We all have children in our lives whom we are investing in. Whether we are their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, or friends of their parents, God has placed children in our lives whom we have the privilege of pouring into their lives. Not only is investing in their lives a privilege, but it is also a responsibility. Scripture reveals that raising the children in our lives well is a command that we must not take lightly.
The author of Proverbs 22 explains the responsibility parents and other caregivers have to raise the children in their lives well. He writes, "Direct your children onto the right path" (verse 6a). To direct someone on the right path means to point out the right direction they should go and warn them against taking the wrong path. Directing children on the right path means to point them to God and His Word. It means showing how to live in such a way that honors Him instead of living for the world. Directing children in this manner takes hard work, dedication, and time. Despite the challenge of raising children to follow and love Jesus, the hard work is always worth it. The author of this proverb shares a principle for children whose parents raise them to know and love God. He says, "When they are old, they will not leave it" (verse 6). Now, this does not guarantee that all children will grow up to be on the perfect, right path. Ultimately, the child has to decide what path to take. Raising children to know and love God does, however, give them the knowledge and understanding of what path to walk on, both in the present moment and the future.
God has blessed each of us with children in our lives to help raise. Take some time to think about the weight of this command in Proverbs 22:6. Is this a calling you have been taking seriously, or have you been expecting someone else to provide the guidance described in Proverbs 22? What steps can you take today to direct your children well so that they know the right path to follow? After all, this is a command in Scripture that must be taken seriously.
Take some time now to think about the children God has placed in your life to invest in. Maybe you are thinking of your own sons and daughters. Perhaps you are thinking about a grandchild or a niece or nephew. Maybe you are thinking about some of your friend's children. Write down Proverbs 22:6 on a sheet of paper. Under the verse, write down the names of the children God has placed in your life. Let this passage of Scripture remind you that investing in the lives of the children in your life is an honor that must be taken very seriously.
1Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord made them both.
3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4 True humility and fear of the Lord
lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
whoever values life will avoid it.
6 Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7 Just as the rich rule the poor,
so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
and their reign of terror will come to an end.
9 Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.
10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
will have the king as a friend.
12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge,
but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!
If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;
those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.
15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,
but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor
or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Sayings of the Wise
17 Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings for you,
filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth
and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
or exploit the needy in court.
23 For the Lord is their defender.
He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24 Don’t befriend angry people
or associate with hot-tempered people,
25 or you will learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.
26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
or put up security for someone else.
27 If you can’t pay it,
even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
set up by previous generations.
29 Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings
rather than working for ordinary people.