Steve Sikes Blog  

Two weeks ago at Family Camp I shared a proverb that positively impacted our family growing up: “Love wisdom like a sweetheart; make her a beloved member of your family.”  (Proverbs 7:4 TLB)

The first time I read this particular verse in the Living Bible, I was struck with the need to actually make wisdom a beloved member of our Sikes’ family!  When Patti and I “adopted” SISTER WISDOM into our family, our children were ages 4, 6, 8, and 10 (2 boys and 2 girls).  I remember writing the words, “SISTER WISDOM” on a blank sheet of typing paper and taping it face-up on one of our flat-bottom kitchen chairs.  For years we had “SISTER WISDOM” sit at the table with us or just off to the side, when we had company.

Patti and I worked hard in making her a member of our family.  When one of the children said or did something unwise, we instructed them to go and sit on their “SISTER’S” lap and listen to her (as they read from the book of Proverbs).  SISTER WISDOM was also very patient and persistent in helping our children learn the ABC’s of Proverbs while they sat on her lap:  A—Acquire wisdom; acquire understanding; B – Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed; C – Commit your works to the Lord. 

SISTER WISDOM never failed us.  I remember one morning our youngest daughter (when she was four-years old), asking her six-year old brother before breakfast if he had prayed for wisdom!  It seemed she didn’t like something he had said to her, and if he had prayed for wisdom – he wouldn’t have said it!  Ahhh… D – Death and life are in the power of the tongue!

Patti and I now have two grandchildren and one on the way; along with an old flat-bottom chair just waiting for a little one to sit in and say their ABC’s of Proverbs! 

God is good!  Mr. Steve