Proverbs 1:8-9

“Hear, my son, your father’s discipline, and do not abandon your mother’s instruction; for they are a garland of grace for your head and ornaments about your neck.”

Whether you are a parent or a single adult professional, we can never deny that at one point in our life we were once a child who does not know the harshness of this world. We did things that were right in our eyes by following our immature decisions which resulted in our disadvantage and misery.

I once followed my desire way back in my college days. The money that was supposed to pay my tuition for the summer class was used in a Networking business that I failed to work out. In short, it was a flop. The result was that I did not graduate on time according to the plan.

If I only listened to my grandfather’s counsel and to my mother’s reminders to study well, I would not be wasting that money. I would not be late for graduating early. And I would not give them disappointment and embarrass myself.

The Bible is true, listening to our father’s discipline and mother’s instruction is the wise thing to do because it will guide us where to go. Why? Because they already passed our stage. They knew it already. They have seen the consequences of disobedience and have tasted the goodness of honoring their parents.

The “garland of grace and ornaments to the neck” are symbols of honor and victory in ancient times. It also conveys wisdom, knowledge, and a good reputation (just like what Francisco Balagtas had on his head). It is also given to people who are worthy of high esteem by the giver and by the people.

Therefore, it means, listening to good and wise counsel from our parents, and obeying it gives us wisdom, knowledge, and honor. It keeps us safe from disgrace, embarrassment, and failures in life until we reach the level of maturity we have and can decide on our own with wisdom and fear of God.

Are you still listening to the good counsel of your parents? Are you stubborn? What can you do to develop your listening heart to good counsel either from your parent or guardian?