How can parents instill discernment in their children to avoid naivety? Observing the Problem of Naivety Proverbs 7:7 warns, “I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment”. The danger isn’t open defiance; it’s empty-headed simplicity—an untrained mind ready to be led anywhere. Parents are called to replace that vacuum with wisdom. Start with God’s Word at Home • Deuteronomy 6:6–7 sets the rhythm: Scripture is discussed “when you sit at home…walk along the road…lie down…and get up.” • Proverbs 22:6 reminds us that early training sticks. Practical ideas: – Read a short proverb at breakfast and let each child rephrase it in his or her own words. – Post a weekly memory verse on the fridge and quote it together before bed. – Tie privileges (screen time, outings) to completion of a simple Bible-reading plan. Model Discernment in Action • Children copy what they see. James 1:22: “Be doers of the word.” Show them how you decide: – “I won’t watch that show because Philippians 4:8 calls me to dwell on what is pure.” – “Let’s compare this advertisement to Proverbs 11:1 about honest scales.” – Let them hear you praying for guidance aloud when choices arise. Teach Clear Danger Signs • Proverbs 1:10: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Help children recognize: – Flattery (“You’re so mature—you can handle this”). – Peer pressure masked as friendship. – Anything urging secrecy from parents or Scripture. Role-play likely scenarios: a friend suggesting rule-breaking, a website pop-up, a party invitation with no adults present. Equip with Scripture as a Filter • Psalm 119:9: purity comes by “guarding it according to Your word.” • Psalm 119:105: His word “is a lamp.” Train them to ask three quick questions whenever a new idea or invitation appears: 1. Does it match a clear command of Scripture? 2. Does it honor Christ’s character? 3. Could I thank God for it wholeheartedly? Memorize anchor verses together—one for friendship, one for integrity, one for sexual purity—and rehearse them before potential hotspots (sleepovers, phone upgrades, first job). Guard the Gates of Influence • Proverbs 13:20: companions matter. • Philippians 4:8 sets the content standard. Strategies: – Curate digital feeds; install filters but also explain why they’re there. – Visit entertainment review sites together and grade movies/music against Philippians 4:8. – Encourage friendships with wise peers through church, service projects, and family hospitality. Cultivate a Love for Truth • John 17:17: “Your word is truth.” • Hebrews 5:14 praises those “who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” Foster curiosity: – Invite children to challenge ideas respectfully and trace answers in Scripture. – Share testimonies of times you were fooled and how God’s truth corrected you. – Celebrate each moment they choose wisely—affirm that discernment is exciting, not restrictive. A Lifelong Path of Growing Wisdom Discernment is planted in childhood but pruned and strengthened for life. Keep sowing Scripture, keep talking, keep modeling. Over time the “simple” youth of Proverbs 7:7 is replaced by the mature believer of Psalm 1—“like a tree planted by streams of water,” able to stand firm when the naive are swept away. |
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