The Guidance of Godly Parents

Introduction

Alfie Evans was born in May 2016 in the UK. A healthy boy who loved to sleep and was loved by mom and dad. He at times was agitated, and his favorite word was Ay, to let people know that he was annoyed and stressed. Mom and dad would always comfort him and give him kisses whenever he didn’t feel right. Some time passed, and something began to happen to Alfie. He no longer would look at his parents for more than 20 seconds. Lifting his own head became harder, and he would clench his hands into a fist and make jerking movements with his arms. He would also roll up his eyes in an unusual way. The doctors told mom and dad that Alfie was just a late developer. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little more than just being a late bloomer.

Alfie Evans was born in the UK on May 2016. A healthy boy who loved to smile and sleep. Alfie was the joy of the family. Like any other child, he would at times get agitated. He would say Ay, to let people know that he wanted wasn’t very happy. Mom and dad would always comfort him and give him kisses whenever he was not feeling well. Some time passed, and strange things began to happen to Alfie. He could no longer stare at people for more 20 seconds. To lift his own head became harder, and harder. He would clench his hands into a fist and throw his legs up in the air, while making jerking movements with his arms. So too, Alfie would also roll up his eyes in an unusual way. Obviously concerned, the parents would take Alfie to the doctor’s office, and in turn he would tell them that Alfie was just a late developer.

Alfie Evans was born in the UK on May 2016. A healthy boy who loved to smile and sleep. Alfie was the joy of the family. Like any other child, he would at times get agitated. He would say Ay, to let people know that he wanted wasn’t very happy. Mom and dad would always comfort him and give him kisses whenever he was not feeling well. Some time passed, and strange things began to happen to Alfie. He could no longer stare at people for more 20 seconds. To lift his own head became harder, and harder. He would clench his hands into a fist and throw his legs up in the air while making jerking movements with his arms. So too, Alfie would also roll up his eyes in an unusual way. Naturally concerned, the parents would take Alfie to the doctor’s office, and in turn, he would tell them that Alfie was just a late developer.

One day Alfie had what it seemed to be a chest infection. Suddenly he started to have jerking spasms. Mom and dad took him immediately to the hospital, and eventually, the doctors diagnosed him with a series of minor issues, such as a standard cold, bronchitis, chest infection, and pneumonia. He had to stay in the hospital for observation, but in his first night at the hospital, he began to have seizures. It took a toll on Alfie. Suddenly mom and dad were told that Alfie had to go under life support. They got so scared that the parents decided to have Alfie baptized and blessed. For a while, the doctors could not find a diagnosis for Alfie, and eventually, they deemed him to have an unknown type of neurodegenerative disorder.

One day Alfie was having pain in the chest, and then he began to spasm. Immediately, Mom and dad took him to the hospital. The doctors diagnosed Alfie with a series of minor issues, such as a standard cold, bronchitis, chest infection, and pneumonia. Doctors decided that it would be best for him to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. However, in that same night, Alfie began to have seizures. It took a toll on Alfie, and in a strange turn of events, suddenly Alfie had to go under life support. The parents got scared, and they asked a priest to come and baptize him in case something worse happened. For a few days, the doctors could not find a diagnosis. In the end, all they could say is that he had unknown type of neurodegenerative disorder.

One day Alfie was having pain in the chest, and then he began to spasm. Immediately, Mom and dad took him to the hospital. The doctors diagnosed Alfie with a series of minor issues, such as a standard cold, bronchitis, chest infection, and pneumonia. Doctors decided that it would be best for him to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. However, on that same night, Alfie began to have seizures. It took a toll on Alfie, and in a strange turn of events, suddenly Alfie had to go under life support. The parents got scared, and they asked a priest to come and baptize him in case something worse happened. For a few days, the doctors could not find a diagnosis. In the end, all they could say is that he had an unknown type of neurodegenerative disorder.

The parents were told that Alfie’s brain was compromised and that he would have to live in a semi-vegetative state for the rest of his life. Although he was not dead, he would need to be dependent on life-sustaining measures for the rest of his life.

The parents were told that Alfie’s brain was compromised. He would have to live in a semi-vegetative state for a long time. Although he was not dead, he would need to be dependent on life-sustaining measures for the rest of his life.

