“Wisdom” is a term that is not used much in contemporary culture. And, looking around at what is happening in our world, its practice is even more scarce. However, this must not be the case in our homes and churches. Our homes and churches, by God’s grace, should be “wisdom factories” for the glory of God and the joy of our children. But what exactly is wisdom, and why is it important for their lives? How does wisdom take root and grow? Shouldn’t we just keep focusing children on the gospel?
Here is a recent post from John MacArthur:
Teaching children the gospel by no means exhausts the parents’ teaching responsibility. Also bound up in the principle of Deuteronomy 6:6–7 is the duty of teaching our children wisdom for life. The gospel is the necessary starting-point, because “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10, emphasis added). No one is truly wise who rejects or disregards the gospel message.
But beyond the truths of the gospel are also many vital biblical lessons about character, integrity, justice, prudence, discernment, and all the practical issues of life. Parents are charged with the duty of carefully training their children with godly wisdom in all such matters.
The book of Proverbs is an inspired summary of practical wisdom. The sayings recorded there were assembled by Solomon for his son’s sake. Most of them were actually written by Solomon but some are others’ proverbs, collected by Solomon. The best wisdom of several ancient sages is thus compiled in Solomon’s Book of Proverbs with the seal of divine inspiration guaranteeing that these sayings are “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Proverbs is therefore a fitting textbook for parents, and fathers in particular, to teach their children the kind of practical wisdom necessary for successful God-honoring life.
(John MacArthur, “What are Your Children Learning from You?”)
God has given His people a “textbook” of wisdom. This coming school year is an ideal time to focus on the book of Proverbs as well as other key wisdom literature in the Bible. Here are two Truth78 resources specifically written with that in mind:
The Way of the Wise: A Study for Children on Wisdom and Foolishness
- 28-lesson curriculum
- Targeted for 2nd- 5th grade, but easily adaptable as an intergenerational study for church, school, or home
- Ideal for use during the teaching time of a midweek children’s program
Wisdom Quest (formerly Wisdom Calls Aloud): Discovering Biblical Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord
- 5 Lessons structured to be used as a Backyard Bible Club or Vacation Bible School
- Kindergarten-6th Grade
- 26 chapters written for elementary-aged children
- Can easily be used as a family devotional
- Each chapter includes practical application questions and activities
