Proverbs 6:22-23 - When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
In this proverb, the writer is telling his son how important it is to remember what he and his mother have taught him. It is in this that we see just how important it is for parents to instruct their children in what is good, especially in the words and ways of the Lord. It can be hard to teach your children these things, but the benefits for your children will be invaluable.
For instance, the writer tells his son that these truths that have been passed down to him will lead him when he walks. One of the most challenging things for some young men and women is leaving home and the responsibility that comes with that. If their parents have not instructed them in how to take care of themselves, then they will have no idea what to do. The son in this proverb isn’t clueless like this though, as his parents have taught him what to do. So when it’s his time to find the right path, he looks to what he has learned and moves forward.
The benefits don’t stop there, though. The good teaching that the son has learned will also allow him to sleep peacefully at night. How is this the case? Well, if you feel prepared for the path ahead, you will probably feel prepared for the times when you need to lay your head down and rest as well. Since you can’t defend yourself in your sleep, you need to have an idea of how to sleep safely and be as protected as possible.
Then when the son wakes up in the morning, the words of wisdom from his parents talk to him, telling him how to live well that day. What we see here is an argument for parents being as involved as possible in raising their children in what is good. What is good ranges from the things of God to teaching your children what to do in practical matters.
If a father passes along a good command from the Lord to his child, then it goes with them like a lamp, lighting up areas of darkness. This lamp not only protects, but it shines light on the world, opening the son’s eyes to what is really out there. Now, the son may find himself tempted by what he sees in the world, but his parents’ words help him there as well. He may hear the reproof and correction of his father in his head, disciplining and training him even when he is living far from his parents’ immediate instruction.
If you are a parent, don’t miss your opportunity today to teach your children the way of life. It is no small thing that Christian parents have been called to. It is hard work, but think back on what you’ve seen today and recognize that the benefits your children would receive from knowing God and his word through your instruction, far outweigh the difficulty in teaching these things. Try keeping it simple, meaning that if all you do is expose your children to God and his word, that is better than nothing at all. Teach these things to your children, and don’t forget that you too will benefit greatly from the true, good and lovely word of God that you have learned.
