In a series of advice addressed to his son, the writer in this chapter touches several areas of life, providing practical wisdom. The latter part advises the son to heed to his father’s and mother’s instructions saying: “Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck.  When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you.” (Prov. 6:21-22). This points to the primary role of godly parental advice in the life of children which are to be guideposts to them. 

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Godly parents have God’s Word to lay the foundation of their homes. The first part of our key verse says, “The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly.” God’s Word as light can’t be overstressed: Psalm 119:105 [NIRV] states: “Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me.” As parents when we desire to cement God’s Word in the lives of our children, it shows them the way to walk in this world and like a light guides them in its dark paths. The parents’ responsibility is stated in Prov.22:6 NLT : “Start children off on the right path. And even when they are old, they will not turn away from it.” They key is to saturate the young mind with the Word ingrained within that it becomes the guiding principles of their life. 

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The second part of the key verse says: Correction and self-control will lead you through life. Godly discipline in a home springs from the bond of love.  It is love for our children that motivates us to teach them in correction/discipline, preparing them to choose right way of life. Our Heavenly Father teaches us from His Word, by the Holy Spirit and through His ministers how to direct our lives and keep away from sin and disciplines us when we stray away. Proverbs 3:12 NLT says: “For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” Hebrews 12: 10,11 NLT too: “…But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

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Self-control is also taught when young by the refusals administered by parents to certain things. Sometimes it is saying “No!” to overindulgence. For children its most often restricting foods, control over what they watch, the media, etc that parents try to be firm and give advice to the bad effects/an overdose of such stuff.  For adults we can become slaves of what controls us such as food, lust, money, ambitions, bad words, etc.; if we do not exercise self-control. “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” (Prov.25:28). Learning self- control helps us lead a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus, reflecting Him, honoring Him.  

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Besides reflecting on God’s Word and trying to apply them helps take small steps in bringing thoughts and actions in line with God’s Word.  Romans 12:2 NLT says “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” With consistent discipline, our lives will align with God’s plan for us. Can we all- whether young or old apply God’s Word to light our way and good discipline to lead us through life? 

*Ref. Biblestudy tools.com

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Think on it:

The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results in men becoming like Him. - Harry Emerson Fosdick