A Graceful Wreath

“Hear, my son, and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.”

Proverbs 4:10-13

Key Words:

Hear (shama):  hear with attention or interest, hearken, heed, listen to, obey, publish, understand, obedient, diligent

Accept (laqach):  take possession of, receive, fetch, bring, lay hold of, seize, buy, snatch, take in marriage

Directed (yarah):  teach, shoot, archers, cast, throw

Wisdom (chokmah):  skill, wisdom, shrewdness, prudence

Led (darak):  tread, march forth, bend a bow (archer), lead, walk, lead forth, guide

Take hold (chazaq):  strong, repair, hold, strengthen, harden, prevail, courage, firm, resolute

Let go (raphah):  feeble, fail, weaken, slack, faint, abate, sink, relax, let drop, abandon, forsake

Guard (natsar):  keep, preserve, guard from danger, watchman, keep close, blockade

God’s Word is full of exhortations, commands, and examples of what a blessed thing it is to follow the wisdom of our parents. And the words used in these Scriptures make it clear that I should not just pat myself on the back for letting my parents have their say and then go ahead and do whatever I please.  The ”hearing” enjoined means to treasure their instruction so highly that I grab hold of it like my life depends on it, and then obey it, trusting results to God.

Now, obviously, all of the input into our lives should be checked out against the principles in God’s Word. If we are told to do something that would clearly mean disobeying God, then we must obey God first.  However, barring an issue like that, we should strive to honor our parents by following their words. That is not always easy, especially considering that our parents are not perfect.  But then neither are we, even if we consider ourselves very spiritually minded and close to the Lord. This is a step of faith, and it teaches us that God chooses to work through imperfect people to accomplish His will.

I grew up in a religious home with loving parents who taught me the best they knew how. I did not know the Lord until I had left home to go to engineering school. While growing up, I guess I was known as a “nice kid” and was not the nastiest rebel in the neighborhood.  But I still did not treasure my parents’ instruction, and I did what I wanted. After coming to Christ later, it wasn’t long before the Lord pressed on me to be thankful to my Dad and Mom for all they had done for me through life.  And ever since then, continuing to today, the Lord has opened my eyes more and more to appreciate what they have said and done to bring me up.  My main regret is that this appreciation came late, after I was no longer living with them. God is very gracious to cover my sin, but still they and I have missed many of the blessings He promises for honoring them while growing up.

Rebellion is natural, normal, and OK, you might say, for a typical teen? Maybe it looks that way by observing how most people in the world operate.  But that is not God’s way, and He gives the power to do otherwise to those who know Him. What Christians must realize is that we have bought into the modern world’s view when we think that a youth despising his parents is OK and is a necessary part of life. Question this mindset; be a Berean. Take a fresh look at what the Scriptures really say regarding this relationship.  Then be willing to put on the new man.

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed,they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.”

Proverbs 1:8-9

“My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.”

Proverbs 2:1-5

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”

Proverbs 3:1-2

“Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding, for I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live; acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.””

Proverbs 4:1-5

“My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.”

Proverbs 6:20-23

“Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.”

Proverbs 23:22-25

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:1-3

“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”

Colossians 3:20

~ Tom

Comments

[Tammy]

Thanks for the mini sermon.I printed it out to share with friends from Moms In Touch group.

[Sherrin]

Thanks for this excellent post. I've been wanting to write about this very topic, and you have said it so much better than I could have! I came here via Hannah's comment on my blog. Yes, I am a friend of Bethany's. I wrote her a letter just yesterday! How do you know her?

[hannah]

Thanks for commenting, Sherrin. We're glad you were blessed by the post.

Our family got to know the Bewshers about 7 years ago when they lived in eastern VA--we were doing a homeschool report on Australia, and they were happy to show us a little about the country!:)I have enjoyed keeping in touch with Bethany over the years, and my mom and I even got to visit them in TX a couple years ago. I recall her telling me about about the memorable time she had with you on your visit to the States. It's great you both can be an encouragement to each other.

It's also neat to find out you know the Grimes girls--Rebekah and I graduated together and now keep in touch. I'll miss Sophia, though, won't you?

[Sherrin]

I was trying to place you in my mind from the minute I read your comment on my blog on Monday! Before I got back to the computer today and read your reply to my question, I had guessed right. Bethany has told me about so many people, it took a day for me to make mental connections. I remember her telling me about how you live in a beautiful part of Virginia, which is spectacular in fall. I also remember phoning when you were visiting her, and she told me you were up from Texas for a photography course. That was in your spring during 2004, I think. Anyway, it is so much fun to make an Internet connection with you! Yes, I do miss Sophia - it was so wonderfully refreshing.

[Sherrin]

I forgot to write that I love your site layout and name - it is beautiful.