8-24-06 Proverbs 1:8, 9

Proverbs 1: 8, 9 (KJ21)
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Proverbs 1: 8, 9 (NAS)
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 (NIVUS)
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

Proverbs 1: 8, 9 (NLT)
Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don’t neglect your mother’s teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor.

Parents...we have all found them exasperating at times. As children, when we were disciplined, we may have thought our parents were just being mean. As teenagers, we thought we knew better than the "old folks". However, as we grow older and become parents ourselves, we are often amazed at how much wisdom that our parents really had.

Your father knew that you needed his instruction and guidance, even if you did not. His chastisements, corrections, and rebukes were to build you and make you very fruitful. He knew if you would listen and obey, then you would become a valiant man, whose way would be sure and secure.

Likewise your mother set down some laws and precepts for you to follow. Her words were what bonded the family together. She knew that if you rejected them, then others could easily pound and smite you. If you forsook and cast off her statutes, you could be cast off and forsaken as well. She understood that you would suffer in your rebellion.

As you obey and regard the sayings of both your father and mother, you will be rewarded with Adonai's kindness, favor, and grace. You are precious in His sight and He will make your life pleasant. He will crown you with His mercy. You will come to the forefront as a ruler, captain, and chief. You shall be liberally furnished in all that you do.