Here’s how the problem arose. As the parents decided to seek alternative treatments for Alfie, the UK government took custody of him. Along with the recommendation of the doctors, the state usurped the authority of parental rights, as the state deemed to know what was in the best interest of the child. Eventually, Alfie’s case took notice of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis and Italian government offered to take on Alfie’s care and even provide Alfie with honorary Italian citizenship. Yet, the UK government rejected it.

Here is when a different kind of problem propped up. As the parents decided to seek alternative treatments for Alfie, the UK government by recommendation of the doctors took custody of him. In short, the government decided to usurp parental rights from mom and dad, while rejecting treatment elsewhere. The state decided to it would be in the best interest of the child that they would resolve the fate of Alfie.

Here is when a different kind of problem propped up. As the parents decided to seek alternative treatments for Alfie, the UK government by recommendation of the doctors took custody of him. In short, the government chose to usurp parental rights from mom and dad, while rejecting treatment elsewhere. The state agreed to it would be in the best interest of the child that they would resolve the fate of Alfie.

Alfie’s case took notice of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis and Italian government offered to take on Alfie’s care. Alfie would be treated by a Vatican sponsored hospital and the Italian government would grant him honorary Italian citizenship. But it was all in vain, for the UK government would deny Alfie’s transfer to Italy.

Alfie’s case took notice of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis and Italian government offered to take on Alfie’s care. Alfie would be treated by a Vatican sponsored hospital, and the Italian government would grant him honorary Italian citizenship. But it was all in vain, for the UK government would deny Alfie’s transfer to Italy.

In this strange case, the UK government took parental rights away from Alfie’s parents in the care of their own child. The state dismissed the rights of Alfie’s parents to seek help elsewhere. As a result, it showed a disturbing and outrageous act of the denial of human dignity and the notion of the sanctity of human life. More importantly, they took way and denied the parental rights as the natural rights of a stable and loving mother and father.

Friends, the crux of the issue is two-fold. First, the government is redefining morality by its own secular views. Second, the government is usurping the fundamental rights of parents and sacking the family as the primary institution for the care of its own members. Today’s passage will tell you that having parental rights and family is designed by God, and it is the locus in which a child is reared in God’s ways. Thus a government does not displace a family in the care of their own children. Let’s read and see what this passage has to say about this.

In this strange case, the UK government took parental rights away from Alfie’s parents. The state dismissed the rights of Alfie’s parents to seek help elsewhere. Consequently, the government showed a disturbing and outrageous act on their part, by denying parental rights as God-given natural rights and disregarding the sanctity of human life.

In this strange case, the UK government took parental rights away from Alfie’s parents. The state dismissed the rights of Alfie’s parents to seek help elsewhere. Consequently, the government showed a disturbing and outrageous act in their part, by denying parental rights as God given natural rights, and disregarding the sanctity of human life.

Friends, the crux of the issue is two-fold. First, the government is redefining what is right and wrong by secular standards that deviate far left from God’s ethics. Second, which is a resultant of the first issue, is the notion that the state has the right to sack an ordinary family as the primary institution for the care of its own members. Today’s passage will tell you something about parental rights. It will inform us that the family is designed by God, and it is the locus in which a child is to be reared in God’s ways. Let’s read and see what this passage has to say on this issue.

(ESV)

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, 18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. 20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. 32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

(ESV)

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, 18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. 20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. 32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

So let’s begin by examining three points concerning this passage. The first point is, heed to your godly parents. If you remember from the prologue, the last sentence was, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (, ESV). Fear of the Lord is the theme of Proverbs. It is the foundation of wisdom. As we read verse 8, Proverbs directs that the first step in learning to fear the Lord is learning to obey our parents.

Heed to your godly parents (8-9)

Let us begin by examining three points concerning this passage. Beginning with the first point, the passage says that we are to heed to your godly parents. If you recall the prologue, says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Fear of the Lord is the theme of Proverbs and the foundation of wisdom. Consequently, verse 8 direct us to the first step in learning the fear of the Lord, and that is to learn to obey our parents.

