Proverbs for parents
Proverbs opens as a parent teaching a child (chapters 1 to 9), so it speaks naturally to parents. Its picture is patient teaching, loving correction and a life of integrity that the children see.
8My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching; 9for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.
Both father and mother teach. Their instruction is pictured as a garland for the head and a chain around the neck, something beautiful to wear.
1Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction. Pay attention and know understanding; 2for I give you sound learning. Don’t forsake my law. 3For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother. 4He taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live.
Faith passed down: a father teaches what his own father taught him. Tell your children what you were taught.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Train a child in the way he should go. Read it as a strong general pattern for parents, not a promise that removes a child’s own choices.
11My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline, neither be weary of his correction; 12for whom Yahweh loves, he corrects, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
God corrects those he loves, the way a father corrects a son he delights in. Correction flows from delight, not irritation.
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
Consistent, loving correction leads to peace at home.
A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
Children are blessed by a parent’s integrity more than by any lesson.
She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue.
Wisdom and kindness together. This chapter began as a mother’s teaching to her son (31:1).
Try this week
Read one day of our 31 Days of Proverbs for Kids with your child at dinner each night this week, and ask the question at the bottom.
With your kids
The same wisdom, for children 4 to 10: Day 23: Make your parents glad; Day 31: Wise words and kind words; Day 4: Get wisdom.