Hearing God’s word being read and discussing it with their children is the basic beginning and foundation for parents to help their children make the Scriptures the standard for their life. This is what children especially need to see and hear; and, most importantly for them, this being modeled by their parents for them. In probably the most important priority for the parents to set out for the family, the goal is simple: to read relevant Scriptures with the family or group and to discuss, how to apply those Scriptures as the standard for our lives (see Prov.22:6; Is.55:6-11; Mt.24:35; 2Tim.3:14-17).

As you read and study over each of the different topics of God’s Wisdom Words for Us, look up the Scripture verses and passages that are mentioned for your own personal study first. In doing so, pray and ask, “What is the meaning of this verse (or passage) for my life today?” Always consider the context in your reading, that is, the verses before and after what you are reading. The context within the passage reveals what God is saying about that Scripture. Then ask the following question, “With God’s help, how does this apply to my own life?” Always pray before you start, asking God to give you understanding about the Scripture you read and to guide you in making it relevant to your own life.

In family or group study, take the same approach when you come together to read and discover God’s word. Read the Scriptures you are studying together as you go through the different topics in the book. Discuss together the meaning of each and how the Scriptures included in the study apply in practical ways of your individual lives. Essentially, you want to ask and discuss the same two questions that were mentioned previously in your personal study, with the family or group, however that is best worked out. Once you start having the studies, ask the children or group members to share how any studies you have done together previously have become relevant and worked out in their lives. New insights may come out in sharing these with each other, also.

Here are some other helpful guidelines that can prove to be beneficial when having the Bible discussions together: 1) It is good to approach the Bible study time together as more of a ‘discovery time’ for all involved instead of another ‘classroom’ experience. Even when a teacher prepares topics for discussion, everyone can learn new discoveries when the Bible is read and each one can share their insights with one another. 2) Open discussion is better than strictly a ‘question and answer’ approach primarily, as questions can often be too limited in their scope and reach with varieties of people, especially in family or group gatherings, and possibly hindering even freedom of expression that others would like to share about themselves. 3) As a parent or leader, try to conduct the Bible discussions in such a way as being on an equal level with the others in the family or group. While giving direction and guidance in the study at hand, the Bible study still remains a discovery on an equal level for all involved. Even in an authority position, this can provide a more receptive response for everyone in the family or group involved. 4) It is a good reminder to share with the family or group that we are a part of a beautifully designed unit of God – the family, based on the Trinity, the Eternal Family of God.