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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 185

STUDY 185

Text: Proverbs 17
9 January 2005

Dear Parents,

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN ABOUT JUSTICE
We are on the right path when we teach our children about “justice.” When this concept is learned early in life, this sense of justice will always be with them throughout life! The teaching of good morals is essential to the well-being of our children!

TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO CORRUPT JUSTICE
It is wise to teach children about the problem of wickedness in the world. There will be people who attempt to corrupt justice. This is borne out in the following text:-

A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back
To pervert the way of justice.

Proverbs 17:23

1. The use of “a bribe”

This is a common problem in Asia. This is so “standard” a practice that it is almost a way of life in the Asian society!

2. The perversion of justice

How may we teach this to our children? We would of course have to break down the thoughts into bite-size portions for the sake of easier comprehension:-

a) The heart of the wicked

The wicked does not have strong moral values. He will do what he pleases. He does not fear God or man, and is thus not led by a moral compass. The heart of the wicked is so seared that he will even subvert justice if it is within his reach.

b) The means employed by the wicked

The wicked will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He may know consciously that he could end up corrupting people along the way, but he does not really care! If he can use a bribe to get what he wants, he will use that means – even if it means corrupting justice!

ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO PURSUE WISDOM
Let us always point children to walk in the paths of wisdom! Teach them how to love wisdom, and they will discern who the wicked are, and disdain what they are doing.

Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24

Let us, as parents continue to teach by example! May we pursue wisdom always!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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