TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, Week of July 14-20, 2025, Wise Advice for Raising Children, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, July 14-20, 2025, Wise Advice for Raising Children, Prepared Speech.

Wise advice for raising children (10 mins.)

Dear brothers and sisters, beloved parents and parents-to-be: Today we gather to meditate on a treasure of divine wisdom entitled “Wise Advice for Raising Children.”

Our desire is to drink from Jehovah's fountain and allow ourselves to be guided by his spirit as we learn to form strong, loyal, and happy hearts. The psalmist reminds us that children are an inheritance from Jehovah.

Every baby placed in our arms is a vote of trust from the Creator. Before we look for a stroller or paint the room, let's ask ourselves: Are we the kind of humble, spiritual people to whom Jehovah would entrust a newborn? If the answer needs adjusting, now is the time to strengthen our spirituality, because little ones pick up much more than we say.

Prepare your children to face life's difficulties.

LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 3:12, 13

“I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good throughout their lives, 13 and also for everyone to eat and drink and enjoy all their hard work. This is a gift from God.”

This text emphasizes that hard work brings true joy. We are teaching by example that effort is rewarded and preparing our children to face life's difficulties. Life is not a smooth road, and Jehovah wants us to train our children to navigate them without losing faith. The prudent see the danger and hide, but the inexperienced go on and suffer the consequences.

In practical terms, this means speaking frankly about physical, moral, and spiritual dangers, not sowing fear, but rather relying on biblical guidance.

Let's read Proverbs 2:1, 6 together and help them discover how to find counsel in the Word. If a family member abandons the truth, let's use Psalm 31:23 to show the importance of loyalty. And when death visits our home, let's use 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 to comfort us. In this way, every painful experience becomes a living lesson in spiritual resilience.

Start educating them from birth.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 22:6

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and he will not leave it even when he grows old.”

Eunice and Loida filled Timothy's mind with the Scriptures from his infancy. Following their example, Jean-Claude and Peace began instilling the Word when their six children were still bottle-fed. To instill means to repeat until it is ingrained.

It takes time, patience, and creativity. You might repeat the same Bible story 20 times, but the sparkle you see in their eyes will remind you it's worth it. Turn every walk, every meal, and every evening into an opportunity to talk about Jehovah, using simple, thought-provoking questions.

When you discipline them, do it with love.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 22:15

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.”

In the Bible, discipline means education that forms and instructs. Therefore, Ephesians urges us to continue raising children according to Jehovah's discipline and counsel. Discipline isn't venting frustration; it's setting clear and consistent limits, accompanied by reasonable explanations and displays of affection.

Proverbs 13:24 links correction with love, never with abuse. Those who correct with balance create children who feel secure and value structure. On the other hand, harshness without affection can undermine self-esteem.

When you must reprimand, pray first, remind the child of his or her accomplishments, and then correct in a calm tone, focusing on the action, not the identity.

A legacy that transcends generations.

Raising children is a long-term project that requires faith, perseverance, and great tenderness. If we sow godly principles, water by example, and protect with loving discipline, we will raise faithful children who honor Jehovah and benefit the congregation.

We may never see all the fruits in this life, but the Kingdom of God will reveal the magnitude of every seed planted today. May our commitment be to reflect the love of our Heavenly Father, convinced that those who sow goodness will reap blessing.

Let us pray that every mother and father here present may receive the strength, wisdom, and patience necessary to fulfill their sacred mission. And that our children, looking back, may be grateful for having grown up under a roof illuminated by the Word and by example.

In the image in our activity guide, a father is shown holding an open Bible and, with his hand extended, tenderly explaining it to his daughter. The scene exemplifies Proverbs 22:6: to instruct from an early age, repeating godly principles until they are fixed in the heart.