(These articles first appeared in the Grace Martial Arts Fellowship newsletter from 2004-2005. It was our intent to present a year-long study about teaching children and young people about wisdom and character development through Christian martial arts programs. GraceLife Ministries and Grace Martial Arts Fellowship are reprinting this series in the hope it will help you teach wisdom to your children.
The words of King Solomon in Proverbs 19:8 are powerful: "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good." Our parents teach us from an early age how to love them, ourselves and others, but what about our soul? The soul is eternal. The body dies, but the real you lives forever. We spend so much time taking care of our bodies and improving our minds and relationships with others, but shouldn't be learn how to care for our eternal soul?
King Solomon was one of the wisest people who ever lived. The Bible tells us: "And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment ... And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore ... And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt ... And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom." 1 Kings 3:28; 4:29,30,34
Solomon had a wise father. King David was not perfect, but he was wise. David loved God and wanted to do God's will. David loved his son and wanted him to be wise. Solomon learned so much about wisdom from his father and from God. Solomon made the correct choice in his early years: to get wisdom.
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king. Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." 2 Chronicles 1:10-12
Solomon received tremendous wisdom from God and was known around the world for it: "And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built ... And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom ... So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart." 1 Kings 10:4,6,7,8,23,24
How can we receive God's wisdom into our souls? How might God use us to be a light to the world of His Love and Knowledge? Let's turn to His Word and learn.
We begin by taking Proverbs 19:8 in context. Solomon learned much about caring for his soul from his father, King David. So, let's first see what David knew about wisdom and what he would have passed along to his son. Then, let's see what Solomon knew about wisdom and what he would have passed along to his son prior to his writing the words of Proverbs 19:8. What we learn is good for us and for our children and their children.
First, what David knew about wisdom. Notice how instruction, knowledge, wisdom and understanding are often placed together.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Psalms 19:7
"The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment." Psalms 37:30
"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding." Psalms 49:3
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Psalms 51:6
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalms 90:12
"Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD." Psalms 107:43
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." Psalms 111:10
"Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me." Psalms 119:98
Now, what Solomon knew about wisdom and what he would have taught his children.
"To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding ... To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity ... A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction ... Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets." Proverbs 1:2,3,5,6,7,20
"So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding ... For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding ... He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly ... When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul." Proverbs 2:2,6,7,10
"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil ... Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding ... The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens ... My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion ... The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools." Proverbs 3:7,13,19,21, 35
"Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth ... Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding ... I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths." Proverbs 4:5,7,11
"My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding." Proverbs 5:1
"Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman." Proverbs 7:4
"Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? ... O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart ... For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it ... I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions ... Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength ... Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not." Proverbs 8:1,5,11,12,14, 33
"Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars ... Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding ... If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it." Proverbs 9:1,8,9,10,12
"The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother ... He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame ... The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall ... In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction ... In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise ... The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom ... It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom ... The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out." Proverbs 10:1,5,8,13,14,19,21,23,31
"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom ... He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace ... He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." Proverbs 11:2,12,29,30
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise ... There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Proverbs 12:15,18
"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke ... The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death ... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:1,14,20
"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands ... In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them ... A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth ... The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit ... A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident ... The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly ... Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known ... The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame." Proverbs 14:1,3,6,8,16,24,33,35
"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness ... The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so ... A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise ... A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly ... The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise ... The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." Proverbs 15:21,33
"The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it ... How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! ... He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning ... The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips." Proverb s 16:14,16,20,21,23
"A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren ... A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? ... Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth ... Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." Proverbs 17:2,10,16,24,28
"Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom ... The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook ... The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge." Proverbs 18:1,4,15
"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good ... Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." Proverbs 19:8,20
Now, let's place this in context of something very dear to our hearts: teaching martial arts in a Christian atmosphere. Instructing children and young people to defend themselves is a wonderful thing. It is a great opportunity to improve the bodies and minds of hundreds, even thousands of people. We teach our students the art of self defense. We teach them how to defend themselves and others who are innocent. It is a wonderful reward knowing they can do that effectively while they are on earth. But is that the best thing? Is there something even better? Yes! By far the greatest reward in life is to teach our children, students and friends how to love their own souls; for that will do them good throughout eternity. We begin by imparting to them the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of God. That will reap eternal benefits and bring great joy and happiness to many lives.
"My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine ... Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way ... The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him."
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
"Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:5-7
Wisdom is the "principal" thing in life and it begins by having a reverential fear of God. Having a healthy fear of the Almighty God is a good thing. It prepares our hearts and minds to receive knowledge and with knowledge comes understanding. To teach wisdom to others we must first fear God. It's like the fear a child has for their father. They love their father and their father loves them. The child wants to please their father in every way. They do not want to displease him. When they disobey their father, they see the displeasure and disappointment in his eyes. They don't want to see that. They don't want to receive his discipline. Wise children obey their parents because they love and fear them.
