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The first nine chapters of Proverbs, written early in King Solomon's reign, are devoted to his fatherly advice to young people. The balance of the book broadens to convey wisdom to people in general, and to their leaders. But here in chapter 23 (verses 19-28), the now older king revisits the parent-child motif, emphasizing the relational aspect of imparting wisdom.

Proverbs 23:22-26

1.   What does Solomon maintain (v. 24) is the primary way that children give their parents satisfaction and joy?
2.     What other common measures of satisfaction are not even mentioned?
3.     What ingredients of functional wisdom (v. 23) does Solomon focus on?
4.      To what extent would you say your motivation and values (v. 26) mirror those of your parents?
5.    Does parental counsel look different to you now than it did when you were growing up?
6.    Proverbs contains only the father's side of any father-son interaction. Judging from the Old Testament record of the relationship between Solomon's father David and his half-brother Absalom (2 Samuel 14:28-33), was there true two-way dialogue? If there had been, how might the outcome have differed?

Ask God to help you interact empathetically with your children so that they will be more inclined to accept your directives and advice.

Proverbs 23:22-26

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25 So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy.

26 O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me learn ways to interact with my children that go beyond surface conformity to heart motivation.

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