Wisdom and the Family

There are so many broken and unhappy homes in our society today. This raises the question: "If pursuing what this world offers doesn't produce a happy home, what does?"

MAIN IDEA: The wisdom from God is the surest way to a happy and blessed home.

Give your family more than wealth.

Proverbs 24:3-4 -- A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge, the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

This teaches us that the best way to establish, build, and maintain a home is through the wisdom of God.

The "every precious and beautiful treasure" speaks to much more than money or material possessions. It's a reference to the wealth of stable family relationships.

Proverbs teaches us that money and possessions are not evil. It can be a positive thing when used rightly (for the glory of God).

On the other hand, money can become an idol that costs you your family.

Proverbs says that if the choice you have is between a happy home and a wealthy home, always choose the happy home.

A happy, loving home rooted in the wisdom of God is better than a wealthy home filled with turmoil and trouble.

• Proverbs 15:16-17 -- Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
• Proverbs 17:1 -- Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife.

Solomon teaches us that eating greens and crusty bread is better than eating a juicy steak in a home filled with turmoil.

The application is clear: spend more energy on your family than you do making money or accumulating wealth.

Give your family someone who is following the Lord.

Proverbs 24:3-4 -- A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge, the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

Prov. 24 teaches us that the best way to build and maintain a home is through the wisdom of God.

God created and ordered the world through wisdom.

Going against Him and His order is foolishness.

So we should lead our homes to follow the wisdom of the Lord.

Interestingly, we've already learned that true wisdom comes from a personal relationship with our holy God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Prov. 19 teaches us how foolishness can lead to parental or marital relationships that are out of balance.

• Proverbs 19:13 -- A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a wife's nagging is an endless dripping.

It's possible to be very "religious" but have trouble in the home.

If you want peace in your home, it begins with a deep, personal walk with Christ.

So, how do you ensure wisdom in the home/family?

Instruction

• Proverbs 24:3-4 -- A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge, the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

Example

• Proverbs 14:26 -- In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.

Correction 

• Proverbs 13:24 -- The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
• Proverbs 29:15 -- A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.

Marriage

• Proverbs 5:15-18 -- Drink water from your own cistern, water flowing from your own well. Should your springs flow in the streets, streams in the public squares? They should be for you alone and not for you to share with strangers. Let your fountain be blessed, and take pleasure in the wife of your youth.
• Proverbs 18:22 -- A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
• Proverbs 31:10-11 -- Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.

Give your family more than wealth.

Give your family someone who is following the Lord.

Entrust wisdom in the home/family.

• Instruction
• Example
• Correction
• Marriage

MAIN IDEA: The wisdom from God is the surest way to a happy and blessed home.