Let us begin by examining three points concerning this passage. Starting with the first point, the passage says that we are to heed to your godly parents. If you recall the prologue, says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Fear of the Lord is the theme of Proverbs and the foundation of wisdom. Consequently, verse 8 direct us to the first step in learning the fear of the Lord, and that is to learn to obey our parents.

If you have children, most people will describe the birth of a child as one of the greatest gifts and miracles of God. As you hold the child, you realize that is God’s child given to you. It is incredible to see that a human was formed out of your seed and now has a body, with little hands, a head, and a heart. The baby is a perfect human being. Also, we realize that this baby, who is loved by God, is entrusted to us for guidance. God has given us parental rights, with the charge to raise and guide him/her in fear of the Lord. God’s path of life for any children is given to the parents and no one else. Mainly since all of us are borne with a corrupted nature and programmed to act selfishly. Naturally, parents are the first given the role to teach them honor and obedience.

If you have children, most people will describe the birth of a child as one of the greatest gifts and miracles of God. As you hold the child, you realize that is God’s child given to you. It is incredible to see that a human was formed out of your seed and now has a body, with little hands, feet, a tiny head, and a beating heart. The baby is a perfect human being. We also acknowledge that this baby, who is loved by God, is entrusted to us for guidance. God has given us parental rights as natural rights, with the charge to raise them to know the fear of the Lord. Because we are all born with a corrupted nature and programmed to act selfishly, parents are first in line to teach them to honor and obey.

a) Why should children pay attention to their parents? (8)

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,” (1:8). The author chooses this command in this particular order on purpose. That is the very first lesson in his instruction to children. That is the very first basic truth that children must learn, which is to listen to their godly parents. Why is this order significant? Because the family is the institution, God uses to teach children and the parents as the trainers. Teaching children to submit to godly parents teaches them to submit to God.

Then children are not forsake the mother’s teaching. The usage of the term teaching, in this case, is the word ‘Torah.’ Parents must teach them God’s law. In such parents have a holy duty to teach children God’s holy commandments. This has been God’s plan from the onset, as Paul reminds us, that we are not to provoke our kids but to bring them up in the discipline of the Lord ().

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,” (1:8). The first basic truth that children must learn, is to listen to their godly parents. There is a purpose as to why this is the very first truth. It is because the family is the institution that God uses to teach children and the parents as trainers. It is by raising children to submit to godly parents that in turn teaches them to submit to God.

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,” (1:8). The first fundamental truth that children must learn is to listen to their godly parents. There is a purpose as to why this is the very first truth. It is because the family is the institution that God uses to teach children and the parents as trainers. It is by raising children to submit to godly parents that in turn teaches them to submit to God.

Children are not to forsake the mother’s teaching. The mother’s teachings are the Torah, God’s law. The mother has a role in teaching their children God’s law. The parents have the holy duty to teach children God’s holy commandments. Paul reminds us that we are not to provoke our kids but to bring them up in the discipline of the Lord ().

Children are not forsake the mother’s teaching. The mother’s teachings are the Torah, God’s law. The mother has a role to teach their children God’s law. The parents have the holy duty to teach children God’s holy commandments. Paul reminds us, that we are not to provoke our kids but to bring them up in the discipline of the Lord ().

b) Reasons for heeding to them (9)

“for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” (1:9). Why do children need to regard their parents? Because children who obey their parents are crowned with honor and respect. No one likes undisciplined children, particularly the wild, kind. Kids that grow unchecked will eventually turn into teenagers with a rebellious attitude. Who would want to be around these kinds of kids? Who would want to give them a job or even accept them into decent schools?

Verse 9 says, “for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Why do children need to regard their parents? Because children who obey their parents are crowned with honor and respect. No one likes undisciplined children, particularly the wild, kind. Kids that grow unchecked will eventually turn into teenagers with a rebellious attitude. Who like being around them? As they grow, who would want to give them a job and other things?

Verse 9 says, “for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Why do children need to regard their parents? Because children who obey their parents are crowned with honor and respect. No one likes undisciplined children, particularly the wild, kind. Kids that grow unchecked will eventually turn into teenagers with a rebellious attitude. Who like being around them? As they become, who would want to give them a job and other things?

