Proverbs 1:8-9

The writer of Proverbs spent a lot of energy focusing on the family. He knew that a strong family was the most crucial building block for the whole of society. Today, nothing has changed. Society pays a terrible price when families fail to experience love and security. He had a strong message for both parents and children - in short, they need to be listened to carefully and their instruction followed.

Every child will hear many different voices and, in the following verses, the writer describes how easily a young person can get lured into sin. He paints a graphic picture of how they could be encouraged to rob, or even murder, out of a greedy desire to acquire more and more for themselves. This might sound rather extreme but there is no doubt that if we don’t build our lives on the good advice of our parents, we leave ourselves open to being enticed by really bad advice.

None of this is to say that parents are perfect. Many certainly aren’t! But, out of our love, most will try to keep their children safe and enable them to live good, confident lives. I wonder what you remember from your parent’s advice and instruction. I honestly don’t remember much, but I do remember their love and care and the way in which they tried to guide me in the right way.

I’ve never thought of what they said as being like a chain of honour around my neck, but I get the point that the writer of Proverbs is making, and I’m grateful for their advice and their correction.

QUESTION
What do you remember of your parent’s instructions?

PRAYER
Loving Father, I pray for all parents. Help them always to be wise and loving in the way in which they speak to their children. Amen

Released on 3 Jul 2023