Proverbs is one of those books in the Bible we often use to teach our children the way of wisdom. Yet to be honest, I’ve struggled at times to know how to teach my children the book of Proverbs. I don’t want to teach them Proverbs as merely a long list of do’s and don’ts. I don’t want it to be a moralistic lesson. I want to teach them Proverbs in the context of the story of redemption, with Christ as center, wisdom incarnate.
As parents, we desire that our children walk in the way of wisdom. We teach them what is right and wrong. We read them God’s Word and help them store it in their hearts. When they are foolish, we lead them back to the narrow path. All because we long for them to live their lives for the glory of God.
Proverbs is one of those books in the Bible we often use to teach our children the way of wisdom. Yet to be honest, I’ve struggled at times to know how to teach my children the book of Proverbs. I don’t want to teach them Proverbs as merely a long list of do’s and don’ts. I don’t want it to be a moralistic lesson. I want to teach them Proverbs in the context of the story of redemption, with Christ as center, wisdom incarnate.
. It’s a family devotional suitable for elementary age children. It teaches Proverbs through a Christ-centered lens. There are 12 weeks of devotions, with 5 days of devotions for each week. Each day has a passage to read, a devotional that unpacks the concept, questions to discuss, and a prayer topic. Each week also includes a song or activity to do together as a family. points to Christ as the truly wise One, who has succeeded where we cannot.“Jesus is the living Word who came down from heaven. When reading Proverbs, keep in mind the truth that Jesus is the Word. Jesus shows us God. For example, when we read, “Obey my words. Store up my commands inside you” (Proverbs 7.1 NIrV), we need to remember that Jesus is God’s Words and our greatest treasure. Remembering this helps us to think correctly about how to make the wisdom of Proverbs part of our everyday lives. In Proverbs we don’t only have good advice, we have Jesus who is perfect Wisdom.” (p. 60).
This devotional does not go through the entire book of Proverbs, rather it unpacks specific ones, particularly those that apply to children: obedience, honesty, diligence, love, friendship. After using this devotional, it might be good to follow up by reading the book of Proverbs together and then discussing it, using what your children learned from the book. In addition, Sovereign Grace Music has developed songs to go along with the book, accessible from their website.
The book of Proverbs is rich with wisdom and direction for life in this fallen world, wisdom our children need. But as Marty Machowski encourages, we ought to “enjoy all of the practical direction in Proverbs, but remember, don’t try this without turning to Jesus for forgiveness, help, and direction. Jesus lives in the hearts of his people, empowering them to become like him, the wisest King of all.”
Christina Fox, a graduate of Covenant College, is a member of Treasure Coast Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Stuart, Fla. This article is used with permission.
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