The allusions to the garland and necklace speak to the beauty of a spirit of obedience. It is the promise of reward for being in tune with God’s way and will. As parents, we are to be reminded that rewards are potent tools in rearing our children. Praising our children in tangible ways stir them to do what is right; thus, proverbs acknowledge that rewards, if used properly, are OK for raising children.

The allusions of the garland and necklace speak to the beauty of a spirit of obedience. It is the promise of reward for being in tune with God’s will. Moreover, rewards are potent tools in educating our children. Praising our children in tangible ways stir them to do what is right. Proverbs acknowledge that rewards if appropriately used, are good for raising children.

A CNN report on millennials leaving the church stated that out of America’s major faiths, mainline Protestants had the worst retention rate of just 37% staying in the fold. The reason is that during childhood, parents did not spend enough time teaching Christian values. Another reason is divorce, which according to PRRI, causes instability while impacting the transmission of religious identity. Americans raised by divorced parents are less likely than married parents to have their child report attending religious services (21% vs. 34%).

The allusions of the garland and necklace speak to the beauty of a spirit of obedience. It is the promise of reward for being in tune with God’s will. Moreover, rewards are potent tools in educating our children. Praising our children in tangible ways stir them to do what is right. Proverbs acknowledge that rewards, if used properly, are goood for raising children.

A CNN report on millennials leaving the church stated that out of America’s major religions, mainline Protestants had the worst retention rate of just 37% of the millennials staying in the fold. It was concluded that the reason is that parents did not spend enough time teaching their children Christian values. Another reason was divorce, which according to the Public Religion Research Institute, causes instability while impacting the transmission of religious identity. Americans raised by divorced parents are less likely than married parents to have their child report attendance to religious services.

All this brings us to the fact that God designed stable families to raise His children. It is the role of parents, not churches, or government, or schools, or nannies, or grandparents to raise children. In the end, parents will have to give an account to God on how they shaped and molded their kids. In the end, the family is God’s ideal for teaching our children the fear of the Lord. The family is God’s school on how to live in this world.

A CNN report on millennials leaving the church stated that out of America’s major religions, mainline Protestants had the worst retention rate with just 37% of the millennials staying in the fold. It was concluded that the reason is because parents did not spend enough time teaching their children Christian values. Another reason was divorce, which according to the Public Religion Research Institute, causes instability while impacting the transmission of religious identity. Americans raised by divorced parents are less likely than married parents to have their child report attendance to religious services.

All this brings us to the fact that God chose families to raise His children. It is not the role of grandparents, schools, churches, or government to raise them for you. In the end, parents will have to give an account to God on how they shaped and molded His children. The family is God’s ideal for teaching our children the fear of the Lord. The family is God’s school on how to live in this world. Children, heed to your godly parents!

Do not heed the ungodly (10-19)

Amid all the bad we see in this world, at the end of the day the responsibility to teach and protect a child falls into the hands of the parents. Particularly knowing that there are a lot of things in this world that are very enticing in the negative direction. We also must consider that there is always the bad crowd tempting the kids to join them. Thus, parents hold a greater accountability in teaching children not to be bait. Bait is what you use to catch dumb fishes, so we have to be smart in putting some senses into them. In my case, I’m not your parent, but as pastor, I would feel accountable for helping you with some sense if I see you veering off into the ditch.

Amid all the bad we see in this world, at the end of the day the obligation to protect and teach children falls into the hands of the parents. Mainly when the world is very enticing. We consider that there is always the bad crowd tempting our children to the ways of the world. Thus, parents hold a greater accountability in instructing children not to be bait. Bait is what you use to catch dumb fishes. So, we must be smart in putting some senses into our children. I’m not your parent, but as pastor, I would feel accountable for helping you with some sense if I see you veering off into the ditch. But ultimately the responsibility will fall on your parents.

