FOREWORD

Dear parents, brothers and sisters in Christ,

The Lord has laid it in my heart that we, as a church, should focus on discipling our families. Research has shown that the single biggest influence in the spiritual life of children is not school, it is neither the church nor society. It is parents. No one has more potential to influence a childs relationship with God than his or her parents. With this objective I encourage you to lead your family into growing spiritually by studying together the Word of God. Through this devotional guide, we will be following the command of the Lord to teach our children, and provide a model for them to also teach their own children. Parents, you must recognize the very important part you play in influencing your children. Within your homes your children will form values and beliefs, which they will take with them wherever they go. You must, therefore, take steps to instruct them correctly and to provide godly examples. For the singles that still live with unbelieving family members, you dont realize the impact that you have over them. Pray that God will use you in your own home and plan on setting up a regular Bible study there then start with household members that are open to studying the Bible with you. Let us then be united in intentionally building Christ-Centered Families. I believe that, as we do so, we will raise up generations upon generations of holy and happy lives. With this, Benjamin Disraelis words become even more compelling, No success in public life can compensate for failure in the home. God bless you as you study these passages from the Bible.

Pastor Peter Tan-Chi

WHY PROVERBS?

Someone said, A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether. From this definition we can deduce that a foolish person is one who does not learn from mistakes, whether his own or others. In fact, the extreme form of foolishness, insanity, is defined this way it is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings of King Solomon and other wise men. Many of their sayings are a product of observing people, animals and even insects. Some of these people became wise by learning the hard and painful way. Those observations and lessons were made into a collection of short sayings of timeless principles to guide those who would come after them to learn how to live fruitful, Godly lives. This is what Proverbs 1:2-6 says: The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people. Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles. (NLT)

May we grow in wisdom, knowledge, discipline, and understanding in studying the sayings of the wise. As we lead our families through this series and apply the Proverbs in our daily lives and experiences, may we and our family members live lives that please and glorify God.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Each guide has five parts: 1. A main verse from the Book of Proverbs. 2. Questions to help understand the meaning of the verse. 3. An example or illustration 4. Application questions 5. Prayer guide.

Begin with a word of prayer. The leader or another family member then reads aloud the main verse. Next, read each question aloud; encourage family members to state their views. Do not read the answers until after everyone has had the opportunity to share their responses to the question. The leader may then read or paraphrase the example given in the third part of the guide. The application questions are vital. They make this devotional relevant to each member of the family and to the family as a whole. Pray for sensitivity and humility so that the sharing will be productive, even if some hurts are unearthed. The prayer guide contains suggestions on how to bring to the Lord the learnings from the Bible and the family sharing. Each family member may participate in a conversational prayer of the entire family. Pray in pairs, or individually, with someone closing in prayer. Share your individual concerns, and pray for each others concerns. If used weekly, as we recommend it should be, this devotional booklet has enough materials to last for a quarter of a year. For best results, the leader must study the guide before the family meets for the devotional. He or she must facilitate and encourage everyone to share their views. The leader should not dominate the discussions or the prayer time. In fact, no one should. Parents should realize that as facilitators, they are assuming a role that is quite different from everyday life. This guide may not suit the exact family situations, but the discussion leader can creatively adapt the guide to the current situation of the family, hopefully clearly communicating the main points of the passage.

