Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Week 11: Chapter 10 — Childhood: Training in Wisdom and Foolishness
Read Chapter 10 of Shepherding a Child's Heart. Primary Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7; Ephesians 6:1-4.
Previewing Week 11 of Shepherding a Child's Heart
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 17-week guide when you’re ready.
The childhood years are the primary training ground for wisdom — a season of enormous opportunity and enormous responsibility for parents. Come ready to think about what it means to raise children who are not just well-behaved but genuinely wise.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Tripp describes the goal for this stage as raising children in the 'nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4, KJV). What does 'nurture' mean in this context, and how is it different from simply teaching rules?
2.The Book of Proverbs is largely a father's appeal to his son — and Tripp draws heavily on it in this chapter. What is wisdom in the biblical sense, and why is it the goal of parenting rather than mere obedience or academic success?
3.Tripp argues that children in this stage need both formal instruction (teaching them God's Word) and informal instruction (seizing the teachable moments of daily life). Which of these comes more naturally to you? Which do you neglect?
a.What are some teachable moments from ordinary family life that you could use more intentionally?
b.What does it take to be awake to those moments rather than just surviving the day?