Wisdom’s Home – Proverbs 24:3-7

Lorna Johnson writes on TheOdysseyOnline.com, “My parents have raised me to be strong and independent, just like them. And they have consistently made me feel safe and loved since day one. I probably don’t remind them enough that I am so thankful for everything that they do for me, and for all of the life lessons they have taught me. My parents are my role models. My heroes. And here are just some of the reasons why.”  She goes on to list 15 reasons why her parents are heroes.

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.  Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth. (Proverbs 24:3–7, ESV)

Do you have a good home?  Do you want a good home?  Do you have strength?  Do you want to use your strength to benefit others?  Only wisdom, that is, godly character and ways of interacting with others, will give you that.

I was talking with a man recently whose daughter, now divorced from an abusive man, was hurting over the way her stepson was still being treated by his father and wished the stepson could live with her instead of his dad.  The young man is already exhibiting poor ability to cope with life and a sense of worthlessness. 

I’ve always appreciated heroism and love tales of the heroic things people do, but it struck me that being a godly parent and giving your kids an environment and instruction that enables them to thrive is, in and of itself, a heroic thing.  Oh for more heroes.

But parents aren’t usually heroic on their own.  What applies to war applies to parenting, as well.  In the abundance of counselors there is victory.  We can help each other become wise and avoid being fools who have no influence at all.