Proverbs 4:1-9 — Parental Advice

READ THIS: Proverbs 4:1-9

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?
 
Ever had a parent sit you down for some life lessons? I can think of plenty of times where my parents taught me about their lives and the important things they learned along the way. Sometimes, I would totally listen in and learn from what they said. Other times, I groaned because I was hearing another life lesson from my parents.
 
This life lesson is centered on wisdom! Specifically, we are taught that wisdom is something we desperately need because it will protect us, watch over us, lift us up, and reward us. Wisdom here... kinda sounds a lot like... having a relationship with God... doesn't it? The wisest thing we can do is have a relationship with God! It rewards us more than anything else in the world can.

Here is an opportunity for us to make the same choices I had to with my parents: listen or ignore the advice we are given. Solomon says to his sons, "take hold of my words" and "keep my commands." In the same way, we are called to listen to our Father... God! His words lead to wisdom, to understanding, and to peace! So... will you listen?


THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Are you good at listening to what your parent(s) tell you? Why is it easy or hard to listen to them?

2. How can you get better at listening carefully to God?
 
TRY THIS:
 
Ask your parent(s), or even someone you consider a parent to you, to tell you a story where they learned a valuable lesson! Give 'em a call if you don't live with them!

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