(Prov 28:7 CEV) It makes good sense to obey the Law of God, but you disgrace your parents if you make friends with worthless nobodies.
This morning we continue our “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God” series. Solomon has already taught us that we, as parents, have a Godly responsibility to teach and train our children in accordance with God’s Word, to pour into them all that has been poured into us, and to manage our finances well so that we can leave them and our grandchildren an inheritance. The children, however, also have their own set of Godly responsibilities. Here Solomon gives us two things young people should do: obey God’s law (His Word), and choose their friends wisely. If they do these things they will bring honor to God and to the parents, but if they fail to do them, they will head down the road that leads to disgrace. Let’s take a closer look at each of these suggestions:
1. Obey God’s law (His Word): Think about the beauty of the Word of God. The answers to all of life’s questions are found within the pages of the Word of God. Most of us have more than one Bible, but many of us fail to read them. The fact that we have God’s will documented is amazing. John MacArthur said this about the Bible: “This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers… Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you…. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully… It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever!” The creator saw to it that the creation would have a record of His instructions and all we have to do it read it, obey it, and then enjoy the fruits of living a life that is pleasing to God. Children, honor God and your parents by living in accordance with the Word. Your parents have a responsibility to share the Word with you, but you have a responsibility to receive it, believe it, apply it, and live by it!
2. Choose your friends wisely: Have you ever noticed how you can either be positively or negatively impacted by those you hang around? Make no mistake, both wisdom and foolishness can be transferred by association (see Prov 13:20). Back in chapter 24 Solomon said, “Don’t envy evil people or desire their company” (24:1). In the New Testament Paul said, “Bad company corrupts good character” (1st Cor 15:33). As parents, we drive home into our children the importance of choosing the right friends. Too much exposure to the wrong people will make our children vulnerable to becoming the wrong persons. We know that, but we pray that our children would heed our warning. So children, who you will be in five years will be greatly influenced by the friends you choose and the books you read (that’s why it’s important to read the Word of God). Listen to your parents and surround yourself with people that will help support God’s plan for your life.
So what does this mean to you today? I believe I’ve already covered it, but just to summarize:
1. Don’t fight against the wisdom your parents attempt to pour into your life.
2. Surround yourself with people who will help you fulfill your divine destiny.
3. Never do anything that will dishonor God or your family name.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for leaving me Your Word. Your Word is Your will documented. Your Word contains the answers to life’s most challenging questions. I declare, by faith, that I shall read Your Word daily and it becomes the ruler by which I judge the major decisions of my life. I get Your Word down in my heart so strong that it becomes the foundation for my life. I also understand the importance of the company I keep. I know bad company corrupts good character. Therefore, I refuse to surround myself with the wrong people. Wisdom and foolishness are transferred by association, so I choose to only surround myself with people of like precious faith; people that are striving to be all that You desire for them to be; people of Godly passion and purpose. I associate with the wise and I become wise myself! This way I will bring honor to You, to my parents, and to my family name. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
