The Lord gives wisdom. - Proverbs 2:6

The comment from Joe, my son's tennis coach, surprised me. We had just talked about which group of tennis players Steve should practice with, and Joe must have sensed my concern for doing the right thing for my son. Realizing that this was just one small decision I had to make as I tried to guide him, Joe said, "Being a parent must be really hard work."

Indeed it can be. Dedicated parents spend much of their time supporting, encouraging, instructing, protecting, and challenging their children. And sometimes all that steering and urging seems futile when the child starts to veer off course. That's when being a parent is "really hard work." If you find yourself there, perhaps some biblical parent-child principles can help.

One portion of Scripture that provides great instruction is Proverbs 2. Although addressing the son, this passage can also serve as a guide to what parents should teach their children. According to this passage, children must be taught to treasure God's commands (v.1), to call out for understanding (v.3), to grasp what it means to fear the Lord (v.5), and to practice God's wisdom in their lives (v.6).

When these things become part of a child's life, the parents' job will get a little easier.

-JDB

Your privilege is beyond all price -
Worth more than silver, gold, or fame -
To guide with love and sacrifice
And write on children's hearts God's name.

-Anon.

A godly parent is a child's best guide to God.