7 day plan

Introducing Children to God and His Love

Day 2 of 7

NIV

Proverbs 22:6

6Start children off on the way they should go,

and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Reflection:  The upbringing and education of children is a significant and sacred responsibility. From birth, children are constantly learning, absorbing information and experiences from their environment. As parents, caregivers, and mentors, we have an invaluable opportunity to be role models and guides through life for our children.

However, it is also important to recognise that each person is a unique being with their own experiences and decisions. Despite our efforts as parents, we cannot completely control the course of their lives, each person has the free will that was given by God.

That is why this verse also requires that we trust God, who is the best guide and teacher. We can educate our children with love and dedication, but we also need to entrust their future in the hands of the Lord. He has a unique and perfect plan for each one of them, and we can trust that his grace and love will accompany them at all times.

As the Bible Society, we support children with cancer in Nicaragua. Even in the midst of helplessness and despair, the parents have taught us that, as they embrace and share quality and warm times with their children, the Bible fills them with hope in God. Regardless of their knowledge, they teach their children to trust him.

Prayer:  Dear God, we thank you for the wonderful gift of children. We ask that you grant us the wisdom and strength to educate and guide them in your ways from an early age. Father, may our actions and words bear witness to your love and grace, so that our children see in us a reflection of your goodness and mercy. Help us to be living examples of a life committed to you. We trust that as our children grow older, they will follow your teachings and walk in your ways. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Days

Proverbs 22:1-29

1A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2Rich and poor have this in common:

The Lord is the Maker of them all.

3The prudent see danger and take refuge,

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

4Humility is the fear of the Lord;

its wages are riches and honor and life.

5In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,

but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

6Start children off on the way they should go,

and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

7The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,

and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

9The generous will themselves be blessed,

for they share their food with the poor.

10Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

quarrels and insults are ended.

11One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace

will have the king for a friend.

12The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!

I’ll be killed in the public square!”

14The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;

a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.

15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

16One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;

apply your heart to what I teach,

18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart

and have all of them ready on your lips.

19So that your trust may be in the Lord,

I teach you today, even you.

20Have I not written thirty sayings for you,

sayings of counsel and knowledge,

21teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,

so that you bring back truthful reports

to those you serve?

Saying 2

22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor

and do not crush the needy in court,

23for the Lord will take up their case

and will exact life for life.

Saying 3

24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,

do not associate with one easily angered,

25or you may learn their ways

and get yourself ensnared.

Saying 4

26Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge

or puts up security for debts;

27if you lack the means to pay,

your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Saying 5

28Do not move an ancient boundary stone

set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6

29Do you see someone skilled in their work?

They will serve before kings;

they will not serve before officials of low rank.