The general concept of Proverbs Parenting™, is taken from the book of Proverbs, which is full of Godly wisdom to help parents in training their children. I’ve recently come across some false-teaching by someone claiming to be a Christian, that we are not bound to obey the wisdom in Proverbs, in regards to parenting. While we are not necessarily bound to follow the wise advice given to us my our Lord, I would much rather live by the Word, then my own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

The above verses tell us that we should trust God and he gives us widsom, knowledge and understanding - through scripture and the holy spirit. Look further still:

2Timothy 3:16-17 “Allscripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The above verse clearly states all scripture, so the wisdom found in Proverbs still applies, as does the rest of the Bible.

My General Parenting Philosophy: Do what works for you!

It’s that simple. There are no ‘always or nevers’ in parenting. While I can offer advice, tips and solutions that I feel are Biblical and have worked for me, or someone I know - I can not tell you that this will ‘always’ work, or something else will ‘never’ work. Children are individuals, and families have their own dynamics to take into consideration.

Spanking: Since spanking seems to be such a hot topic these days, for the record - yes, I do believe spanking to be biblical. I will post more on that within various articles, but as many parents are questioning this issue - I thought it best to be forthright about where I stand.

As the disclaimer, found at the bottom of every page within my site, states; my site exists to offer Titus 2 mentoring to those who need assistance. This is a biblical mandate for older women. One I take very seriously. Also note in my disclaimer, that you should do nothing without first taking it to your husband for his approval, and without checking the scriptures for yourself. I’m not a theologian and I don’t have a string of degrees - but I have been parenting for over 22 years and have 6 living children. It is with all humblness, with much prayer and seeking the Lord first, that I offer mentoring via my web site.

Since Proverbs contains many verses pertaining to parenting, let’s look at a few:

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

Just as the Lord disciplines his children, so are we to discipline ours.

Proverbs 4:1-4 “Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.”

This verse is about a father passing onto his sons, the lessons taught to him by his father. It also gives a warning to the sons to keep the commands so they may live. It is for the purpose of saving our children from hell, that we train them up in God’s word and instill Godly character into them.

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

The principle of the above verse is echoed again, specifically addressing parents in Ephesians and Colossians:

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

As we can see from the above verses, we are not to be harsh with our children. Firm, yes - but not harsh. Consider:

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 & 13 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ……. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

The above defines love. As parents it is our solemn responsibility to love our children, which includes protecting them and persevering toward training them to build Godly character traits and to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We do this with a heart of love, wisdom found within scripture and lots of prayer!

Discipline and training is about teaching the children to obey and character building. If they can’t obey you, how will they then obey God. The need to learn to submit their will to a greater authority (God and the parents) than themselves. Character training is the core of making them to be Christ-like in their thought and actions - to exhibit the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

If we can train up God-fearing, born-again children, we have accomplished much.

Written by Traci Knoppe ©: Aside from her roles as wife, mother of six, mother-in-law and grandmother, Traci is a Christian parenting instructor, Sunday school teacher, and business owner.

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