My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands inside yourself, by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for discernment—shout loudly for understanding—if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how to fear the Lord, and you will discover knowledge about God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:1–6)
The familiar refrain throughout Proverbs is “Listen, my child….” Solomon allows us to witness a father’s loving exhortation to his children. These are tender instructions that, if obeyed, lead to good consequences. If they are not heeded, and if bad decisions are made, there are unfortunate ends. These directions work on multiple levels. That is, there is a continuum from the simple command to the nuances of choice. Full understanding, however, is not required for obedience.
Solomon’s God affirms that his children who listen to counsel and carry out his teaching will acquire wisdom. The tough words are ever motivated by the loving father. There is the sense that this advice and correction are necessary for the most success and spiritual growth. God has the words of eternal life. These words are to be accepted gratefully and applied appropriately. Obedience to this counsel allows for an ongoing relationship and open communication with the Father.
Which of your parents’ instructions still echo in your head? How important is obedience to the functioning of your family? To what life principles do you adhere? How good are you at “listening and doing?”