The Hebrew word for "fear" in Psalm 111 and Proverbs 1 is yirah. It is translated by many English words, including "fear, piety, reverence, awesome and revere." Wisdom begins with reverential subordination to God. Most people in the world have made themselves "god" and glory in themselves. They are wise in their own sight. If they do worship a god, it is one of their own creation. Billions of people through history have made gods from wood and stone and made up their own religions from their human wisdom. God has laughed at them and destroyed their gods and attempts at human glorification.
The Apostle Paul told the sad story of the folly of human wisdom in his letter to the Christians in Rome.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:18-32
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." How true that is. Go to any bookstore or library in the world and you'll see how the human race professes itself to be wise and in doing so they become fools. There is no wisdom outside of God's Wisdom. There is no truth outside of God's Truth. God Knows everything; He is All-Wise. The beginning of wisdom for any person is to fear God. That's where it begins for us; that's where it begins for our students. If we do not fear God, we cannot teach our children and the children of others how to fear God. If are "afraid" of God, we cannot teach reverential fear. We must know, understand and experience God's Love as the great love of the greatest Parent Who has ever Loved. Our fear of God must be based on love and respect for God, not fear because we don't want to get caught or be punished. If we fear God for the wrong reason, we play games with God, others and ourselves. We cannot model Godly fear for children that way. They'll see we're phonies and hypocrites and either walk away or learn more devious ways of playing the self-righteous, hypocrisy game. Each generation of game players becomes worse until faith loses all meaning and purpose. We must be real with God, real with ourselves and real with others. That's difficult but necessary to having wisdom and teaching wisdom.
Having fear of a physical attack is healthy. It teaches us to be aware of our surroundings and be prepared for an attack that could come at any time, by any method and from any direction. We teach children and young people to defend themselves in scary situations in life. We introduce our students to ways of defending themselves against attacks that would frighten most people. We teach children and teens to defend themselves against yells and threats, grabs and holds, punches and kicks, tackles and throws. We teach them how to face someone carrying a stick, knife or gun. That kind of training would give most adults a severe headache. The training we give our students develops "knowledge and understanding" that leads to "wisdom" about how to deal with physical and mental attacks. They develop godly confidence and self confidence during their training that prepares them for the real thing. Being "afraid" doesn't protect people. That leads to freezing or panic; just the reaction an attacker wants. "Fearing" an attack works because it leads to knowledge gained through training which produces skill and the wisdom to use it.
I invite you to spend the next two months considering what God meant when He said: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Here are some Scriptures to help you in your study. Meditate on His Word and make it part of the fiber of your life. Write your thoughts in a notebook or journal so you will be able to share them with your children and students.
Genesis 22:9-14
Exodus 1:15-21 ... 14:31
Leviticus 19:1-32 ... 25:17
Deuteronomy 6:1-25 ... 8:1-6 ...10:12-20 ...13:4 ...14:23 ... 17:18-20 ... 28:58-62 ... 31:11-13
Joshua 4:23-24 ... 24:14-15
1 Samuel 12:14-24
2 Samuel 23:1-4
2 Kings 17:25-41
1 Chronicles 16:23-36
2 Chronicles 19:7-9
Nehemiah 7:1-2
Job 1:1-22 ... 28:28
Psalms 2:1-12 ... 5:1-7 ... 15:1-5 ... 19:7-9 ...22:22-24 ... 25:12-14 ... 33:8-9 ... 36:1-12 ... 61:1-8 ... 66:16-20 ... 67:1-7 ... 86:1-11 ... 89:1-7 ... 96:1-4 ... 102:13-16 ... 103:13-18 ... 111:1-10 ... 112:1-3 ... 115:11-18 ... 118:1-4 ... 128:1-4 ... 135:19-21 ... 145:18-20 ... 147:11
Proverbs 1:7, 20-30 ... 2:1-5 ... 3:6-8 ... 8:13 ... 9:10 ... 10:27 ... 14:1-27 ... 15:16, 33 ... 16:6 ... 19:23 ... 22:4 ... 23:17 ... 24:21-22 ... 31:30
Isaiah 2:10-21 ... 11:1-5 ... 29:22-23 ... 33:1-6 ... 50:10 ... 59:19
Jeremiah 5:24-31 ... 10:6-7 ... 32:37-40
Daniel 6:26
Hosea 3:4-5
Haggai 1:12
Malachi 3:16
Acts 9:31 ... 10:1-4 ... 13:15-26
Romans 3:10-18
2 Corinthians 7:1
Ephesians 5:15-21
Colossians 3:22-25
Hebrews 12:28-29
1 Peter 2:17
Revelation 14:6-7 ... 15:1-4 ...19:5-6
Now we move to the next step in becoming wise and teaching wisdom to our children: learn wisdom and be an example of a wise person.
