None of us are blank slates or empty canvases. For better or worse, we have all had our identity influenced and our lives impacted by our family of origin. We then live in response by either receiving what we think is good and helpful, or rejecting what we think is bad or harmful.

Generational Wisdom (4:1-9) – We receive some form of wisdom and instruction from previous generations. Solomon is a father and was a son who learned from his father King David. While far from perfect, David was known as a man after God’s own heart. A foolish sinner, David was a recipient of amazing mercy and grace. Solomon has a settled sense of identity, loved by his mother, and guided by his father. His relationship with his father was the context for receiving wisdom needed to avoid evil and embrace good. Regardless of our families, in Christ, we are part of a new forever family able to receive wisdom from our Heavenly Father.

Warning Against Wickedness (4:10-19) – A godly course of life is not just imparted and then assumed. Following the path of wisdom and life includes endurance and intentionality. Vigilance includes being aware there may be ever present temptations. Those walking in wickedness do not do so in isolation. Restless evil is contagious, loving company as they feast on wickedness and are drunk on violence. Their darkness causes them to unknowing fall while the light of righteousness leads to life.

Restored Heart and Renewed Life (4:20-27) – All of us have experienced the foolish failure of sin. Wounded by our families and our own follies we are not condemned to repeat patterns of generational trauma and sin.

Where there is breath there is hope. God is a patient Father desiring our repentance and restoration. Healing and wholeness are possible as we put away sin which clings so closely and turn our eyes towards Jesus. It is Jesus who wore a crown of thorns for us so we could receive a crown of righteousness. Wicked eat the bread and wine of violence. The redeemed feast on His grace, remembering the violence of the cross endured for us.

Questions:

What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about God or yourself? What did you learn about family relationships?

Consider your family of origin. How were they a positive influence on you? What was passed down that was less than profitable for you?

When have you seen or experienced the sins or folly of others negatively impacting those around them? How is evil and sin “contagious”? How does mercy and grace transform us?

Why is it important to know how our families describe our story without them defining our stories? How does being adopted into God’s family through faith in Christ give us hope and healing?

PRAY- Praise God the Father who loves us perfectly and loves us best. Ask the Holy Spirit to heal the sins done to us and grant us repentance leading to life and wholeness. Thank Jesus for enduring violence on the cross for our sins so we could be forgiven and receive His crown of righteousness.