Thrive

THRIVE

Proverbs 14 is a chapter that contains several wise sayings about various aspects of life. When it comes to parenting, this chapter provides some valuable insights that has helped me over the years raising my six children with wisdom and understanding. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key verses from Proverbs 14 and how they can apply to parenting.

 

Verse 1: "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

This verse speaks to the importance of being intentional and purposeful in our parenting. As parents, we are responsible for creating a stable and secure home environment for our children. This means making wise decisions about how we raise them, what values we instill in them, and how we discipline them. We must also avoid making impulsive decisions that could harm our children or disrupt the harmony of our home.

 

Verse 4: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest."

This verse speaks to the idea that raising children requires hard work and effort, but the rewards can be great. Just as a farmer needs oxen to plow the fields and produce a bountiful harvest, parents need to invest time, energy, and resources into their children's upbringing to help them grow and thrive.  Many times we must sacrifice some overtime at work or personal time we were looking forward to spend by ourselves to invest in our children’s lives.

 

Verse 11: "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish."

This verse reminds us that the way we live our lives has a profound impact on our children. If we choose to live according to godly principles and values, we can create a home environment that is nurturing, supportive, and filled with love. But if we choose to live in disobedience and rebellion, we will sow seeds of destruction and chaos in our home.  Years before our children were school age we decided to homeschool as our primary direction for their training.

 

Verse 26: "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children, it will be a refuge."

This verse speaks to the importance of faith in our parenting. When we fear the Lord and live in obedience to His commands, we create a sense of security and stability for our children. Our home becomes a refuge for them, a safe haven where they can find comfort, guidance, and support.

 

Verse 29: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."

This verse reminds us that patience is a key component of effective parenting. Children can be frustrating and challenging at times, but responding in anger or impatience will only make things worse. When we choose to respond with patience and understanding, we can build strong relationships with our children and help them develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges.

 

In conclusion, Proverbs 14 offers several important insights for parents who want to raise their children with wisdom and understanding. By building a stable and secure home environment, investing time and energy into our children's upbringing, living according to godly principles and values, and responding with patience and understanding, we can create a home that is a refuge for our children and a place where they can thrive.

 

-Pastor Brian