We need to be students before we become teachers. We need to be wise and act wisely before teaching others about wisdom. Every Christian should be a student of wisdom, but those who teach others about living wisely should be well-versed in wisdom and continue to study wisdom throughout their lives. Good martial arts instructors have the respect of their students. Martial arts teachers have traveled the martial road ahead of their students and bring knowledge, experience and wisdom to their classes.
Martial arts books, especially Christian ones, speak about the importance of teaching wisdom to our students.
Verse 88 of the Chinese Five Word Song reads: "To learn correctly depends on long frequent practice and on your wisdom." Verse 110 reads: "Strive for knowledge of the method, but also the wisdom (craft) of its usage." In Christian martial artist John Chung Li's commentary about that verse, he wrote: "When we talk about meeting the attack by the method you learn, you should know how to make your method suitable. Wisdom changes the method into a suitable movement. This we call craft. Craft is shaped from wisdom and experience. The detail of truth is so fine that we have to meditate on its usage. A rough minded student cannot gain much, so we should carefully meditate on each movement bit by bit. The more you meditate, the more you gain. First we should master the method of movement; second, we should meditate the craft together with the movement to meet the enemy. Method and craft: the two must come together." This is paramount in our instruction. We teach methods that can cause serious injury when applied in a self-defense situation. We must also know which self-defense techniques are appropriate for different attacks. We may know how to perform a high block with great strength and speed, but if we have not also learned how to perform a low block and someone kicks at our leg we will not be able to defend ourselves. We may know how to execute an outer reaping throw with great proficiency, but if someone grabs us from behind and pulls us back quickly and we have not learned any other throws we will be unable to defend ourselves. Martial arts teaches students how to use every part of their bodies in every possible direction for self defense. We practice with our teacher, our partners and alone to develop the necessary understanding of how each technique works in every possible attack situation. We learn what works and doesn't work against every conceivable scenario. Our students must know the wisdom of using the techniques they are taught. They learn the methods and the craft of using them from their teachers. If their teachers have the wisdom and impart the wisdom, students will be wise in their usage of dangerous methods.
Pastor Karl Marx Sr. said it well in his book Martial Art Spirit: "A sensei must always be an example of high virtue. The relationships with the many students must be, above all, objective and well defined. Only in this say is there perceptual learning and improvement. Since all martial arts training are primarily oriented towards the spirit of self-reliance, the Sensei has an obligation to set an example for the students in all things in excellence, discipline, moderation, and wisdom."
These four aspects of life should stand before us every day as we teach children martial arts under the Christian banner. EXCELLENCE - DISCIPLINE - MODERATION - WISDOM. They will make us, and our students, powerful witnesses of the Glory and Power of our LORD.
In the book Encounter The Warrior's Heart, Joseph Lumpkin and Daryl Covington wrote: "Although learning is as important as leaves to a tree, it is only half of what is needed to become a warrior. There must also be discernment. Learning is not only reading books and acquiring knowlege. The ultimate challenge is in knowing how to integrate knowledge into life. In this way, and only in this way, can learning become wisdom. Discernment is far-sightedness. It is the ability to see the outcome of a situation. To hone this skill one must be a student of human nature. He must allow knowledge, wisdom, and far-sightedness to gestate in his spirit. This patience will enable him to see the end of a matter from the beginning."
Knowing God's Word and having the wisdom to use it correctly must come together in the life of the Christian teacher if we are to be able to teach wisdom to our children. Paul wrote Timothy about handling the Word of God properly and carefully: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) The NIV translates the verse: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." It should be the goal of every Christian teacher to handle God's Word correctly. A teacher who mishandles the Word of Truth does need to be ashamed. The Lord has placed in our hands the lives, minds and hearts of children and youth. Christian martial arts instructors have the privilege and responsibility for guiding their students into the Truth of God's Word as well as the truth of martial arts principles and practice. Our wises use of those Truths is an example to our students about how to use God's Word. If we mishandle the Word, our students may do the same. If we teach improper martial methods, our students may use them to hurt rather than help people in need of protection.
One of a Christian martial arts teacher's primary messages is that success as a martial artist is never having to fight. We don't train our students to fight. We train them to stop conflict before it begins where possible and end conflict with the least amount of force necessary if it does begin. A martial arts teacher who is quick to fight sends a powerful and unfortunate message to his or her students. Students often follow the actions of their teacher. We need to be smart and act wisely when we face bullies, sensitive emotions or injustice. We teach more by what we do than by what we say.
Sensei Wendy Williamson in her book Christian Martial Arts 101 wrote this about wisdom in difficult situations: "Be smart. Think before you act. Wisdom is much better than strength and weapons of war (Eccl. 9:16-18). " Those verses read: "Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good."