Amid all the bad we see in this world, at the end of the day the obligation to protect and teach children falls in the hands of the parents. Particularly when the world is very enticing. We consider that there is always the bad crowd tempting our children to the ways of the world. Thus, parents hold a greater accountability in instructing children not to be bait. Bait is what you use to catch dumb fishes. So, we must be smart in putting some senses into our children. I’m not your parent, but as pastor, I would feel accountable for helping you with some sense if I see you veering off into the ditch. But ultimately the responsibility will fall on your parents.

a) The ungodly will tempt you (10-14)

Remember that the ungodly will always try to tempt you, and sometimes the ungodly may not even look like a bad apple. In verse 10 the sinner is the person who follows an open lifestyle of unrestrained sin. Have you ever heard of this idea of open relationships or lifestyle? Does it sound enticing to you in having more than one partner even in marriage? To some, it sounds innocent, and particularly in a liberal society, it may even sound acceptable as a new way to experiencing life. They speak of freedom, an abundance of feelings, and even market as an alternative spiritual path. Those who advocate such ideas don’t usually operate alone, and they are always zealous to add more people to their fold. These sinful ideas and ways of living have serious consequences. If these ideas go unchecked and are inculcated in young people, what do you think will happen when they continue to grow older?

In whatever circumstance, there will always be those voices enticing the young bucks. Especially when they are pressured to cave in. Sadly at times, these pressure may even come from shameful adults. As such, the teacher of wisdom is telling us that these wayward voices want to harm others for the sake of recreation, for they take pleasure in taking advantage of the innocent. It’s a game where they attack the vulnerable while seducing and hurting our kids to join them with promises of pleasure and gain.

Remember that the ungodly will always try to lure you. Many times, the ungodly will look like a pleasurable apple. In verse 10 the sinner is the person who follows an open lifestyle of unrestrained sin. For example, have you ever heard of this idea of open relationships or lifestyle? Does it sound inviting to you in having more than one partner even in marriage? To some, it sounds innocent, and particularly in a liberal society, it may even sound acceptable as a new way to experience life. They speak of freedom, an abundance of feelings, and even market as an alternative spiritual path. Those who advocate such ideas don’t usually operate alone, and they are always zealous to add more people to their fold. These sinful ideas and ways of living have serious consequences. If these ideas go unchecked and are inculcated in our young people, what do you think will happen as they grow older?

Remember that the ungodly will always try to tempt you. Many times, the ungodly will look like a pleasurable apple. In verse 10 the sinner is the person who follows an open lifestyle of unrestrained sin. For example, have you ever heard of this idea of open relationships or lifestyle? Does it sound inviting to you in having more than one partner even in marriage? To some, it sounds innocent, and particularly in a liberal society, it may even sound acceptable as a new way to experience life. They speak of freedom, an abundance of feelings, and even market as an alternative spiritual path. Those who advocate such ideas don’t usually operate alone, and they are always zealous to add more people to their fold. These sinful ideas and ways of living have serious consequences. If these ideas go unchecked and are inculcated in our young people, what do you think will happen as they grow older?

In whatever circumstance, there will always be those voices enticing the young bucks. Especially when they are pressured to cave in. Sadly, these pressures may even come from disgraceful adults. As such, the teacher of wisdom is telling us that these wayward voices want to harm others for the sake of recreation. For they take pleasure in taking advantage of the innocent. It’s a game where they attack the vulnerable while seducing and hurting our kids to join them with promises of pleasure and gain.

b) The godly will turn away (15-19)

Turn away from the vanity of the world. Turn away from the path that leads to the hole. The truth is that no one becomes liberally sinful at once. The road to the rabbit hole starts one step at a time, and harder it becomes to turn back.

Turn away from the vanity of the world. Turn away from the path that leads to the dark hole. The truth is that no one becomes liberally sinful at once. The road to the rabbit hole starts one step at a time and becomes harder and harder to turn back.

There is a reason why the young buck must resist the sinner. First, is because sinners dive their big heads pretty fast into sin (1:16). Second, sinners don’t have a clue of the costs of their own their sinful ways. Even birds no better not to fall into a trap. The evil people have less foresight and dumber than birds (1:17). Third, the sinner’s waylay of others will led to their own death (1:18). The ultimate fate of sinners is death. There is always retribution either by natural causes or divine judgment (1:18).

The end of the day, the message is this. Young people are easily influenced by the bad company. In turn, lousy company corrupt morals as Paul says in .

