Proverbs 4:1-2
“Hear, O sons, the discipline of a father, and pay attention that you may know understanding, for I give you sound learning; do not forsake my instruction.”
The Bible is a treasure chest of wisdom and truths for life like this verse, we’ve read. What does this passage reveal to us?
Here are the several truths that we must practice in life from this solid truth.
Listen Well – Listen to the discipline of fathers, guardians, mothers, and parents especially when their discipline is valid and based on sound reasoning. I mentioned sound reasoning because there is unnecessary discipline or even words that should not be said. Nevertheless, listening fosters respect for our parents. If you have something to say, speak with respect, not with a loud voice. Listening helps us to see what they want to say.
Focus Well – Pay attention to what they are trying to communicate for us to gain understanding. Listening is one point, and paying attention is another. This shows that we are not just mere hearers of the word, but seekers to understand the word. This is applicable to Christian life with God not only to our respective families. After all, God is our Father in Christ Jesus.
We will not gain understanding if we do not exert some extra effort to know what they meant by their words. Certainly, they said things that sometimes were hard to decipher. It’s like a code that is difficult to crack. But only by focusing and listening to their sound words, we are able to grasp what they want us to learn and do.
Follow Well – This pertains to obedience to that sound instruction given to us by our parents and of course by our heavenly Father through His word. “Forsaking” is tantamount to disobedience. Why would we forsake divine and sound instruction from the LORD, or practical counsel from our parents or guardians? Unless we are proud and think that we know everything are we not?
Our Father in heaven knows everything, His instructions are flawless and perfect. Indeed, our parents and guardians are not perfect, but they have enough experience in life to teach us a lesson, and they can share some negative experiences they had in the past, so we do not commit the same mistake. Likewise, the victories, triumphs, and success in their lives can be a motivation for us to take the path that honors God.
At the end of the day, we do not know everything about life, we can only rely on God who knows everything, and on those who have gone before us. Be humble, listen well, focus well, and follow well for God’s glory in Christ. Amen.