THE PROTECTION AGAINST GREED (1)

Text: Proverbs 1:8‐9

Prevention is always better than cure. To cure someone who has been sick or hurt means that the harm has already been done. Rectification of a sad state or sinful condition is never better than not having committed that sin at all. It is true that with repentance from sin, there is forgiveness from God. However, repentance does not mean the removal of the consequences of sin. There are two distinct features in the process of forgiveness. For example, God forgave King David for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba but David had to face the consequences of his sin. Our own experiences with sin affirm this understanding of the consequences of sin.
A.
From Parents to Children – v 8
a. It is presumed that parents know the Word of God and possess the fear of God in their hearts. On this basis they are to impart to their children the Word of God which is called “instruction and law” in this verse. The parents’ knowledge of the Word of God is paramount to instructing their children. They cannot teach if they do not know! They must, therefore, be students of God’s Word all their lives;
 

b. “Hear” and “Forsake not” are verbs synonymous in their understanding. To hear is always to hear and to obey. This is the meaning of the usage of this word in relation to God’s Word. Stating it negatively is the meaning of verb “forsake not.” Both carry the strength of the imperative;
 

c.“Instruction” and “law” are nouns that refer to the Word of God from two different perspectives. “Instruction” is the same word used in verse 7 to mean “correction and chastisement.” The father has a duty to correct and if need be to chastise as well. As the head of the house overseeing the spiritual wellbeing of the household, it is his duty to ensure that his children are led in the way of God, i.e. the way of righteousness according to Holy Scriptures;
 

d.“Law” refers to the expressly stated commandments that are non‐negotiable, which definitely includes the Ten Commandments but not limited to them. They must be obeyed without question. The mother takes over the role of the father in nurturing the children at home, especially when the father is out of town or in the fields working throughout the day;

e. Bringing up children is always the responsibility of both parents. The head is the father and the LORD will hold him accountable for the spiritual wellbeing of his household. However, the mother is also responsible as the “second in command” to teach the children the Word of God