The teacher of wisdom gives reasons why the young buck must resist the sinner. First, is because sinners dive their big heads fast into sin (1:16). Second, sinners don’t have a clue of the detriments of their own their sinful ways. Even birds no better not to fall into a trap. Evil people have less prudence and are dumber than birds (1:17). Third, the sinners waylay of others will led to their own death (1:18). The fate of sinners is death. In the end there will like be a retribution either by natural causes or divine judgment (1:18).

The teacher of wisdom gives reasons why the young buck must resist the sinner. First, is because sinners dive their big heads fast into sin (1:16). Second, sinners don’t have a clue of the detriments of their own their sinful ways. Even birds no better not to fall into a trap. Evil people have less prudence and are dumber than birds (1:17). Third, the sinners waylay of others will led to their own death (1:18). The fate of sinners is death. In the end, there will likely be retribution either by natural causes or divine judgment (1:18).

So, the message is this. Young people are easily influenced by the bad company. As Paul says in , lousy company corrupt morals.

Let me finish this point with this little story, and if you didn’t pay attention to my previous points, I hope you get the low down of what I am trying to say in this story. So a farmer, troubled by a flock of crows in his cornfield, loaded his shotgun and crawled unseen along the fence-row, determined to get a shot at the crows. Now the farmer had a very “sociable” parrot who made friends with everybody. Seeing the flock of crows, the parrot flew over and joined them (just being sociable, you know). The farmer saw the crows but didn’t see the parrot. He took careful aim and BANG! The farmer crawled over the fence to pick up the fallen crows, and lo, there was his parrot—badly ruffled, with a broken wing, but still alive. Tenderly, the farmer carried the parrot home, where his children met him. Seeing that their pet was injured, they tearfully asked, “What happened, Papa.” Before he could answer, the parrot spoke up: “Bad company!”

So, the message is this. Young people are easily influenced by the evil company. As Paul says in , lousy company corrupt morals.

Let me finish this point with this little story, and if you didn’t pay attention to my previous points, I hope you get the low down of what I am trying to say in this story. A farmer, troubled by a flock of crows in his cornfield, loaded his shotgun and crawled unseen along the fence-row, determined to get a shot at the crows. Now the farmer had a very “sociable” parrot who made friends with everybody. Seeing the flock of crows, the parrot flew over and joined them (just being sociable, you know). The farmer saw the crows but didn’t see the parrot. He took careful aim and BANG! The farmer crawled over the fence to pick up the fallen crows, and lo, there was his parrot—badly ruffled, with a broken wing, but still alive. Tenderly, the farmer carried the parrot home, where his children met him. Seeing that their pet was injured, they tearfully asked, “What happened, Papa.” Before he could answer, the parrot spoke up: “Bad company!” So, again to echo the second point. Do not heed to the ungodly.

Heed to the plea of wisdom (20-33)

The third point, heed to the plea of wisdom.

Third point, heed to the plea of wisdom.

Interestingly, the author of Proverbs knew that those cities were places where people were vulnerable to hear different opinions. It is in crowded places like Baltimore or DC that liberal ideas float and whisper seductive thoughts. But it also in these crowded places that wisdom finds herself shouting and asking people to notice her. Wisdom doesn’t discriminate, and she is generous to the simpletons, the mockers, and even the fools. When wisdom calls, she is asking us to pay heed to her plea to listen.

a) Wisdom’s appeal (20-22)

It is interesting that the author of Proverbs knew that cities were a marketplace of ideas; thus, making people vulnerable to corrupt views. It is in crowded places like NY, DC, or Baltimore that liberal ideas float and whisper seductive thoughts. But it also in these overcrowded places that wisdom finds herself shouting and asking people to take notice of her. Wisdom doesn’t discriminate, for she is far generous even to the naive, the disdainers, and the fools. When wisdom calls, she is pleading us to listen and pay attention to her.

Still, Wisdom makes a heartfelt plea. When Wisdom invites us, it is both bitter and brief. When Wisdom asks how long, it means that she is dissatisfied with our delay in responding to her. Wisdom is broken-hearted because she knows that if you don’t hurry, then you will have to face the consequences. So, turn and respond, there is still time. Repent!

