IMPACTFUL PARENTING (1)

“My son, hear the Instruction of your FATHER, and do not forsake the law of your MOTHER” – Proverbs 1:8

Preferably, it takes the partnership of father and mother to produce IMPACTFUL PARENTING: “My son, hear the Instruction of your FATHER, and do not forsake the law of your MOTHER” (Pro.1:8). Our meditation passage provides an enlightening framework for Impactful Parenting, emphasizing the core principles of wisdom, instruction, and protection from negative influences and destructive tendencies. It outlines the parents’ duty to provide guidance and a child’s responsibility to receive it. It further highlights the benefits of following a wise path and the dangers of associating with the unrighteous and wicked.

Scriptures establish the supreme value of wisdom and knowledge, which parents are responsible for teaching their children. Impactful parenting cultivates an atmosphere where wisdom is cherished: “a wise man will hear and will increase learning” (v.5a). The children are raised to know that learning is a lifelong pursuit rooted in the fear of or reverence for God (v.7). Ideally, both parents have a vital and complimentary role in a child’s spiritual and moral education, with the father often providing firm discipline and the mother offering nurturing instruction. In turn, obedience to parental wisdom is framed as a source of personal honour, likened to a “graceful ornament” (v.9). Following parental guidance is a noble path that builds character and reputation.

Primary to Impactful parenting is the call to actively protect the children from negative influences. Verses 10-16 present a stark warning against failing for the seductive enticement of sinful peers. They must be intentionally cautioned about and guarded against the temptations of bad company. The passage describes how “sinners entice” by appealing to greed, belonging, and a desire for easy gain (vv.10-14). The instruction is direct – explicit refusal of evil: “My son, do not walk in the way with them” (v.15a). Impactful parenting teaches children to recognize and refuse to participate in destructive behaviour. This requires building enough trust and a strong relationship so that a child feels they can confidently reject corruptive peer influence.

In practical terms, Impactful Parents:

Establish a God-fearing Home: based on the foundation that true knowledge and wisdom come from reverencing God, and modelling this in their own lives.

Engage in active instruction: Ideally, both parents regularly and intentionally create a unified and reinforcing message.

Build strong relationships: The “my son” language indicates affectionate parent-child relationship – discipline rooted in love.

Prepare the children for the world: Trained to choose wisely; equipped to recognize and resist specific worldly allurements.

Prioritize character over material gain: They reinforce in the children that the wisdom they receive is a more valuable treasure and a greater source of honour than any material possessions promised by the wicked.