Nothing can compare with wisdom in a life. With wisdom we see, know and understand completely. We see things as God sees them, know as He knows and understands as He understands. The human mind is amazing and complex, but it is also flawed. It is clouded by sin, thus many of its decisions are mistakes. Self-confidence can and should go only so far. God-confidence is what we should trust. God's Mind has no flaws. He makes no mistakes.
In Psalm 19:7-8 King David wrote that God's Word is four things: perfect, sure, right and pure. " The law of the LORD is perfect...the testimony of the LORD is sure...The statutes of the LORD are right...the commandment of the LORD is pure." We can trust God where we can trust no one else, even ourselves. No other person's words are perfect, sure, right and pure; only God's.
When we trust in God's Word, many wonderful things happen in our lives and the lives of those we teach. David said trusting God's Word does four things in a person's life: it converts the soul, it makes wise the simple, it rejoices the heart, and enlightens the eyes. " ...converting the soul...making wise the simple...rejoicing the heart...enlightening the eyes."
This is what every Christian teacher should be: converted, wise, joyful and enlightened. This is what we want for our students. We want their soul to be saved. We want the simple to become wise. We want hearts to rejoice. We want eyes and minds to be enlightened. In a reverse way, this explains the condition of people who do not know God. They are lost, simple, sad and dark. Our mission is to teach lost people God's Word so they will become saved people who are wise, joyful and enlightened. Many world religions and philosophies promise these attributes, but only Christ can deliver on the promise. Every philosophy contrary to the Way of Christ is foolishness.
Christian martial arts teachers must first be truly converted. It's not enough to attend church and say the right words. Conversion is new life, new direction, new thoughts, new desires. Christ touches our soul and changes it from the inside out. He makes us new and real. Christian martial arts teachers must be wise in the things of God. We must know Him intimately and understand His ways completely. When we face difficulties beyond our understanding, we must know how to go to God and His Word and receive His Wisdom to deal with those difficulties, problems and challenges in life and ministry. Christian martial arts teachers must be filled with the joy of God. Our hearts should be filled and overflowing with the joy of loving, knowing, worshiping and serving God. Christian martial arts teachers must be enlightened. We must know the path of God, be able to walk it securely and lead others in the way of righteousness.
This sounds like a mighty big task to me. It seems greater than any human being could take on by themselves. It is. It is bigger than one person. That is the wonderful message of Christ: we are not walking alone. We are not serving alone. He is with us every step of the way. Christ is our great Master. He is our Divine Teacher. He is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. He walked the path before us. He can guide us through anything and everything that will come into our lives. He is the Wisdom of God.
Christ's Life and Words while on earth, His Words through His disciples after He returned to Heaven, they are our wisdom, our guide through life. As we listen and obey we will know what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Christ will answer our every question. He will meet our every need. And it is as we depend on Christ to guide us that we will know how to guide those we teach.
Christ faced life's most difficult moments with great wisdom, strength and courage. His Life and how He responded to temptations and tests will guide us now through the soul-mines of life. The first thing Christ did after beginning His official ministry was to face the great enemy of God, Satan.
"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:1-10
Jesus faced Satan and defeated him long before we started out on the path. Christ has already defeated the enemy. We don't have to worry or fret about facing Satan alone. Nothing will happen to us that Jesus has not dealt with successfully. We will not stumble upon some new problem or challenge that will surprise and confuse God. Christ has faced everything Satan has in his arsenal of tricks and won the battle! Jesus wants us to follow Him and become like Him. He is our wisdom, He is our strength.
Notice the four things Christ did and said when facing the enemy.
Look through the entire Bible and you'll find these four principles of wisdom in every book and every chapter: obey God, trust God, worship God, serve God. If we wake up every morning and conduct our life on these four principles, we will be wise and able to teach wisdom to our children.
Practical Steps to Gaining Wisdom:
Read about wisdom in God's Word every day. Here are several methods for doing that. You might want to take each idea for a year and complete all the methods in seven years. When you complete that, start again. It can become a life-long study about wisdom.
The third step to Teaching Wisdom To Our Children is to lead them along the path of wisdom. Martial artists speak often about following the path or way (Dao or Do). The ancient pursuit of martial arts was to learn the way and walk in it. Martial Arts was a "way" of life. It is the same today. Students search out teachers who can show them the way to live as a martial artist. The Christian martial arts instructor has the opportunity to teach students about Christ as the True Way even as they demonstrate the proper way to block, punch, kick and escape from holds.
" Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:5-6
Martial Arts is about becoming a better person; about controlling one's passions and desires. It's about becoming a better citizen of the world and protecting those who are weak and in danger. Christian Martial Arts is about becoming a child of God, serving Him with passion and obeying the desires God has for His children. Worldly Martial Arts is about "me" and "bettering" others. Christian Martial Arts is about "God" and helping others become "better." It's about becoming a Citizen of Heaven and leading the weak to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so more people will glorify Christ as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of the Ages!
The word "way" is used more than a thousand times in the Bible; the word "path" more than 80.