TEN TIPS FOR FAMILY DEVOTIONS

Someone said FAMILY means Father And Mother I Love You! That is really a very charming way of painting the picture of a family. However that is not possible if there are very few shared activities that are meaningful. The family devotion is a great tool for the family members to connect with each other, and practice communication and openness as they all learn from the Bible. However, a family devotion can become boring and people may easily lose interest if not done properly. Here are some suggestions to make your family devotions an exciting time and a haven for everyone in the family: 1. Set aside a regular schedule for the devotion. Make sure everybody can be present at that schedule. Establish the day and the hour of when you will do it, so that your family members will be able to expect and set aside time for it. Hold it weekly until it becomes a routine. If it is difficult for your familys calendars to match, try conducting it during or after meal times. 2. Be consistent. Prioritizing these meetings will show your family how valuable and important it is for you to spend time with them, as well as to discuss Gods Word. This will lead them to see these devotions as important, and eventually cause them to even look forward to it. 3. Use the Bible. This will help instill the importance of Gods Word. Ask each one to read the subject passage from their own Bibles, preferably with different versions or translations, noting the different words used. 4. Make the devotions lively. Avoid lectures and monologues. 5. Keep your devotions short. Start with 10 minute sessions. When one or two members start opening up and need more time to share while the rest want to keep it short because of other concerns you may end the meeting with a closing prayer. Then an extended session can be held for those who want to stay on. 6. Prepare ahead of time. Even if a devotion booklet is provided give yourself time to read the material ahead of time and read all the verses to be used. See if you can use object lessons. For instance, if the material talks about an empty bottle, you can get one from the kitchen and show it as used in the lesson.

7. Ask questions. Encourage everyone to answer by gently calling their names. The devotion will be more enticing if everyone will participate. 8. Incorporate real life lessons. Share your past experiences wherein you used or should have used these verses to guide you in your decisions. Ask each member if they can relate to the message or even to your story then ask them to share how they intend to apply the lesson in their own personal lives. Listen and let them share their own experiences. 9. Adjust to different age groups. When preparing for a devotion, use different levels of discussion questions and activities to suit each family member. You will still be learning the same lesson, but on an age-appropriate scale. 10. Take turns in leading the devotion. The parents should lead the first ones, just for everyone to get the feel of it all and be more comfortable. However, when they have been established and the children already know how it goes, it is good to have them lead every now and then. This will let you see how they have been growing and how these family quality times have affected them. Family devotions can be a blast! It is a great way for families to bond closer to each other, while getting closer to God.

Sources: http://www.suite101.com/content/10-tips-for-fun-family-devotions-a17073 http://christian.families.com/blog/5-tips-for-having-devotions-with-toddlers http://www.ehow.com/how_4615706_have-daily-family-devotion.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. THE FEAR OF THE LORD ................................................ 1 2. TRUST IN THE LORD ...................................................... 3 3. INTEGRITY..................................................................... 5 4. HUMILITY BRINGS HONOR ............................................ 7 5. THE SLUGGARD AND THE DILIGENT .............................. 9 6. ENCOURAGING WORDS .............................................. 11 7. HONESTY ..................................................................... 13 8. SELF-CONTROL ............................................................. 15 9. GUARD YOUR HEART .................................................... 17 10. PRIDE ............................................................................ 19 11. GOOD COMPANY ........................................................ 21 12. GENEROSITY................................................................. 23 13. HONEST SCALES ........................................................... 25

My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Proverbs 2:1-8

1. THE FEAR OF THE LORD

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

1. When is fear good? When is fear bad? Answer: Fear is good when it keeps us from doing something that will hurt us or others; when it protects us from danger; and when it keeps us from sin. Fear is bad when it makes us anxious, insecure, or paranoid, making us lose peace of mind; when it leads to negative behavior; and when it affects our physical and spiritual health. 2. What is the difference between fearing someone you dont know and fearing someone whom you know loves you? Answer: Fearing someone whom we know loves us is ultimately for our good. 3. What does it mean to fear God? Answer: To fear God is to hold God in awe and reverence for who He is. Because we know that He loves us and we love Him, we are afraid of offending God. We also know that, because of His love for us, He will discipline us so that we can be more like Jesus. 4. According to Prov. 9:10, can anyone be wise without fearing God? Answer: No, but anyone who fears the Lord gains true wisdom. 5. What is wisdom and why is it important? Answer: Wisdom is insight. It is understanding how to live a life that pleases God and to receive His blessing. Wisdom is not the same as intelligence. A wise person is not always intelligent or clever, but he or she knows the most important lessonto love God above everything else in life. 1

Families should love each other, but children also respect and fear their parents because they will be disciplined when they do not do what is right. Children who are secure in the love and discipline of their parents want to learn from them. From the healthy fear of parents children have a model of fearing God. Children learn to put God first in their lives. They want to learn from God. If we fearlove and respectGod, then evil ideas will not attract us; on the contrary, we will strive to do everything that will make God happy.

