The Stewardship of Lifelong Parenting
Proverbs 4:1-13 NLT
1My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment,
2for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
3For I, too, was once my father’s son,
tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.
4My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
5Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
6Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
7Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
8If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
10My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
11I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
12When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
13Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.