how to love and lead
"Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord." —Psalm 119:1
Through the book of Proverbs, the Lord teaches us to live. He especially teaches us about family life. Parents ought to consider sharing a proverb a day with their children. By doing so, they will be much better parents. Moreover, they will help their children understand what it means to be their children and what it means to be sons and daughters of God.
The Lord also uses the book of Proverbs to teach us about being kings and leaders. We are a royal priesthood (1 Pt 2:9) as each of us at his Baptism was anointed as priest, prophet, and king. In Proverbs, we learn that kingly leadership is not about imposing our wills on others but about being docile to the Lord's will (Prv 21:1). The Lord expects each of us to lead the way in justice, humility, diligence, honesty, compassion, and wisdom (Prv 21:3-6, 10-13).
The Holy Spirit has inspired some holy people to read, reflect on, and study at least one proverb a day. Ask the Lord whether He wants you also to do this.
Prayer: Father, may I read a proverb a day until I die in Your grace.
Promise: Jesus "told them in reply, 'My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it.' " —Lk 8:21
Praise: "Solomon also uttered three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five" (1 Kgs 5:12).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Family Prayer on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002