The first mention of the "way" in the Bible is Genesis 3:24. God steps in to protect the human race.
"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."
Eternal life is our "way," but it would have been disastrous if Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit of the Tree of Life in their sinful condition.
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever." Genesis 3:22
That's why God moved the first humans outside the Garden of Eden and placed angels and a flaming sword to keep the way of the Tree of Life. It was a constant reminder to Adam, Eve and their children about what they lost and what they could someday receive. It was both protection and hope.
God has His Way in Heaven and on earth. That's an important part of how Jesus taught His disciples to pray ("Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.") Christ is the Great and Almighty Teacher. He is the Way. He created the way for His followers to travel. The foundation of our Faith is His. He traveled on the Way and showed us how to live and how to give. He sacrificed His Life for us and shows us how to sacrifice ourselves for His Sake.
God taught the Way to Adam and Eve and their children and their children's children. Doing what was right in God's Eyes was not a mystery to the human race. They knew what God had done and what He demanded of them. The people of earth chose to disobey God's Way because their sinful hearts liked their way better.
"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them." Genesis 6:5-7
Notice what the human race had done to the Way of God.
"And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." Genesis 6:12
Humans had "corrupted" God's Way upon the earth. That's what people still do today. The "way" of humanity is corruptive and destructive. God's Way is creative and life building.
God was deadly serious. He was ready to destroy everyone and every living thing He had created. Fortunately, for all of us, God is a God of Love and Grace.
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." Genesis 6:8
God had Grace on Noah and thus on all of us. The human race owes its existence to God's Grace and to Noah. The Bible says Noah was a special man during his generation.
"Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation, and Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9
Noah walked in the "way" God wanted him to walk and that pleased God. Because of God's Grace, Noah and his family and representative members of living species were saved from the destruction of the Flood.
It seems from what we read in Genesis 6 that Noah was the only human to find favor with God, but we see that Noah's family was also blessed. The Bible doesn't say Noah's wife, sons and their wives were the reason God did not destroy humanity from the face of the earth, but it does say they received the blessing of God's salvation because of Noah.
"And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee." Genesis 6:1-18
God established a covenant, a Grace-Agreement, with Noah and his family received the benefits of the agreement. The covenant God made with Noah had nothing to do with Noah's abilities or skills or obedience. It was strictly a Grace Covenant because Noah found favor with God.
That's just how it is with the Way Christ deals with us. We are saved by Grace through Faith and none of that is of, from or through ourselves. It is the Gracious Gift of Almighty God. It's not of human works, so no one can boast of themselves. Our boast is only in Christ and His Great Sacrifice for our sins.
The concept of the "way" and the "path" is presented clearly for all to see in Scripture. John the Baptist went ahead of Christ and preached to everyone who would listen: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Our spiritual journey is both a "way" and a "path." As Christian Martial Arts instructors we've been on the way and the path longer than our students. They look to us to show them the way and lead them on the path. Our job is to tell our students to prepare the Way of the Lord and make His Paths straight. The Message of Grace is ageless and timeless. It is an eternal Message of Hope!
An expert in the "path" of life was King David. He was a man after God's Heart and desired deeply to walk with God every day of his life. In Psalms 16:11, David wrote: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Walking on the path of God gives us three great treasures: "life," "fulness of joy," and "pleasures for evermore." If we walked up to ten people today and offered them life, fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore, how many do you think would say they weren't interested? My guess is most would say they would like to know more about how to have those things in their life.
How does a person get to the point where they know they're walking with God and will receive life, joy and pleasure for evermore? Here are ten steps in the process as David explained in Psalms 16. They are the same steps we can use to Teach Wisdom to Our Children.
1. "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust."
We begin with salvation. No child can become spiritually wise until they place their faith and trust in God. We must be clear with our students that the path begins by acknowledging our need for God because of our sin and separation from God ("Preserve me, O God") and need to stop trusting in ourselves and trust God for His Gift of Salvation ("for in thee do I put my trust").
Jesus told His disciples: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jesus Christ is the only Way to God. I tried many religious paths before coming to Christ and can speak personally of the absolute truth of Christ's claim. He is the "only" Way to the Father.
The problem every human being faces is the same: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." It's not a situation where "some" or "several" people have sinned and come short of the glory of God. "All" have sinned and come short of God's glory. That means our ministry is to every person we know and every person we meet. Everyone begins life at the same place: lost in trespasses and sins. "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
Fortunately for all of us, God is a God of Love, Mercy and Grace. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
2. "O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord."
Our relationship with God is based on the Lordship of His Son in our lives. God is not something we add to our life; God is our Life through Jesus Christ ("Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."). We have access to God by faith in Christ, and not only do we gain access, we stand in it and rejoice in hope. We must teach our students to look to Christ and say, "Thou art my Lord."
