Family Studies
Principles from Proverbs to be Taught Youth (Prov. 2:1-6)
Series: Training a Child (Lessons from Proverbs)Introduction:
1. The knowledge of God is readily available. But we must receive it, make our ear attentive to it, incline our heart to it, cry for it, lift our voice for it, seek it and search for it. 2. So how knowledgeable we are is not so much determined by its availability, but by our desire to take hold of it. 3. Your desire for it is evident by your presence tonight. Those with less desire are not here. 4. Rest assured that the writings of Solomon are a well-spring capable of satisfying your thirst for the wisdom and knowledge of God and especially is this the case relative to the training of youth. 5. So whether you are a youth, a parent or a grandparent, learner or teacher this study should be helpful to you. 6. In this lesson we will identify three fundamental principles critical to walking in the way of wisdom.Discussion:
I. Refrain from a pleasure-seeking lifestyle (21:17).A. This includes particularly partying and gluttonous eating and drinking.
1. This means that we must control with whom we associate (23:19-21).
2. Discernment demonstrates itself in keeping the law and controlling who our companions are (28:7; 1:10-19). We must control who our companions are because of the influence that they exercise on us.
B. The people of the world give themselves to a pleasure-seeking lifestyle, but Christians are in the business of pursing a different course (1 Pet. 4:1-6).
C. Yet James writes a rebuke to Christians marred by a pleasure-seeking approach to life (James 4:1-5).
D. This does not mean that you cannot have fun, but having fun and taking a pleasure-seeking approach to life is different (Ecc. 2:1-11; 9:7-9). There are more important objectives in life than pleasing the senses and if that is all you live for your life will be empty and unsatisfying.
E. “Well what else is there?” Proverbs and Ecclesiastes answer that question. And the answer to this question will become evident as this series of studies unfolds.
F. Parents, grandparents you cannot communicate this principle to your children while the purpose of your life is pleasure-seeking. If you are self-centered, indulging in sensual desires don’t expect your children to be giving, considerate of others, caring for the unfortunate, filled with deeds of compassion, etc.
II. Be diligent and industrious.A. Learn from the ant to be diligent (6:6-11).
B. Diligently seek good (11:27) and the favor that comes with it.
C. The diligent rule while the slack become forced labor (12:24).
1. If you want a good job, advancement, etc. then be diligent.
2. If you want a poor job, diminished pay, to go from one job to another, to be constantly “looking” for a job, then be slack and that’s what will happen.
3. Be diligent in your school work.
4. Come in on time. Give a good effort. Do the best you can. Don’t quit when the job is difficult, when you don’t like it.
D. If you want something work for it (13:4).
E. Laziness is the hard way, uprightness is easier (15:19).
1. Some are always looking for the short-cut, the easy way.
2. The rewards of the “short-cut” are minimal. “You get what you pay for” = what you work for. Anything worth having is costly.
F. Slackness in work is in the same family with one who destroys (18:9).
1. There is destroying . . .
2. Diligence builds up, but slackness leads to deterioration.
G. The sluggard is as one too lazy to eat (19:24). He does not look to preparing for the future and begs and has nothing (20:4).
H. Too much sleep and you get hungry (20:13). May have to discipline yourself to go to bed early in order to accomplish tomorrow’s task.
I. Make careful plans (21:5).
J. Don’t give excuses. Don’t let fear paralyze you. See 22:13; 26:13-16.
III. While work is legitimate, appropriate and commendable, understand that it too is futility so do not place all your interest on work (Ecc. 2:18-26).A. Ecc. 1:3-8.
B. Ecc. 5:10-12, 18-20.
Conclusion:
1. Refrain from a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. There are other goals much more valuable. 2. Be diligent and industrious. 3. But do not place all your interest there. There is more to life than work.