Do you fear the Lord? Is your fear of God a case of good fear or bad fear? Explain. Has your fear of God led you to make wise decisions that please Him? Does everyone in your family know and fear the Lord? If not, ask God for wisdom how best you can share Gods love with those who do not know Him.

For parents and for children who live with your parents: Parents, have you provided your children a good model of fearing God? What are your strengths and weaknesses in loving and disciplining them properly? Then, ask them for their honest opinion. Parents, be prepared to listen and do not be defensive; children, state your views honestly and lovingly to your parents. For adult children who may no longer live with parents: Did your own parents provide a good model of fearing God? If yes, thank them and thank God. If not, forgive them for their shortcoming.

Worship the Lord. Express to Him your fear and love. Ask Him to deepen your wisdom to live a life that will please and glorify Him. Pray for love and forgiveness. Pray for each one in the family so your home will be a good place to teach and practice the fear and love of the Lord. 2

2.TRUST IN THE LORD

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

1. What does trust mean? Answer: It means there is an assured resting of the mind in the capability or truthfulness of another person. 2. When the Proverb qualifies that your trust in the Lord should be with all your heart, what should be our attitude towards God? Answer: It should be complete and unceasing. We should not even entertain thoughts that God is not reliable or that He does not have our best interests in His heart. 3. The Proverb says not to lean on your own understanding. Why so? Where do people get understanding? Answer: People get their understanding from other people, from TV, and many of them are not really reliable. People also get a lot of their understanding from experiences which are limited. None of those understanding takes into account the unlimited power and unconditional love of God. 4. What are some of the things that people are inclined to put their trust on especially when they have problems? Answer: Money; powerful people; friends, etc.

When a scuba diver is deep underwater, it's difficult to tell which way is up because the water diffuses the light and he can't feel the pull of gravity. He can easily become disoriented and lose his sense of direction. His mind will start playing tricks on him, telling him that up is down and down is up. If the diver panics, he will place his life in danger if he swims in the wrong direction. The diver can get out of his predicament if he'll remember one simple rule--to follow his air bubbles. Scuba divers are taught that no matter which way he thinks is the right direction, the bubbles are always correct. They never go sideways or down. They always go up. The diver must ignore his own feelings and sense of direction, and place his entire faith in his air bubbles. In today's confusing world it's easy for us to get disoriented. Voices are constantly telling us that right is wrong and wrong is right. When we are confused about which way to go, we need to remember one simple rule--to follow the Lord's directions. Like the scuba diver's air bubbles, the Bible is always correct, no matter how we feel. (Source: http://kentcrockett.blogspot.com/search?q=trust+in+the+Lord)

People of the world pray when all things fail. How would you as Gods child practice prayer? What would you do to develop more trust in the Lord?

Ask for everyones prayer requests and encourage someone in the family to lead the prayer.

3.INTEGRITY
Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. Proverbs 20:11

1. What does our action or behavior tell about us? Answer: Our words can hide our thoughts, but our actions show whats really inside us. 2. Can you give an example of actions that are not pure and right? Answer: Obeying the parents but grumbling; Saying, Im sorry but with rolling eyes; etc. 3. What is pure and right conduct? Answer: It is saying what you mean and meaning what you say and doing it. Our words should match our actions. It is obeying God and parents from the heart. 4. What is wrong with trying to look good on the outside, but acting another way when parents, pastors or others in authority do not see? Answer: It does not please God; it is deceptive. 5. Why are our actions important? Answer: They demonstrate what is really inside of us.

In front of the teacher every kid tries to look honest, helpful and good. They can be very respectful, and appear to be the perfect child they are always on their best behavior in front of the teacher. But what do they do when there is an exam, especially when no one is looking? During the exam you can see their real character: do they look for opportunities to cheat, or do they resist the temptation to cheat?

What are some situations where your words and your actions do not match, when you pretend to be good but really are not? Share two situations this week where you will be more consistent in doing right rather than just appearing to do what is right.

