Scripture: Proverbs 6:20-23
Pastor Jorrel Cabana

Scripture:
“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.” NLT

Observation:
Solomon is exhorting us on the importance and necessity of heeding the instruction of our parents. It’s interesting that Solomon, “the wisest man who ever lived” felt compelled to remind us to never grow deaf to the voice of our parents and never stop heeding their advice. It would seem to me that he gave us this stark reminder because he himself also needed to be reminded of this. Perhaps it was something he experienced firsthand. In reading the text, one can’t help but notice how many different ways Solomon speaks the same point. Notice he tells us to listen with our ears, which in turn will help us to remember in our minds. He also urges us to store up their commands in our hearts, and tie them around our neck. He even likens the commands of our parent to a lamp and a light that helps illuminate the right way to go. The fact that Solomon gave so many different illustrations on the matter, speaks to the importance of the point that he was trying to make and that is to “obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction!”

Application:
Growing up, I could not wait to make my own decisions and do things my own way. I longed for the day that I could tell my parents, “thanks for your input but I think I’m gonna handle this on my own.” The desire to become less dependent upon our parents is a natural progression of maturity and growth. However, there is still much value in having the guidance, direction and input from parents or a mature adult who can give us sound, impartial advice. Although it is beneficial for us, as we grow up, to be able to make our own decisions and not fully reliant upon their parents, we would do well to not turn a deaf ear towards our parents and reject their advice entirely. Many times, if you are struggling with a decision or situation, check with your parents or a mature adult who knows you well. Their years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek. Many times the wisdom we’re looking for comes from sources outside of ourselves. Even Jesus Himself still sought direction and guidance from His Father in Heaven!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us parents and/or other mature adults that we can lean on for guidance and direction. We thank you that in moments where we’re indecisive or unsure we can lean on their wisdom and experience to help point us in the right direction. Lord, continue to bring into our lives people who can give us sound direction and helpful advice. We thank you and love you, in Jesus name we pray,
Amen!