It is interesting that the author of Proverbs knew that cities were a marketplace of ideas; thus, making people vulnerable to corrupt views. It is in crowded places like NY, DC, or Baltimore that liberal ideas float and whisper seductive thoughts. But it also in these crowded places that wisdom finds herself shouting and asking people to take notice of her. Wisdom doesn’t discriminate, for she is far generous even to the naive, the disdainers, and the fools. When wisdom calls, she is pleading us to listen and pay attention to her.

Wisdom wants to pour out her spirit onto us, and if we respond to the spirit and receive Wisdom, then Wisdom will reveal herself to us.

b) Wisdom’s broken heart (22-30)

Wisdom makes a heartfelt plea. When Wisdom invites us, it is bitter and brief. When Wisdom asks how long, she is dissatisfied with our slow response Wisdom is broken-hearted because she knows that if you don’t hurry, there will be grievous consequences. So, turn and respond, there is still time to repent!

Look at wisdom’s attitude to people who do not know the fear the Lord. Wisdom calls stretch her hand (24), offer counsel (25), and reproves (26). In the other hand note the attitude of the sinful people towards wisdom. They refuse, give no heed (24), ignore her counsel, and refuse to accept loving correction (25).

Wisdom makes a heartfelt plea. When Wisdom invites us, it is bitter and brief. When Wisdom asks how long, she is dissatisfied with our slow response Wisdom is broken-hearted because she knows that if you don’t hurry, there will be grievous consequences. So, turn and respond, there is still time to repent!

The heart of wisdom is the heart of God, and God’s heart is broken when God wants to help His creation, and yet they do not respond. As a result, there is bleak future, and it will be horrible when it comes time to face judgment. Verse 26 says that wisdom will laugh, but what does that mean? Bruce Waltke suggests that “Wisdom does laugh at the disaster but at the triumph of what is right over what is wrong when your disaster happens.”

Wisdom calls and wants to pour out her spirit onto us. If we respond to the spirit and receive Wisdom, then she will reveal herself to us.

Look at how wisdom calls. She stretches her hand (24), offers counsel (25), and reproves (26). In the other hand note the attitude of the sinner’s rejection of her call. They refuse, and give no heed to her (24), they ignore her counsel and refuse to accept her loving correction (25).

Look at how wisdom calls. She stretchs her hand (24), offer counsel (25), and reproves (26). In the other hand note the attitude of the sinner’s rejection of her call. They refuse, and give no heed to her (24), they ignore her counsel, and refuse to accept her loving correction (25).

The heart of wisdom is the heart of God, and God’s heart is broken when God wants to help His creation, and yet they do not respond. There is a bleak future with horrible consequences to those who do not heed to the plea of wisdom. In the end, wisdom will laugh at the calamity befallen to those who did not give her the time of day. But what do you mean she will laugh? Bruce Waltke clarifies that “Wisdom does not laugh at the disaster itself but at the triumph of what is right over what is wrong when your disaster happens.”

As noted before there are consequences for rejecting wisdom. But God gives us the freedom to choose. Have you heard people say, how can a loving God send somebody to hell? How can he be so cruel and judgmental? It wasn’t God that sent them to hell, but themselves. God pleaded with them, and they rejected Him.

The heart of wisdom is the heart of God, and God’s heart is broken when God wants to help His creation, and yet they do not respond. There is a bleak future with horrible consequences to those who do not heed to the plea of wisdom. In the end, wisdom will laugh at the calamity befallen to those who did not give her the time of day. But what do you mean she will laugh? Bruce Waltke clarifies that “Wisdom does not laugh at the disaster itself but at the triumph of what is right over what is wrong when your disaster happens.”

c) Wisdom’s judgment to the ungodly (31-32)

God gives us the freedom to choose. Have you heard people say, how can a loving God send somebody to hell? How can he be so cruel and judgmental? It wasn’t God that sent them to hell, but themselves. God pleaded with them, but they rejected Him. All who reject God’s wisdom will face judgement.

For the wise, the future is hopeful. For the one who heeds to wisdom’s plea, there is the love and grace of God. There is a reward to those who turn fear the Lord through Christ Jesus. Christ who is the wisdom of God.