Ask each family member what you can pray for them and then pray together.

4.HUMILITY BRINGS HONOR

A mans pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23

1. What are ways that a person can be proud? When we boast of our status, accomplishments, or possessions. When we look down on other people and criticize them. When we refuse to be a follower. When we are not teachable; we get defensive when corrected. When we love to talk but dont listen. When we feel we are exempted from obeying rules. 2. According to Prov. 29:23, what will happen to the proud? Answer: The person will be brought low by his or her pride. 3. In what ways can a man be brought low due to his pride? He may experience failures and lose everything he has accomplished. He can meet others who have greater possessions or accomplishments than himself so he no longer has anything to boast of. He may commit a mistake he cannot hide and become humiliated. 4. Can you describe a person who has a humble spirit? Considers others better than himself/herself. Does not brag about position, wealth, or accomplishments. Doesnt take for granted service rendered by others, but thanks them. Teachable, accepts corrections. Submits to authority. 5. What is Gods promise to the humble, according to Prov. 29:23? Answer: God honors the humble person. 7

While attending a dinner a famous multimillionaire heard a discussion on the subject of prayer. After listening for a while, the man exclaimed with a sneer, prayer may be all right for some of you, but I dont need it. Everything I have today Ive worked hard for, and Ive earned it all myself. I didnt ask God for anything. A university president listened politely, then said to the braggart, There is one thing you dont have that you might pray for. Startled, the millionaire blurted out, And what might that be? The educator replied gently, Sir, you could pray for humility. (Roy B. Zucks The Speakers Quote Book, p.202)

Who has authority over you in the family? Do you willingly submit? When you have made a mistake, be prepared to admit it and apologize to anyone you have offended in your household. Do you practice this at home? If you have household staff, how can you demonstrate humility toward them? Make a plan, and make sure it is implemented.

Pray for a humble spirit for everyone in the family, with parents showing humility toward their children and children toward their parents. Pray that you, as a family, can follow your plan of demonstrating humility toward your household staff. Pray that the humility practiced in your home can spread to people outside the home.

5.THE SLUGGARD AND THE DILIGENT

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat. Proverbs 13:4

1. Who is a sluggard? Answers: It is a person who is lazy. A person who does not like to work hard. 2. The sluggard wants many things but he does not want to work to get them. So what does he get? Answer: Nothing! 3. What does diligent mean? Answer: Diligent means to work hard. 4. What are some characteristics of a diligent person? Answers: He prioritizes what is important. He does his work first and then has fun later. He pays first and plays later. He does his best for Jesus in all that he does. 5. What does the diligent get for being hard working and disciplined? Answer: His soul is fat he is fulfilled, he is blessed

Examples of a sluggard: He sleeps late and gets up late He watches TV or plays computer games instead of studying He is usually late when he goes somewhere. He is sloppy. Examples of a diligent person: He does his responsibilities such as school assignments first before playing or watching TV or playing computer games. He strives for excellence in all that he does. He is dependable He does what he says he will do. He has a disciplined life.

How will you apply this verse? Are you more like a sluggard or a diligent person? What changes will you make to become more diligent?

Ask for a volunteer to do the closing prayer.

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6.ENCOURAGING WORDS
Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. Proverbs 25:11

1. What is one of the most impressive works of art you have seen whether a painting, sculpture or other? How did you feel when you were looking at it? How much did you think it was worth? 2. What words can you think of to describe apples of gold in settings of silver? Answer: Probably the two most appropriate are beautiful and precious. 3. To what does the Bible compare apples of gold in settings of silver? What do you think this means? Answer: It compares it to a word spoken in right circumstances. It can mean good advice to someone who has problems or needs direction; it could mean encouragement to someone who needs motivation. 4. Can anyone share an experience when someone said something to you at the time you needed to hear it? Like apples of gold in settings of silver, how was it beautiful and precious to you? Answer: (Let one or more share . . .)

