"HEED THESE INSTRUCTIONS" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 3/31/26

“My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” (Proverbs 6:20-23)

Proverbs is all about passing on wisdom from father to son. Physically, of course, from Solomon to his son, but more so, from spiritual father to future generations. We are to cling to the instructions of our parents (so long as they don’t contradict Biblical teachings), even if we may be tempted to run from them. We must constantly remember and duly consider them, and let the law of God, the foundation of our parents’ teaching, direct us how to order our steps and actions. These words can provide counsel and comfort, enlightening dark minds to clearly follow the plain and right path. They also serve as wise and instructive reproofs or admonitions to preserve and prolong this life, and to ensure eternal life to those who obey them.

Obviously, this passage suggests that children should let their parents’ advice rest on their hearts. However, there is also something implied, and that is that parents need to give instructions worth clinging to. It’s like the Fifth Commandment, which is about honoring your parents, also implies that parents have a responsibility to walk in a manner worthy of honor.

God, our Heavenly Father’s every action demands reverence, and His every word demands listening because that’s what He has earned. It’s our duty as believers to follow. In the same way, children need to embody this mentality and value the teaching of their father and mother, and parents must embody God’s attitude, which requires listening and respect.