Proverbs 23:12-23
Q.1. What wise advice was given to both parents and children? – (Prov.23:12-16, 22-23)
Parents are instructed to place boundaries in the life of children as they grow … and to reinforce those boundaries. Reasonable punishment will not kill a child. Instead, it will – rescue his soul from Sheol (Prov.23:13-14). As well, children are commanded – Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old (Prov.23:22). It is clear that the earning and giving of respect are foundational to family life and should continue even into old age. This starts with making a commitment to live by godly principles. When children embrace this lifestyle, it brings gladness to both families and communities.
Q.2. How can we avoid spiritual shipwreck? What attitude should we cultivate toward God? – (Prov.23:17-21)
We should learn to live with a healthy fear of God and of His displeasure. This will prevent us from envying sinners and give us a future and a sure hope. The writer warned against making friends with those who cannot control their appetite for strong drink or eating, which will lead to poverty. The writer warned – 20 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with rags (Prov.23:20-21). If we seek out godly people to be close friends, this will make it easier to please God.