A good name is to be chosen, Rather than great wealth, And loving respect, Rather than good health. Rich and poor have this in common— The Lord made them all. They need each other, Whatever may befall. A wise man foresees danger And finds a safe place, But the foolish keep on And suffer disgrace. Humility, obedience, And fear of the Lord Will bring wealth and honor, A vast and great reward. In the paths of a wicked man Lie sharp thorns and a snare, But he who guards his soul Keeps from pain and despair. Train up a child in the right way, The way he should go, And when he grows old His wisdom will show. (Based on Proverbs 22:1-6)
A good name, respect, and excellent character are valuable, but remember to give the honor of your good name to God, not to yourself. Our possessions also belong to God. They are temporary, but are to be used to honor God and please Him. Your good name is your legacy to future generations.
Rich and poor alike have this in common: God created both and they are equally loved by Him. Be humble. Honor God. Avoid life’s dangers. Easy? Not at all, but in God’s mercy and strength these qualities can be achieved.
Children need training. The job of a parent is not to simply let them grow in the ways that the world teaches. No two children are alike, and there are many varieties of ways to train a child, but each teaching method is to be based on Christian principles founded upon God’s Word. When children know God’s principles, even though they choose to stray away, there is a promise and a guide from verse 6. “and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Each child is equipped to make their own decisions, but we, as parents, can lay a biblical foundation through our own love for God and Scripture. Live what you teach.
