book of Proverbs teaches us not to place too much emphasis upon such material things
The primary place of emphasis in providing for our children is Instilling in them a Fear of the Lord!
(Proverbs 15:16), “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.”
It is more important than riches
It is provided through your own example of a deep and abiding respect for the Lord
It provides the beginning of knowledge
(Proverbs 1:7), “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
A means to prolong life
(Proverbs 10:27), “The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”
The key to avoiding sin
(Proverbs 16:6), “In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.”
The key to true wealth
(Proverbs 22:4), “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.”

3. Providing for the Family
Giving them LOVE
Proverbs 15:17
Giving them LOVE
(Proverbs 15:17), “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.”
Providing an environment where love reigns is much more important than providing material abundance
Just look at the world. Troubled children come from homes where "love" is lacking, not money!

4. Providing for the Family
Providing a peaceful family life
Proverbs 17:1
Providing a PEACEFUL family life (of course, that goes hand in hand with the provision of love)
(Proverbs 17:1), “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.”
Where there is peace and tranquility in a family, material affluence matters little
But what value is there in wealth, if we are always fighting over the things it provides?
A wise father (or mother) realizes that SPIRITUAL provisions are more important than MATERIAL ones
They will see that the family receives what is truly important
Even it means cutting back on less important things

5. Providing for the Family
Providing adequate material support
Proverbs 24:3-4; 20:7
(cf. Matthew 6:33)
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENSURE ADEQUATE MATERIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE FAMILY?
As a preacher, I don’t have expertise in the matter. I am aware of the principles of education, stewardship and financial planning. There are certainly practical steps that can be taken which will help a person make and keep the money necessary to physically provide for the family.
Only one point I may make here: Emphasize acquiring knowledge and wisdom, not wealth!
(Proverbs 24:3-4), “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
The spiritual principle that applies is a call to righteousness!
(Proverbs 20:7), “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
Today, this requires us to put God’s kingdom first in your life!
(Matthew 6:33), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
God promises his providential help to those who serve him
How often we see children suffer when their parents serve their own appetites rather than God!

6. Providing for the Family
Providing discipline
(Spanking)
Proverbs 13:24
22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15
[The best and wisest thing parents can do for their family is to provide themselves as obedient servants of God, and to instill such faith in their children. If this is done, God will see that their material needs are met! But what about the matter of raising children, in particular the question of discipline?]
INSPIRED WISDOM IS EXPLICIT IN THE PROPER USE OF Corporal Punishment
Used properly, it is a demonstration of true love - Pr 13:24
(Proverbs 13:24), “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”
Proper usage of spanking has proper objectives, consistency, and is accompanied amply by demonstrations of love for the child.
(Proverbs 22:15) [Objective 1, to remove foolishness], “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.”
(Proverbs 23:13-14) (Objective 2, to save his soul], “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. 14 You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.”
(Proverbs 29:15), [Objective 3, to impart wisdom], “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
Spank your child, and you will never regret it! (Proverbs 29:17), “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”

7. Providing for the Family
Providing discipline
(Spanking)
Proverbs 13:24
22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15
(Training)
Proverbs 22:6
MORE WISDOM FROM A FAMILIAR VERSE (Regarding training your child)
(Proverbs 22:6), “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This does not teach environmental determinism. Proper training doesn’t guarantee compliance
It makes no more sense to say that a child raised correctly can’t depart from God than to say that a child raised by evil parents can’t come to God! Free will is not abrogated by what this verse teaches
It is possible for children to reject their training, and happens! That is why warnings are needed:
(Proverbs 6:20-24), “My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. 22 When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress.”
We can see examples in families (Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau) where one child chose righteousness and another chose evil
What it DOES teach is the benefit of training (whatever the discipline, including training in righteousness) in establishing an inclination! Those who are trained in righteousness will have that inclination throughout their lives.
If you want your child to serve God acceptably, and go to heaven, then be diligent to train them in the way of righteousness, instilling a fear of God, showing them an example of love and peace in your own life!

8. Conclusion
Remember, God designed the home. He has the insight we need to provide for our families.
Heed His word!
Remember, God designed the home. He has the insight we need to provide for our families.
Heed His word!