Heed Wisdom's Call - Proverbs 1:8

Solomon is pointing his son towards wisdom in this verse. He just warned, in the previous verse, that fools despise instruction. Therefore, Solomon exhorts - My son, hear the instruction of your father. This principle - children heeding the instructions of their parents - is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. In fact, this is one of the Ten Commandments. If our children are to grow in wisdom, they need to heed this principle. They need to understand that it is no small sin to disobey their parents. There is continuity between reverencing God and reverencing parents.

We live in a culture that just accepts disobedient children; however, this is an attack on the created order (See Romans 1:29-32). When we, as parents, recognize disobedience and rebellion, we should not trivialize this as something they will outgrow. As parents, we have been commanded by God to bring up our children under the fear and admonition of the Lord. Think about the glorious role that God gives to us as parents. We are part of God's plan to impart wisdom to the next generation. And this is why we, as parents, need wisdom.

So, as we journey through the Proverbs, we need to apply them to ourselves. Are we able to impart wisdom to our children? Remember we cannot impart what we don't have. When we look at our children, do we see a teachable character? Are they willing to receive instruction? If not, we need to make sure we are not looking in a mirror. If we see foolish characteristics, we first need to take the log out of our own eye by applying wisdom, then we can help our children. Next, examine the things that influence our children. As parents, we need to heed the wisdom of Paul - bad company corrupts good character. Your child’s association could be at the root of corrupt character.