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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 355

STUDY 355

Text: Proverbs 28
13 April 2008

Dear Parents,

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN HOW TO SPEAK WELL
As parents, we must try and ensure that our children grow up speaking well. And we are not limiting ourselves to just speaking with proper grammar either. The Book of Proverbs abounds with good advice as to how our children should speak – with wisdom, with truth, with graciousness etc!

REBUKE OR FLATTERY
There are situations in life when we have to teach our children how to speak with much integrity of heart. There are times when one must choose between speaking words that requite honesty and words that only flatter.

He who rebukes a man will find more favour afterward
Than he who flatters with the tongue.

Proverbs 28:23

1. Words of rebuke

a) They must of course be words of truth in the first place.

b) They are sometimes painful words to utter.

c) Words of rebuke sometimes creates tension/friction in relationships.

d) But if integrity and truth are upheld, in the long run, words of rebuke will be proven to be the best.

2. Words of flattery

a) Often these words skirt the real issue.

b) There is an avoidance of that which could prove painful or embarrassing.

c) Words of flattery are often uttered to deceive.

d) They are not helpful to the person who needs to hear the truth.

e) A great disservice is done to the recipient of words of flattery.

ENCOURAGING OUR CHILDREN TO OPT FOR TRUTH-TELLING
Truth-telling must be the path that we teach our children to walk in! In the final analysis, it is the only path that receives the Lord’s approval and blessing.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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