From january 20, One Year Bible

Proverbs 4:1~6 (NIV)

1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

I remember the “corrections” of my father. I would classify him as a stern disciplinarian who was never inclined to “spare the rod”.  He was not abusive, but I sure thought he was.  I can't say that I listened to his instruction as we are encouraged to do here in Proverbs 4. There are some things here that the writer tells us to do. He also lists some benefits if we will do them.  We are to listen and pay attention.  He says that if we do, we will gain understanding, sound learning and wisdom.

When I was a kid at home and my father tried to teach me some important things, about life.  I don't recall that he ever promised understanding or sound learning.  He told me what to do and expected me to do it.  If he had made only promises, I probably would not have heard him anyway. I was too caught up with my own intelligence. One day, when I was beginning to raise children myself, I began to realize how much he seemed to have recently learned. I realized the importance of his wise teachings. He was wise in many ways...much wiser than I was.

Our writer of this Proverb encourages us to follow the commands. He encourages us to work for wisdom and understanding. The encouraging word from our Heavenly Father today is to listen to His instruction; pay attention; do not forsake His teaching; lay hold of His words; and keep His commands. To do these things will result in wisdom, understanding and protection.