“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23
We cannot possibly discuss every life scenario with our kids. But when you think about it, there are a handful of decisions in life that determine all of our other decisions. Wise parenting focuses on these foundational principles so our kids see the big picture for themselves.
Throughout Proverbs 4, we’ve seen Solomon instruct his children on the importance of gaining wisdom. Now, he describes how to make walking in wisdom a way of life, not just an ideology. In verses 20-27, Solomon outlines three basic decisions for living in dependence upon godly wisdom and discernment.
Decision #1: Pay attention to wise counsel (vv20-22). As we teach our kids from God’s Word, they learn to recognize scriptural truth from other sources. They make it their own by listening carefully and allowing wise instruction to penetrate their hearts. Choosing to live in the truth of God’s Word offers eternal life and protects against the hazards that sinful living inflict upon the body.
Decision #2: Diligently guard your heart (vv23-24). The affections of the heart chart each person’s course in life. What we teach our kids to care about determines how they think, believe, and behave. And, what’s in our hearts eventually comes out of our mouths (Matthew 15:18). Standing watch over your heart requires both effort and obedience. We teach by example when we protect our homes against anything steeped in worldly thinking.
Decision #3: Keep your focus on the Lord (vv25-27). As a general rule, our feet go in the direction that we look. It’s the same in our spiritual lives. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), our steps are firmly set on the path of the righteous. Still, we watch carefully for anything that could trip us up. In a world full of distractions, it’s essential to teach children how to focus on the Lord and on the course He has laid out.
Helping our kids see the big picture requires authenticity and intentionality. So first, make sure these principles are in place in your life, personally. As a family, discuss how to live out the truths of Scripture in practical ways. Over time, your children will learn to walk in wisdom as a way of life. Now that’s wise parenting!
