Day 10: Parenting Wisdom from Proverbs

“The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.” (Proverbs 10:29 NIV)

Most Christian mamas want their children to grow up to be well-adjusted adults.

Depending on the day, our only hope may be that they turn out halfway civilized, and our only prayer, that we survive.

We will. Promise.

Until then we do the best we can with what we know to do. And that is lead them in the ways of the Lord, so when they grow up, they will recognize Him as their refuge.

Isaiah 33:15-16 gives five things we can model with our lives that to give our children a knowledge of the Lord’s ways. I encourage you to read this passage for yourself, but here’s a little breakdown of it.

“[She] who walks righteously

• "Speaks what is right” (speaks truth in love, upbuilding and encouraging others) 
• “Rejects gain from extortion” (practices honesty and integrity)
• “Keeps [her] hand from accepting bribes” (pursues wisdom, is not easily fooled)
• “Stops [her] ears against plots of murder” (refuses to gossip because Jesus said it was equivalent to murder)
• “Shuts [her] eyes against contemplating evil” (won’t plan or desire revenge, chooses to forgive)

The mother who does these five things is a living testament to her children. Her consistency in these traits will show her children that living in a manner that is right before the Lord is desirable and will lead to their benefit.

“When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever,” Proverbs 10:25 says.

Make the way of the Lord your refuge today. You are doing more than just surviving.

Your life models to your children the Lord’s ability to be their refuge, strong tower, Savior and friend. 

​-Kaylene