8/26 Proverbs: "Teach Them to Fish" Synergy #12
IN A NUTSHELL: Proverbs might be regarded as the comic strip of wisdom when it comes to wisdom regarding a work ethic. A poor work ethic shows up in several ways; fear, laziness, stealing, excuses, and foolishness. What pictures come to your mind? ICE BREAKER: At what moment on your path to maturity did it hit you, “No gifts, no favors, if I’m going to attain this (car, job, house, etc.) I am going to have to work for it?” Tell your story!
CONNECTING WITH THE TEXTS:
- Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
- Proverbs 22:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”
- Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
- Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
- Proverbs 12:27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
- Proverbs 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
- Proverbs 28:19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
- Check out other Scriptures that refer to a Christian work ethic.
- Kenneth O Gangel has a significant article referring to Vocational Counseling though it references mostly dated materials.
- A good kit of reference materials for parents to use with their children has been developed around Larry Burkett's "Your Career in Changing Times"
REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE:
- Have you tended to view work more as drudgery, or opportunity?
- Have you found any regular activity in your life to be a combination of both labor and enjoyment also maybe known as a “fulfilling job”?
- How might children most effectively be taught the value of work?
CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:
- Be sure to look at the Milestones as supported on the Pinterest Page. Many resources for all ages are available.
- 1. Birth — Twenty Tips for Teaching Children to Work
- 2. Baptism — From Crayons to Career by Cheri Fuller
- 3. Adolescence — Choosing Your Career by M.E. Clark; Sonlight's College and Career Planning Kit
- 4. Adulthood — On My Own Handbook by Bobb Biehl; Your Career In Changing Times by Burkett
- 5. Refinement — Career Crossover by Harper Your Money after the Big 5-0 by Burkett