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ... And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement ... That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:1,11,21
" That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved ... For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him ... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9,12,13
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." Romans 13:14
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's ... For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living ... For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Romans 14:8,9,11
"Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people." Romans 15:11
3. "My goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight."
God delights in all His children. He loves us and our relationship with Him is one of joy. Do we do things that displease God? Yes, all children cause their parents problems at times. But we need to know that God delights in us as a Perfect Father. He delights in all who are on His Path. Our students need to enjoy God and others who are members of the Body of Christ. There is no place in God's Family for egos and petty jealousy. Christian Martial Artists should be best friends and closer than human family. We are part of a Heavenly Family that will continue to enjoy each other through eternity.
"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." Mark 3:35
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you ... These things I command you, that ye love one another." John 15:12,17
"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another ... Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another ... Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." Romans 12:5,10,16
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:19
"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus ... Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God ... And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another." Romans 15:5,7,14
" For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ ... But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him ... But now are they many members, yet but one body ... Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary ... And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness ... That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another ... And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it ... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." 1 Corinthians 12:12,18,20,22,23,25-27
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Galatians 5:13
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love ... Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another ... And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:2,25,32
"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds ... Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye ... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:9
"And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you" 1 Thessalonians 3:12
"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:" 1 Peter 1:22
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." 1 Peter 3:8
4. "Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips."
Our students must understand how foolish it is for them to start on the Path of God and then take other paths that lead them after earthly gods. Walking with God is a lifelong path that does not veer to the right or left. It is a straight path, a narrow path, a path that constantly follows Christ. Children have always had things come into their lives at different ages that tempted them from the straight and narrow, but it's even worse today. Christian parents are struggling to direct their children on a path that pleases God. As Christian Martial Arts teachers, we can be a tremendous help to parents by walking on God's Path and continually inviting children to follow us even as we follow Christ. David knew from personal experience that earthly sorrows would be multiplied for anyone who runs after other gods, gets involved with their offerings to those gods and speaks their names. Today, we have children deeply involved in practices that are occult-like in addition to the continuation of the "self" generations that preceeded them. The children in your Martial Arts classes are there for a reason. God has led them to you because you have something they need. You know the "way" on the "path" of the Christian life. You can be there for them every week as they learn and train. You can listen to their hopes, their dreams, their struggles and sorrow. You can answer their questions about life and give them hope for a life that is pleasing to God, a life where sorrows will not be multiplied because they hastened after another god. You can show them the foolishness of running after other gods and the wisdom of following the One True God the rest of their life. Children become teenagers who become adults, and one day some of them will thank you for your ministry to them to help them when they were young stay on the straight path of God's Will for their lives. Christian Martial Arts can be one of the best investments parents make for their children.
5. "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
Our inheritance is heavenly, not earthly. The Lord is the portion of our inheritance and that of the children we teach. What we have waiting for us in Heaven is so much better than anything we could get here, even if we were able to possess all of this earth's wealth.
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven." 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
"Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according
to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved
in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5
We can help today's children and youth look forward with anticipation and excitement to what God has prepared for them, even as we are excited. The Way we follow and the Path we walk lead us into the very Presence of God!
We have a goodly heritage. Children are often interested in family trees and their human heritage. We can tell them about an even greater heritage in Christ. Share stories from the Bible and Christian history about those who came before us. Histor is filled with wonderful and exciting stories of faith and courage. Children and youth today see and hear so much about celebrity, which is usually nothing more than selfishness and greed. Share with them the great stories of the saints who gave of their faith and love, time and energy, to make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of people through the centuries. Share with them the great saints of the Old Testament who gave so much in obedience to God's Will. (Hebrews 11 is a wonderful place to take children to help them learn about faith.)
6. "I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons."
The Christian life is not easy and we will often need the counsel and advice of our Lord. Young people have many voices calling for their attention whether it be family members, friends, television, movies, books or other influences in their lives. Unfortunately, the world is full of bad advice. We need to help children understand the only advice that will guide them correctly throughout their life is God's Advice.
Children can be led astray quickly and easily. That's part of being immature. Children and young people need to look to the wise counsel of their parents, teachers and others in positions of authority over them. Christian Martial Arts instructors are among those people who have tremendous influence with children and young people. The multitude of wise counsel is a protection to them. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14) "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established." (Proverbs 15:22) "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety." (Proverbs 24:6)
Another important part of teaching children about seeking and receiving wise counsel is telling them about unwise counsel. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2) "The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit." (Proverbs 12:5)
An interesting way of telling the story of wisdom and wise counsel is how King Solomon told his children about wisdom. He often spoke with them in a direct way. "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart."
Solomon also used a storytelling technique of humanizing the object of the lesson. He usually spoke about wisdom as being a woman. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her." "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?" "Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."
Proverbs 8 is an excellent example where Solomon wrote about wisdom as being human. Look at what we can teach children about this wonderful and exciting lady named "Wisdom" in verses 12-21.
"I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures."
Think about giving children advice and counsel this way. The average child today hears more than a 200 words of advice a day from a wide variety of influences (family, friends, classmates, television, radio, movies, magazines, books, music, videos, electronic games, etc.). That's at least 1,400 words a week, 6,000 a month, 73,000 a year. One recent study shows that advertisers spend more than $12 billon every year on advertising aimed at children and teens. That much investment of money, time and effort to advise and counsel children about what they should think about themselves and what they need to do or buy should prove to parents the impact television, radio and magazine advertising have on young minds. The study also shows the average child watches more than 40,000 television commercials each year. How many words of advice are packed into every commercial? The older a child gets the more likely the counsel they receive will be bad advice because parents and authority figures have less influence on older children and teens while friends and media have more influence. How often do you get the opportunity to advise children in your martial arts classes each week? One class? Two classes? Use every opportunity you have with the children God leads into your sphere of influence to help them with wise counsel and advice. Remember how powerful and influential the enemy is with children, teens and young adults. Satan knows what's at stake and he's throwing everything he has at getting people when they're young and keeping them for life.
7. "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Martial artists must learn how to stand straight and strong in order to move quickly from stance to stance and to execute powerful and effective defensive techniques. A fundamental truth in martial arts is that in all our movements we are rooted. We remain rooted to the ground and in balance as we execute and move from technique to technique. In the same way, Christian young people need to learn how to stand solidly for what's right. Once we know how to stand in the paths of righteousness, we must not be moved. In all our movements we are rooted and grounded in Christ (at the Right Hand of God) and His Love.
Where do we start learning to stand so we won't be moved? It begins by understanding the Power and Majesty of Almighty God.
"Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." Job 37:14
Our faith and determination are strengthened as we consider the wondrous works of God. His creation of the world and space is truly amazing. It is a major theme of the praise songs of Israel.
"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works." Psalms 9:1
"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." Psalms 26:7
"Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." Psalms 40:5
"O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works." Psalms 71:17
"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare." Psalms 75:1
"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done." Psalms 78:4
"Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works." Psalms 86:8
"For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep." Psalms 92:4-5
"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Psalms 104:24
" Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth." Psalms 105:2,5
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalms 107:8
"The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure." Psalms 111:2,4.6.7
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalms 139:14
"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." Psalms 145:4,5,9,10,17
Christians of all ages will be strengthened to stand for God when they know the God they serve. Our God is not a weak god made of wood or metal. He is the Almighty God Who created the heavens and the earth! In that Truth we stand. Even as the earth God created cannot be moved from its position in the heavens by the will of man, so we cannot be moved in our commitment to Him.
Standing in the knowledge of God is also the Christian's song. The Apostles tell us of the importance of trusting God and standing in His Grace, Power and Faith.
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2
"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." Romans 14:4
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."1 Corinthians 2:5
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand."1 Corinthians 15:1
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13
"Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand." 2 Corinthians 1:24
Standing is something Christians must do every day. We cannot let up for a moment because all of us are in spiritual battles. The enemy wants to defeat our minds, hearts and bodies. The enemy wants to pull us back into slavery. God wants us to enjoy the freedom we have in Christ and to stand boldly in it as we wage war with the enemy.
" Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness," Ephesians 6:11,13,14
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27
"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." Philippians 4:1
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." Colossians 4:12
"For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 3:8
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." 2 Thessalonians 2:15
"By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand." 1 Peter 5:12
The lesson of standing properly (proper stance) is one we will repeat in every class. It is also a spiritual message we should mention at every opportunity for the spiritual sake of our students.
8. "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."
Martial arts fitness is known to be one of the best ways to build strong organs, muscles and bones. Christian wisdom makes our hearts glad and gives rest and hope to our bodies and minds. Wisdom adds health to our bones and years to our lives. Wisdom brings joy to the heart and hope to the mind.
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Psalms 51:6
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalms 90:12
"When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul." Psalms 2:10
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Proverbs 3:13
"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." ... " Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." Proverbs 8:11,14
"The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom." Proverbs 10:21
"Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known." Proverbs 14:33
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Proverbs 3:5-8
"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat." Proverbs 15:28-30
"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:21-24
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22
Wisdom is an entrance into a world of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Sharing sound physical movement exercises along with words of truth, encouragement and support will help the young people we teach gain so much more from their lives and service to their Lord.
9. "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."
Christians will not die in vain. Our lives and our deaths have deep meaning to God. We have an exciting future beyond what our eyes now see. What we do now has a tremendous significance on what we will do through eternity. To spend our time serving God in this life is a wise choice: a choice we can lead our students to choose.
