A Father’s Wise Advice

Tuesday, May 18

A Father’s Wise Advice

Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. Proverbs 4:13

We all remember, or should I say we’d all like to forget those times of discipline from our parents. The times when you thought you couldn’t hear that old saying another time, and yet there you were hearing it again. You know what I am talking about – the one where you always replied, “I know, I know.” Or maybe it was the famous warning you received each time you came home late or did not check in when you were gone all day. Or maybe it was a friend who always kept you in check always reminding you of how silly or difficult a decision would be. Whatever the case for you, I’m sure you can think of a time when all you wanted to say was, “I know, I’ve heard it all before.” Proverbs 4 reads like this. In fact, it’s titled in the New Living Translation version ‘A Father’s Wise Advice”

Here we find the father (Solomon) repeatedly giving his sons words of wisdom, be attentive, to accept, to listen to, to remember, and to keep wisdom. As a parent I can imagine the face of this son, “okay father I hear you, I know, I’m listening”. But there’s a reason for this continual emphasis. Though we may reply, “I know, I know,” we still forget and still turn away from wisdom when foolishness appears better. We need to be reminded of why this pursuit of wisdom is so important, and we need to be encouraged to keep seeking godly wisdom because we will never fully attain it.

Today, let’s be wise children of God who never grow tired of seeking wisdom. Let’s diligently run after wisdom in full pursuit—valuing it, standing against wickedness, and guarding our hearts with it.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father God, thank You for your word. Daily I am reminded that in You word alone are the keys to life found. Amen.