Today we’ll attempt to unearth the treasures buried in Proverbs chapter 1 verse 8. This verse speaks to parents, to children and indeed to everyone seeing that we are all children of God.
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Proverbs 1 verse 8 KJV
This verse immediately reminds us of the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12, where God commands children to honour their parents so their days will be prolonged.
Although we aren’t doing a systematic study of the book of Proverbs as I stated earlier, however, it’s important to note the sequence of the writings of Solomon in Proverbs. It’s similar in some respect to the sequence of the ten commandments.
The set of parents that God referred to in Exodus 20 are people who had experienced the bondage of Egypt and the deliverance of God. They’ve also seen the mighty works of God, so, it’s taking for granted that they’ll teach their children about their walk with God. It’s the same reason underlying God’s thoughts in Genesis 18:17-19.
God also used that to show a pattern of how He intends the world to be constructed. That is, parents, learn from him and teach their children. Children learn from their parents and lead a godly life.
So, after Solomon has instructed us to start with God, the next was to point out the importance of paying heed to the godly and virtuous instructions of our parents.
The family is the smallest unit of society; it is the primer, the template of what we’ll see in the nation. If the sons and daughters are raised well, the entire nation will be healthy, but when such upbringing is lacking, the whole society languishes. This is also the reason satan is very keen on destroying the structure and function of the family unit.
Solomon opens that verse with the phrase “My son”. This should be understood as referring to both daughters and sons as we’ve come to learn in the scriptures when such compound words are used. “My son, my daughter” is a warm call of a father or mother to his child. He has lived and had many experiences and would want his child to learn from them – to know where the smooth paths are and walk on them, and to know where the potholes are and remove their feet from such places.
As I read these scriptures of truth, I began to reminisce. My mind flashed back to those nights back at home, with the curtain raised, doors and windows wide open, Dad and Mom on the sofa and the children either sitting on the floor leaning on Daddy’s legs or recumbent on our beds, my Dad will begin to release some priceless experiences. O how those experiences have continually saved me from piercing myself with a myriad of sorrows!
In a world that is carpeted with untaught and belligerent children, the lack of adherence, by both parents and children to this unfailing truth is not far-fetched – it can always be traced to this.
God desires that parents give instructions – detailed information about how life works and how it should be followed. Instructions must be given to the children in the simplest way possible for adequate comprehension.
Instruction also involves making them understand why they need to adhere to what you’re teaching. It is not enough to say all the DON’Ts without explaining the WHYs. Beloved, the WHYs are the cords that will constantly pull those kids away from those attitudes even when you are not there; this is because they understood the negative consequences inherent in doing things the wrong way.
Parents are also to give laws, setting aside appropriate and commensurate chastisement for disobedience because children (youths inclusive) also have their own will. And so an adequate deterrent is needed to keep such will in check. This is not intended to harm the child, but to help him or her lead a godly and virtuous life.
Another understanding from this verse would be to see God as our Father, who is crying to us to pay attention to his instructions and laws. He is our Father who has our best interest at heart. He knows the end from the beginning and so is calling us to follow His guide for a purposeful and fulfilling life.
So, “pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee”.
The questions are:
As a parent, have you taught your children what they need to know? Deuteronomy 4:9-10;6:7; 11:19.
As a child, what did you hear from your father and what did you learn at your mother’s feet? Do you still remember them, and are they still your guide? Exodus 20:12; Matthews 15:4; Mark 7:10; Ephesians 6:2
As sons and daughters of God, do we still remember what the Lord taught us? Are we still keeping them? Jeremiah 35:1-19; Matthew 7:24; John 10:27; Jeremiah 2:13; 2:19.
As usual, I shall be expecting your take on this verse in the comment section. I desire to learn from you.
Wishing you a lovely day, God bless you.
