We’re up to chapter 9 in Instructing a Child’s Heart, entitled “Wisdom and Foolishness.” The entire chapter is like a great movie trailer enticing us to benefit from the book of Proverbs! Their illustration of how our culture is like a department store in which all the price tags have been changed says it all (p. 117). Proverbs exposes the false value system of our fallen world and helps us value what is truly valuable in God’s sight.
In light of that, I would encourage you to consider embarking on a study of Proverbs with your youth. To do so effectively, get the commentary by Derek Kidner on Proverbs (and note his topical section covering some of the central themes in Proverbs – it’s outstanding!). You can get his commentary from online vendors such as Amazon or Westminister Bookstore.
One tip: if you do study Proverbs, make sure that you treat it like the Tripps do – putting everything in the book under the motto for the entire book found in chapter 1, verse 7, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Tying all that you discuss back to that motto reminds us that everything in Proverbs should be seen theologically, flowing from “the fear of the LORD.” And this motto will keep us gospel-centered in our study of Proverbs, since it’s only those who are transformed by the gospel that know, love and fear God rightly – and thus embrace the wisdom of this God-fearing lifestyle.
We will study Proverbs as a church beginning next February. If you think of it, please pray for our preparation for that series as I’m looking forward to it very much! In the meantime, consider benefiting with your youth from these messages from CJ Mahaney on “Lady Wisdom” in Proverbs 1. The messages are introduced on the Sovereign Grace Ministries blog in this way:
The book of Proverbs is a unique gift to those in their teenage years. Whether you’re a parent or a teen, do you value the wealth of wisdom contained there? In these two messages, C.J. highlights the danger of foolishly “dissing” Lady Wisdom, and the importance of listening to her words.
Two audio recordings from Worthy08, the recent Covenant Life Church parent-youth retreat:
Part 1: The Danger of Dissing Lady Wisdom 
C.J. Mahaney
Proverbs 1:20-33
August 19, 2008
Worthy08 parent-youth retreat; North East, Maryland
52:56 run time; 97.0MB MP3
Download or listen here.
Part 2: The Danger of Dissing Lady Wisdom
C.J. Mahaney
Proverbs 1:20-33
August 19, 2008
Worthy08 parent-youth retreat; North East, Maryland
46:19 run time; 84.9MB MP3
Download or listen here.
Grateful to be walking with you in this holy task of parenting!
-Tab
