Day 9: Parenting Wisdom from Proverbs

“Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:6 NIV)

This verse caught my eye because I love simple things. When I became a mother, the easier I could make something, the better. I learned that simplifying things became a lifeline for our whole home.

But this verse suggests that we should let go of our simple ways so we might have life.

Maybe the writer wasn’t a parent… lol.

Pretty sure there was more to this ‘simple ways’ wording, I did a mini study using different Bible versions. The NKJV gave me fresh insight, “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.”

In this verse, ‘simple ways’ means foolish ways, the self-gratifying road, a road that leads to something other than life, peace and joy.

How often do we do this?

It won’t matter this time, we think.

It’s just a little lie.

It was just one cuss word. My children have heard worse…

Only a little gossip. My children won’t remember…

Gradually we allow ‘simple ways’ to become our daily ways, which in turn become our children’s training, the groundwork for how they will live their lives and process situations.

Are you choosing any simple ways today that will manifest as foolishness tomorrow? If not for your life, what about for your children’s?

Our harsh words, unkind gestures, angry eyes and body language all have an impact. It may feel good to release the emotions however they choose to come out. But think twice before you decide they carry no lasting effects on the hearts around you.

Leave the simple ways. Opt for life.

Leave your “Adam” nature and “you will live,” says our verse today.

God has set before you life and death, blessings and curses. “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV). 

​-Kaylene