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STUDY 242

Text: Proverbs 20
12 February 2006

Dear Parents,

WHEN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS TURN REALLY BAD
How badly can family relationship turn out? Both the Scriptures and real life reveal that things can turn out really badly. The following text bears this out.

Whoever curses his father or his mother,
His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

Proverbs 20:20

RECALLING THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT OF THE DECALOGUE
There is no mistaking the clarity and the emphasis of the fifth commandment.

Honour your father and your mother,
that your days may be long upon the land
which the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

No choice is offered. Both father and mother are to be honoured. One cannot choose between father or mother. Attached to the faithful keeping of this commandment is the promise of long life.

CURSING OF FATHER OR MOTHER
The cursing of one’s parents has got to be considered one of the most heinous of sins. Why do we say this?

1. It is unnatural

It is most unnatural to curse one’s parents.

2. The natural

a) Gratitude

b) Respect

c) Love

PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED AND UNFILIAL SON

If the wicked continues with his terrible ways, then he will have to expect retribution.

1. “Lamp in deep darkness”

A lamp is most important in “deep darkness”. With the aid of the lamp, the individual will be able to find his way.

2. “Lamp put out in deep darkness”

The imagery is startling and also obvious. The wicked son will be lost indeed.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie