Walk with the Wise

August 8

Parents have the responsibility and the privilege of charting the course of the lives of their children. From the time they are aware that a baby is on the way, good parents turn their focus toward the things they must do in order to make the life of the new person who is coming to live with them as good as they have the power to achieve.

They think both short term and long term in their endeavor to provide the best their resources can supply to the beloved little person who will fill their hearts and their lives for the remainder of their time on earth. From decorating the nursery to beginning a college fund, they channel their time, energy and money into the well-being of the child.

One of the most important things a parent can try to assure when he is orchestrating his children’s activities regards the other children with whom they will associate. Of course, when they are at school, they will be surrounded by youngsters whose parents may or may not share the values and the goals he has set for his offspring, but it is still critically important that when he can, he should help his children establish good quality friendships. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Though this has always been true, it is of particular significance today because a child’s companions are not necessarily just those with whom he interacts in school or on the playground. Today’s children are bombarded with friends and playmates that they meet on TV! A parent must endeavor not only to assure that his little ones share the company of nice children but that they watch only high quality TV programs. Because children spend a lot of time in front of the television, good parents must screen the shows they watch to be sure their values and goals are supported by them.