PARENTHOOD
a divine stewardship

Principles for a Proper Human Life

Children must be trained concerning the principles for a proper human life. The book of Proverbs is a proficient support in providing a basis for training in appropriate human living. But to properly use the book of Proverbs, we need to realize the nature of the book. Brother Witness Lee in his life-study of Proverbs points out: "What the book of Proverbs is to us and what the entire Bible is to us depend on what kind of person we are. For the apostle Paul every book of the Old Testament was Spirit and life." For many of today's Christians the book of Proverbs is merely a book of ethics—teachings concerning moral practices. As believers, however, we should approach every book of the Bible as a book of Spirit and life. Nevertheless, theinstructions in the book of Proverbs related to upright human living can be strongly instrumental in the training of our children as the base for their human life. Through the proper application of the teachings in Proverbs we will also provide them with a sound preparation for them to receive the life of the Lord through regeneration. We, who have come to acutely realize that we cannot earn our own salvation, may fail to instill into our children a respect for human virtues. Thus, We may be in danger of neglecting the essential training that children need in basic principles for proper human living. Parents should be thoughtful and in much prayer, asking the Lord to show them how to implant in their children a reverence for God, including fearing God, trusting Him, and honoring Him. Witness Lee, commenting on this principle of revering God writes, "To revere God is to consider and regard Him in everything never forgetting that He is the wonderful God who has created us."

We must also teach our children that we, the people of His creation, need to seek our Creator's wisdom in all things. They should learn to ask the Lord for clear guidance in all matters pertaining to their human life. We should infuse them with an appreciation for the wisdom that God displays in His vast creation (Romans 1:19-20). And we must imbue them with the reality that all real wisdom is hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:2-3). Finally, they must be taught to honor their parents. To honor our parents is to remember our real source, that is, God Himself.

In this message we will consider from Proverbs the principles for man to live a proper human life. Each of these principles—revering God, needing wisdom, and honoring one's parents—is a nugget.

I. REVERING GOD

The first principle for man to live a proper human life is revering God. We should not only worship God but also revere Him. To revere God is to consider and regard Him in everything never forgetting that He is the wonderful God who has created us. When we are about to lose our temper, we should revere God. Revering God stops us from doing evil. Revering God also causes us to be touched by the sufferings of others and to show mercy and compassion to them….

A. Fearing God

To revere God is to fear God. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (1:7; 9:10; 15:33a). Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding come from God. If we fear Him, revering Him, these will be our possession.

If we seek wisdom like silver and search for her like hidden treasures, then we will understand the fear of Jehovah and find the knowledge of God (2:4-5). The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil (8:13). The fear of Jehovah prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened (10:27). He who walks in his uprightness fears Jehovah, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him (14:2). In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge. The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, that one may turn aside from the snares of death (vv. 26-27). Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah, than great treasure and turmoil with it (115:16). If we are rich in the fear of Jehovah, we will have peace.

B. Trusting in God

To revere God is also to trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-8 charges us to trust in Jehovah with all our heart and not to rely on our own understanding. In all our ways we should acknowledge Him, and He will make our paths straight. We should not be wise in our own eyes; we should fear Jehovah and depart from evil. This will be healing to our body and refreshment to our bones….

According to 3:26 Jehovah will be our confidence, and He will keep our foot from being caught. Every word of God is tried; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. We should not add to His words, lest He reprove us and we be found a liar (30:5-6). We must not change His word by adding something to it according to our point of view. This is dangerous.

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