Proverbs: Listen My Child

 

Listen My Child

      A few months ago as I drove by my house, I mentioned that I needed to cut my roses.  Later in the day, Luke asked me if he could use my scissors.  He walked out of my house, so I followed to watch.  My heart filled with love.  He remembered hearing me say that the roses needed to be cut.   He listened and acted on what he heard.  

     As I started reading Proverbs, I thought how much I would like to share these words with my children and grandchildren.  Many times Solomon wrote, "My son."  I will change this to "My Child" and share these words of wisdom. 

 Proverbs 1:8 - 10

My Child, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace on your head, and chains about your neck.  If sinners entice you, do not listen nor follow after their way.  (in my words)

If they will only listen!   Like Luke.  But, will Luke always listen.  I appreciated the thought that he listened to me and cut my roses.  I didn't ask him to cut my roses.  This is where a child learns from watching others.  I'm sure somewhere along the way, he has noticed either his mother or father respond to someone by helping them without being asked.  I love this quality in my children.  However, they don't always listen.  When they did not listen, there were consequences.  I wish I could have helped them avoid suffering through their mistakes, but they did learn from their mistakes - I hope.

Here is the purpose of the Proverbs in verses 1 - 7 - Now listen my children!

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,

to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;

to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,

to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(ESV)