Christ is the wisdom of God. Christ pleas for you to respond to Him. Christ does not care if you are a fool, a simpleton, or a mocker, He just wants you to turn to Him. He asks, He pleas, He is broken hearted for your delay in answering Him. However, know there are consequences if we do not heed to Him. Ezekiel says that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, for He wants them to turn from their evil ways. But one cannot escape judgment, as Paul reminds us that we must all appear before Christ, and each will receive what is due, whether good or evil.

d) Wisdom’s reward to the godly (33)

For the wise, the future is hopeful. For the one who heeds to wisdom’s plea, there is the love and grace of God. There is a reward to those who turn to the fear the Lord through Christ Jesus. Wisdom is revealed in the person of Christ. Remember what says, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Christ is the wisdom of God, and He pleas for you to respond to Him. Christ does not care if you are a naïve, a mocker, or a fool. He just wants you to turn to Him. He asks, He pleas, He is broken hearted when we don’t respond. Let us remind you of the consequences if we do not heed to our Lord Jesus. There will be judgment, not because he takes pleasure in the death of the wicked as Ezekiel reminds us. For He truly wants all people to turn from their evil ways and come to Him. But in the end, Paul reminds us that we must all appear before Christ, and each will receive what is due, whether good or evil.

Let me finish today by reading to you Luke’s story of Lazarus.

Christ is the wisdom of God, and He pleads for you to respond to Him. Christ does not care if you are a naïve, a mocker, or a fool. He just wants you to turn to Him. He asks, He pleas, He is broken-hearted when we don’t respond. Let us remind you of the consequences if we do not heed to our Lord Jesus. There will be judgment, not because he takes pleasure in the death of the wicked as Ezekiel reminds us. For He indeed wants all people to turn from their evil ways and come to Him. But in the end, Paul tells us that we must all appear before Christ, and each will receive what is due, whether good or evil.

Conclusion

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (, ESV)

Christ loves us. Christ calls for us. When we realize that the speaking wisdom is Christ, we are reminded of our attitude towards Him. Christ longs to live in us, change us, and rescue us from the consequences of sin. But we must also be reminded that God’s disposition to sinners who reject Him will find themselves in a not so happy place.

Let me finish today by reading to you Luke’s story of Lazarus.

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (, ESV)

As I reiterate the points remember, (1) to heed to your good parents, (2) to heed not to the ungodly, and finally (3) to heed to the plea of wisdom.

Christ loves us. Christ calls for us. When we note Christ speaking to us, we are reminded of our attitude towards Him. Christ longs to live in us, change us, and rescue us from the consequences of sin. But we must also be reminded that God’s disposition to sinners who reject Him will find themselves in a not so happy of a place.

Christ loves us. Christ calls for us. When we note Christ is speaking to us, we are reminded of our attitude towards Him. Christ longs to live in us, change us, and rescue us from the consequences of sin. But we must also be reminded that God’s disposition to sinners who reject Him will find themselves in a not so happy of a place.

I wind end by reiterating the three points, (1) heed to your godly parents, (2) Do not heed to the ungodly, and finally (3) heed to the plea of wisdom.

The Guidance of Godly Parents

Introduction

Heed to your godly parents (8-9)

Heed to your godly parents (8-9)

a) Why should children pay attention to their parents? (8)

a) Why should children pay attention to their parents? (8)

b) Reasons for heeding to them (9)

b) Reasons for heeding to them (9)

Heed not to the ungodly (10-19)

Do not heed the ungodly (10-19)

a) The ungodly will tempt you (10-14)

a) The ungodly will tempt you (10-14)

b) The godly will turn away (15-19)

b) The godly will turn away (15-19)

Heed to the plea of wisdom (20-33)

Heed to the plea of wisdom (20-33)

a) Wisdom’s appeal (20-22)

a) Wisdom’s appeal (20-22)

b) Wisdom’s broken heart (22-30)

b) Wisdom’s broken heart (22-30)

c) Wisdom’s judgment to the ungodly (31-32)

d) Wisdom’s reward to the godly (33)

c) Wisdom’s judgment to the ungodly (31-32)

d) Wisdom’s reward to the godly (33)

Conclusion

Conclusion