Day 31: Parenting Wisdom from Proverbs

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Profuse are the kisses of the enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6)

Remember that feeling as a child when daddy rebuked you? Remember that sting and desire to justify yourself? It's still there as an adult—but oh, how good and healing to receive rebuke from someone who loves you dearly!

Helping our kids to learn humility is one of the chiefest things we can do to ensure a blessed life. Never blame another adult quickly when they come with hurt feelings. 

Search out the matter, and sincerely help your child see his wrong, if there is any. Teach them to honor and respect all adults by walking them through a rebuke with integrity.

Teach them that a faithful friend will always speak the truth, even when it hurts. Teach them that discomfort is no reason for discredit.

When your teen is bashed, try to understand what she might have done to offend. Refuse to jump on the mama bear wagon, but come alongside to help her search her heart and grow. Many, many parents raise hurtful adults because they were not strong enough or brave enough to receive rebuke themselves.

The most loving thing you can do in your child's difficult moment is to teach them that love doesn't always feel good in the moment. But love speaks truth, love receives truth, and wants truth at all costs. If your child embraces this difficult moment, it will help him to be spared from a difficult life.

Teach them that only the truth, even when it hurts, will set them free. 

​-Sara