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According to Jim Burns For every critical comment we receive, it takes nine affirming comments to even out the negative effect in our life. So we need to specialize in affirming words than in critical comments. (Source: Nelsons Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, & Quotes, Robert J. Morgan, ed. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000)

Before praying, let each family member say what they appreciate about another family member. Make sure no family member is left out. Make it a project to speak words of encouragement to each family member this week, perhaps one family member a day.

Ask each family member what you can pray for them and then pray together.

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7.HONESTY
Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. Proverbs 20:17

1. What are some examples of bread obtained by falsehood? Answer: Money or possessions derived from illegal activities like theft, robbery, smuggling, extortion, bribery, etc. 2. Do you agree that money or goods derived from illegal and sinful activities can seem sweet or enjoyable? 3. Can you imagine what the proverb says afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel? What do you think does it mean? Answer: Initially money derived from sinful activities may seem enjoyable but time will come when that same activity and possession will bring pain and misery to the one involved in it. 4. How extensive do you think is the pain that will be brought about by bread obtained by falsehood? In terms of the effect to the wife, the children, the childrens children? What about the pain to the parents of the one involved? The effect to the church? The effect to the Name of Jesus?

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Charles Finney once said, A person who is dishonest in little things isnt really honest in anything.

We may not be guilty of big crimes like robbery and extortion but in our own spheres of influence, what are some of the ways in which we can be guilty of bread obtained by falsehood? (e.g. not returning excess change when we pay, dishonesty, cheating in school, etc.) What should we guard ourselves against that may lead us to this problem? (e.g. envy, covetousness, lying, bad company)

Ask each family member what you can pray for them and then pray together.

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8.SELF-CONTROL
Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit. Proverbs 25:28

1. In olden times, cities would be protected by massive walls. What was the main purpose of those walls? Answer: Protection against external attacks that seek to destroy the city, kill its inhabitants or enslave them and loot the inhabitants of their possessions. 2. What are some possible meanings of a man who has no control over his spirit? Answer: Easy to lose ones temper; Easily controlled by alcohol or another addictive substance; Enslaved to sexual passions; Enslaved to addictive behavior like gambling. 3. In what way(s) is a man who has no control over his spirit comparable to a city without walls? Answer: A man who has no control over his spirit risks everything he has just to give in to his emotional outburst or addictiveness. 4. What are examples of things that a person who has no control over his spirit risk losing? Answer: For example, a man who easily loses his temper can lose his freedom if he hurts someone or destroys something. He can be jailed. He can also lose his job; his family members if he abuses them and treats them harshly.

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Anger weakens a man. It puts him at a disadvantage in every undertaking in life. When Sinbad and his sailors landed on one of the tropical islands, they saw high up in the trees coconuts which could satisfy their hunger. The coconuts were far above the reach of Sinbad and the sailors, but in the branches of the trees were chattering apes. Sinbad and his men began to throw stones and sticks up at the apes. This enraged the monkeys and they began to seize the coconuts and hurl them down at the men on the ground. That was just what Sinbad and his men wanted. They got the apes angry so that the apes would gather their food for them. That is a good illustration of how by indulgence in anger we play into the hands of our foes. C. E. Macartney (Source: Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustration: Signs of the Times, p. 130)

Are there habits that control us, like spending hours in computer games? Facebook? Pornography? What will you do to have self-control? To help anyone remove this problem, encourage everyone to have an accountability and prayer partner either inside the family or outside the family wherein problems can be discussed in private and prayers can be offered for the specific concerns.

Ask each family member what you can pray for them and then pray together.

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9.GUARD YOUR HEART

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

1. What is the meaning of the word heart? Answer: As used in the Old Testament refers to the seat of the will, almost a synonym for mind. 2. What do you think is the meaning of watch over your heart with all diligence? Answer: Since diligence means persistent exertion, watch over your heart with all diligence means to do everything you can to guard your mind. 3. Why should we guard our heart or mind? Answer: Because it is where our decisions are made the seat of the will. Our decisions, whether good or bad, will determine our direction in life. 4. What are some things we should guard our hearts against? Answer: Wicked thoughts, materialism, laziness, anger, hatred, immorality, indifference, etc. 5. How do these thoughts and ideas enter our minds? Answer: Through bad company, through the books we read, the movies and shows we watch, stuff that we listen to and fill our minds with. 6. How do we guard our hearts from bad things? Answer: Always fill them with good thingsthe Word of God and counsel of godly people.

