Proverbs: Parent - Child Relationship - Steve Gregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | Steve Gregg’s discussion on parent-child relationships, based on the book of Proverbs, emphasizes the vital role of parenting in shaping a child's values and future. Gregg begins by highlighting that human relationships—particularly those within families—are central to God's concerns, second only to our relationship with Him. He stresses that our love for God is demonstrated through how we love others, making our interactions with people especially significant. Among human relationships, the parent-child dynamic holds a unique place, requiring both discipline and nurturing that are not applicable to other relationships, like those with neighbors or spouses.

Gregg underscores that parents bear the primary responsibility for transmitting values, culture, and faith to their children. However, in modern society, this role has been increasingly displaced by peer influence, especially through public schooling and daycare. Children, who naturally seek the approval of those they spend the most time with, are often more shaped by peers than by their parents. This shift results in a generation that is more likely to absorb foolishness—what Proverbs says is bound up in the heart of a child—than wisdom. Gregg draws heavily from scriptures such as *Deuteronomy 6* and *Ephesians 6*, which mandate that parents teach God’s truths throughout daily life, emphasizing consistent reinforcement through conversation and example.

The discussion also addresses the long-term impact of parenting. A godly parent leaves behind not only material possessions but also a spiritual and cultural legacy. Proverbs 13:22 and 17:6 frame this as a blessing extending to one's grandchildren, with Gregg arguing that a parent’s true success is often seen not just in their children, but in the generations that follow. He illustrates this by noting how children often unintentionally absorb their parents' traits, even if they initially strive to be different.

Gregg further explains that children are not a burden, but a divine reward and a source of joy and significance. Psalm 127 refers to children as a heritage from the Lord and likens them to arrows in the hand of a warrior—tools that can reach places the parent never will. He connects this to God’s purpose for marriage as outlined in Malachi 2:15: to produce godly offspring, emphasizing that companionship in marriage is secondary to its role in shaping future generations.

This lecture concludes with a personal reflection. Gregg shares how his early ministry was influenced by apocalyptic expectations, which discouraged him from having children. However, a transformative moment during a church service caused him to rethink this stance. He realized that children extend a parent’s spiritual impact into the world, beyond their own reach. From that point on, he saw children not as obstacles to ministry, but as essential to it. Gregg urges parents to have a long-term vision, seeing their children and grandchildren as both a blessing and a means to perpetuate godliness across generations.
| Transcript: https://opentheo.org/i/5683542729742041434/proverbs-parent-child

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