“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9 (KJV)
The first step on the road to a wise life is to show respect to parental instructions. “Honor your father and mother . . .” Note that Solomon’s wisdom isn’t one-sided. It includes both parents. It is God’s plan that parents would teach their children. Solomon assumes that “wise living” will be passed on from generation to generation. He assumes that responsible parents will teach wise living and not foolishness. Parental responsibility isn’t only about giving orders and expecting obedience. Responsible parents also give explanations and establish guidelines and limits.
Solomon’s point, however, deals with more than children’s duty to their parents. As children, we may respect our parents without paying attention or believing what they teach us. Solomon taught that children ought to give careful attention to their father’s instruction. Wise children will learn from their mother’s guidelines and rules. Many men and women have mourned, “If I would have only listened to what mother taught me.”
For Solomon, merely receiving parental teaching was not enough. A parent’s teaching was of essential value. Children should receive but also retain what their parents teach. Furthermore, that teaching must be applied in the children’s lives. The positive result should motivate all children everywhere. Dad’s instruction and mom’s rules, when followed consistently, will adorn the child with grace and beauty. Parental guidance will bring honor. Parental teaching will be the most precious assets adorning the child’s life . . . like gold chains adorning the neck.
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for Dad and Mom and their wisdom. Empower us to live according to the wisdom they have passed on to us. Enable us to pass it on to our children and others. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be courageous in the ornament of grace handed down to you,