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Show your family an empty bottle and ask, How do you remove air from an empty bottle? Answer: Fill the bottle with liquid and air inside the empty bottle will be pushed out. In the same way we can push out bad thoughts, bad attitudes from our minds by regularly studying the Bible and obeying what God teaches us.

How will you apply this lesson in your own life? What concrete measures are you taking to be able to complete reading the whole Bible?

Ask each family member what you can pray for them and then pray together.

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10.PRIDE
Pride goes before destruction And a haughty spirit before stumbling. Proverbs 16:18

1. What is pride? 2. What does it mean to have a haughty spirit? Answer: Haughty comes from the same Latin root as high. It describes the kind of person who thinks theyre above others. Better than others. 3. How do people show pride? Give some examples. Possible answers: They think they are always right They dont want to listen to others They get upset when they are corrected They feel superior to others They take credit for all they accomplish and forget that it is by Gods grace They talk about themselves a lot and their accomplishments 4. What happens to a proud person? Answer: They experience destruction, ruin, harm 5. In 1 Peter 5:5, how does God react to the proud? The humble? Answer: God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. 6. What are some possible scenarios where God will oppose the proud? Answers: God will not allow his plans to succeed; even his health may fail. 7. What is humble? Answer: Humble is the opposite of proud and haughty. 19

Two geese were about to go south for the winter, when they were asked by a frog to take him with them. The geese said it would be ok if he could find a way, so the frog took a piece of long grass, got the two geese to take it one by each end while he clung to it by his mouth in the middle. In this manner the three were making their journey when they were noticed from below by some men. The men loudly expressed their admiration for the device and wondered who had been clever enough to discover it. The frog opened his mouth to say, It was I, lost his hold, fell to the earth, and was dashed to pieces. (Source: http://sermons.org/boasting.html) Give examples of humble people. Possible answers: They listen to others They respect others They listen to correction They dont always think they are right They know that God is the one who helps them in all they do.

What will you do to not be proud? How will you become more humble?

Ask a volunteer to lead the closing prayer.

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11.GOOD COMPANY
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20

1. Who is a wise man? What are his characteristics? Answer: A wise man is somebody who has an unusual learning, judgment and insight, one who knows and obeys Gods Word, and one who has a balanced life and the right priorities in life. He is able to control his emotions so that right judgment prevails in his actions. He works hard. He worships the Lord. He honors and obeys his parents. He listens and weighs his thoughts before opening his mouth, etc. 2. What are the characteristics of a foolish person? Answer: He does not listen to Godly advice or counsel. 3. According to Proverbs 13:20 what will happen to us if we make friends and go along with fools? Answer: We will suffer harm. (New Living Translation says, associate with fools and get into trouble.)

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Let's say your faith life and prayer life and church attendance are not what they should be. If you hang around with people who do not pray and do not go to church, people who make fun of God or never think about Him, your faith life and prayer life and church attendance cannot improve; in fact, they can only get worse. To improve your level of spirituality you need to get other friends, people who love the Lord Jesus and read the Bible and faithfully attend worship services. Adrian Dieleman (Source: http://www.trinityurcvisalia.com/sermons/1co15v33.html)

Your future can be predicted by knowing who you are fond of spending a lot of time with. If you spend a lot of time with wise people, you will be wise. But if you spend a lot of time with foolish people you will get into trouble. Are there friends in your life that you need to let go of? Who are the wise people in your life that you need to spend more time with? Do you spend a lot of time watching TV or playing computer games? Do you think they will make you wise or foolish?

Ask each family member what you can pray for them and then pray together asking from God to give each of you wisdom in choosing the right friends and spending time on activities that will make you wiser.

