Teaching Proverbs

Summer is now here and it is a great time for taking on a lighter schedule. In our home in the summer we continue with the schooling but our school time is not as “official” during the summer as it is during the rest of the academic year. Learning is a continual action and as we go along we are always talking about things. Most importantly however we never take a break from learning the things of God.

For this season something really good for us to focus on in our Bible study time is the Proverbs. They are very simple statements that are there to help make us wise in life and make us think. The best thing about them is that they are not just wise sayings by wise men but they are inspired writings. God ordained Scripture and preserved it for us so we would have instructions to live our life by. They are easy statements to ponder and live out day by day. God didn’t want us living our lives without direction that is why He gave us His Word.

Chapter one of the book of Proverbs speaks of the importance of studying this book. It states proverbs are good, “for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance- for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise” (Proverbs 1:1-6).

Now just in that list alone there are many good reasons to study them. But I wanted to specifically point out that it points out that they are good for giving knowledge and discretion to the young. Is not that our goal in teaching our children? I love that God left us something for guidance in that area. He knew parents wanted this for their children!

Yet also the Proverbs are two-fold because they are also good for our attaining of wisdom. Besides the Bible can you give me any other book that is good for all ages? That is the beauty of God’s word! It is alive and active. It is useful for every good work. It teaches the young and the old at the right level.

If you want to join me in this study with your children here are a few tips I have found. The first nine chapters of the book speaks much about wisdom and folly so we discussed this issue over and over and used activities like examples and role playing based on some of the passages. We would practice different situations in their lives where they can practice choosing wisdom over folly. Also, in these chapters the fear of the Lord is mentioned several times. That was also important to discuss what that means. After that starting with chapter ten on you can just choose a few sayings a day to focus on. Maybe discuss one at each meal. Talk about them and use examples. Find ways you can put those into practice. The entire family will benefit and can rejoice with each other as you all put them into practice. This can be a fun way to grow together in the Lord.

Angela Parsley, of the international ministry Refresh My Soul Ministries, is a wife and homeschooling mother to her 2 young daughters. Angela is also a contributing author to a devotional book entitled, “Standing on the Promises of God” and Radical Revolution, a devotional site for teen girls through Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Tags: Bible studies for kids, Bible study, devotional time, homeschooling, Proverbs home study, Summer School

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