"And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first." Mark 10:23-31
"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth." John 4:34-37
"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." John 6:67-69
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." John 10:27-30
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." John 12:24-26
"As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John 17:2-4
"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:22-23
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Corinthians 5:1
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6:12-19
"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 5:8-10
"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:11-15
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:8-10
"And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life." 1 John 2:25
What a marvelous promise we have! Eternal life with Christ. It is a promise that strengthens and enboldens us for the work of the Lord. It is a promise we should remind our students so they will also remember God's purpose for their lives.
10. "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Following Jesus Christ is the "path of life." As we practice the Presence of Christ, we will experience great joy and pleasures for evermore.
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalms 16:11
"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death." Proverbs 12:28
"He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it." Proverbs 2:7-22
"I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." Proverbs 4:11-27
"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death." Proverbs 12:28
What a wonderful message we have to share with children, young people and adults each week in our classes. I pray you will find many ways to to point your students toward the Wisdom of God in every lesson. Our churches, communities and countries will be better and stronger for your efforts.
Here's a summary of the Ten Fold Path To Wisdom from King David:
The fourth step to Teaching Wisdom To Our Children is to lead them to make wise choices when it comes to relationships in life. Babies are born into the world with almost no ability to care for themselves. Doctors and nurses and other types of caregivers help in the first days of a child's life, but the primary responsibility for a baby's health and wellbeing falls to the parents. In a child's early years parents will look to family members, friends, neighbors, teachers and others for assistance in giving their children direction and protection. Parents soon learn about the many "mine fields" facing them as they attempt to raise healthy, well-adjusted children.
The purpose of this study is to help parents, Christian martial arts teachers and other adults guide children through those mine fields and find God's purpose and blessing for their lives.
The best way to look at anything in life is through God's eyes. What God believes is best for a child should be our main concern and He has a lot to say about children.
Jesus Christ, God in Flesh, showed through His words and actions what he thought about children. We gain a tremendous insight into how God sees children through these verses.
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me." Matthew 18:2-5
"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:13-14) The NIV reads: "Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Verse15 is also worth mentioning because we see how Jesus expressed Himself to the children. "When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there." Jesus touched them with His heart full of love and interest in their lives. Adults then and now often treat children with a lack of respect. Pure and proper touching shows children how an adult cares for them. Jesus created children and loved them deeply. They are precious in His sight. Children are wonderful examples of the spiritual relationship believers have with Christ. God loves and protects children. His Word is full of insight into that love and protection. In our study, we will see what God says about four important relationships in every child's life: parents, teachers, friends and sexual relationships.
"And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me." Mark 9:36-37
We begin this month with a look at the first two relationships in a child's life: parents and teachers. In our next newsletter we'll look at the impact of friends and sexual relationships on our children.
The most important and vital relationship any child will ever have is with parents. The parent-child relationship should be protected and nurtured by everyone in a community. The success or failure of that bond affects us all. God loves children and gave them as a special gift to parents.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Psalms 127:3-4
God told Israel how important the home and family are to children and impressed the responsibility parents have to do what is right for their children.
"Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves." Deuteronomy 11:18-23
Children need to learn how important they are to God and how precious they are to their parents. Parents and children don't always know how to say what's in their hearts to each other, so a gentle nudge from God's Spirit is often helpful in developing the deeper relationships possible within families.
God speaks clearly to children about the importance of loving and obeying their parents. It should be in reponse to parents who are loving and obeying God. If both are true in a family relationship, God will be praised and glorified in every city. The truth of relationships is that parents are not always as loving as they should be and children are not always as loving as they should be, but that is not an excuse for disobeying God's direction to each. The Bible says, "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3) A parent should love their children whether the love is returned or not. The same is true for the child who has an unloving parent. This life is not perfect and many Christians find themselves in difficult circumstances within the walls of their own homes, but God's Word is true and what He tells us to do in relation to members of our family is true. Obey God and let Him work the miracles.
Solomon, the world's wisest person, had much to say about the importance and benefits of children obeying their parents and their parents raising them in the knowledge and understanding of God. Notice both the commands and the life benefits promised.
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." Proverbs 1:8-9
"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding." Proverbs 2:1-2
"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Proverbs 3:1-2
"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life." Proverbs 4:1-13
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22
"My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge." Proverbs 5:1-2
"My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart." Proverbs 7:1-3
"The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." Proverbs 10:1
"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke." Proverbs 13:1
"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Proverbs 13:24
"A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." Proverbs 15:5
"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother." Proverbs 15:20
"A foolish son is the calamity of his father..." Proverbs 19:13
"Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." Proverbs 19:18
"He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge." Proverbs 19:26-27
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." Proverbs 20:11
"Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness." Proverbs 20:20
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." Proverbs 22:15
"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." Proverbs 23:13-14
"My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine." Proverbs 23:15
"Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:22-26
"My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off." Proverbs 24:13-14
"My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me." Proverbs 27:11
"Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer." Proverbs 28:24
"Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul." Proverbs 29:17
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." Proverbs 30:11-14
"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." Proverbs 30:17