While much Christian attention is given to child/parent relationships, Solomon addresses an oft neglected topic: adult child/parental relationships. His message, however, remains consistent. Listen, respect, pay attention, don’t despise. These simple instructions if heeded would resolve a world of hurt, broken relationships, and bitterness. He does not say: obey, remain in the nest, or anything else that would contradict the principle of “leaving and cleaving” and forming one’s own family unit. But he reminds us that parents, even to their old age, are a precious gift from God. He reminds his son that his parents begat him. They were there from the beginning of our lives. They know us, our weaknesses, our potential, our personalities. They should therefore be honored, taken seriously, and solicited for counsel and prayer. This is an opportunity to extend grace. As humans age and the mind and body begin to fail, it is easy to thoughtlessly, if not intentionally, discard the old. But Christ teaches a better way, a way of compassion, care, and honor.