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12.GENEROSITY
A generous man will prosper; He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

1. How do you describe a generous person? Answer: A generous person is someone who willingly blesses others with gifts, money, things, knowledge, encouragement, time, or services. The persons generosity refreshes another person in need by meeting that need. 2. According to Prov. 11:25, what will happen to a generous person? Answer: A generous person will prosper, if not materially, then certainly spiritually. He or she will be blessed just as he or she blesses others. 3. Who do you think will prosper and bless the generous person? Answer: GOD 4. Is a generous person motivated by the blessing to be received? Answer: No, the generous person does not do good because he wants to receive something in return, but is genuinely motivated to meet someone elses need.

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A well-dressed woman approached a homeless man, offering to buy him food. He hesitated, but the smiling woman insisted until he agreed. They sat at a corner table of a nearby cafe, and the lady asked her guest, Jack, if he remembered her. Studying her, he said, I think so; you look familiar. She said, When I was younger and you worked here, I came through that very door, just out of college, no job, no money, kicked out of my apartment. I was cold and nearly starving when I came hoping for some food. Jack smiled. I remember you came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy. I know, the woman continued, you gave me a sandwich, a cup of coffee, and a corner table to enjoy it. You paid for it. That afternoon I got a job. Eventually I started a business that God blessed and prospered. Now Im here to give you a job. There were tears in the old mans eyes. How can I ever thank you, he said. Dont thank me, the woman answered. Thank Jesus. He led me to you. (Abridged from http://www.a-simple-christian.com/kindness.html)

Have you ever experienced someone generously providing for your need? Who was it? How did it feel to be the recipient of generosity? Did it change you? Have you had the opportunity to be generous to another person? Were you blessed by being generous? How did being generous change you? How will you help others this week?

Praise God for His generosity in giving us Jesus. Thank God for opportunities for you to be generous. Ask for forgiveness if you have not, or if you have been stingy or cautious when people ask you for help. Pray that Gods Spirit will infuse everyone in the family with a spirit of generosity and trust in Gods guidance and protection. 24

13.HONEST SCALES
A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern. Proverbs 16:11

Back when Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, businesspeople used scales and weights to measure the goods they sold. Some had scales and weights that showed the wrong weight in order to cheat customers. 1. According to Prov. 16:11, what kinds of scales and measures belong to God? Answer: Honest scales and weights belong to God 2. What does it mean for honest scales and measures to belong to God? Answer: To belong implies ownership, but it also means to fit, to be suitable, or to be acceptable. Prov. 11:1 tells us that the LORD detests dishonest scales. See also Deuteronomy 25:1316. Because sins of cheating and deception are hateful to the Lord, only honest scales and measures are acceptable to God. 3. Why would God care about a businesspersons weights and scales? Answer: Because God is a God of truth and justice. With dishonest scales and weights, it is all too easy to cheat customers, especially the poor. The allknowing and all-seeing God takes very close interest in the smallest details of our lives. And He delights to see us dealing fairly and honestly with all people, especially the poor.

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Recently, I left the post office with a handful of stamps. Later I found that I had been given eight more stamps than I paid for. I went back to the employee who had sold me the stamps, but it took a lot of explaining to make him understand why I was returning them. Why did you bring them back? No one wouldve known. Its the right thing to do, I explained, suddenly not even sure why I had made the effort. But my 12yearold daughter nodded and smiled at me. Should we go out of our way to be honest? After all, with the post office situation, I didnt steal the stamps; it was the postal worker who made the mistake. But does my honesty depend on the actions of another? (Source: Kathryn Lay, www.kyria.com/topics/spiritualformation/theologyspiritualissues/11.46.html)

Have you had the opportunity to practice honesty even when you could get away with it? Why did you choose to be honest? Why are people generally surprised when we are honest? Children, have you been honest in handling the money that your parents provide for you? Parents and grown children, have you been honest and fair in all your economic dealings? Discuss some of your struggles in this area.

If you have been dishonest, ask God for forgiveness and, if you can pay back, pray for how you will do it. Pray that everyone in the family will be honest, especially in grey areas where falling short of honesty will not be known or discovered by others.

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