Many children when they are young will believe their parents are the smartest people on the planet. Then as a teenager, they think that parents know nothing. And as an adult they learn that parents are indeed wiser than they thought as a teen. One of the reasons for this is that as a teen they are striving for independence, and a natural expression is for them to think that they are more intelligent, especially in making life choices.
When we look into God's Word, Proverbs 1:8,9 says " My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." The reality is that parents have been through experiences that give them an awareness that young people do not have. In v8 we read that Solomon is asking his son to listen to the teachings of his parents. Solomon had gone through some experiences and as we read these proverbs we will see that Solomon was indeed the wisest man in the world. Since Solomon was so wise, it would also be wise for his son to listen to his words. Not only the wisdom of the father, but also the mother. Both parents deserve respect, but the mother has a special place in the home, and she is to be respected greatly! Verse 9 tells us that the instructions, and the wisdom from parents are like beautiful necklaces and ornaments, and precious jewelry. The best quality a young person can have is the respect for their parents, and the wisdom to hear and listen to their parents advice.
The reality is that in our culture there are things that parents are teaching their kids that are ungodly. So, a young person must take what their parents say and check them out with the Scriptures, the final authority, and if the parent is wrong in a certain area, it should be brought up with respect and dignity, in a way that honors God.
The bottom line is that as a child, whether we are 5 or 85, we are to give honor and respect to our parents, listening to their advice, and taking in what they may have to say. We should also always look to our Heavenly Father for advice as well, for He is All-Wise!
- Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton
When we look into God's Word, Proverbs 1:8,9 says " My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." The reality is that parents have been through experiences that give them an awareness that young people do not have. In v8 we read that Solomon is asking his son to listen to the teachings of his parents. Solomon had gone through some experiences and as we read these proverbs we will see that Solomon was indeed the wisest man in the world. Since Solomon was so wise, it would also be wise for his son to listen to his words. Not only the wisdom of the father, but also the mother. Both parents deserve respect, but the mother has a special place in the home, and she is to be respected greatly! Verse 9 tells us that the instructions, and the wisdom from parents are like beautiful necklaces and ornaments, and precious jewelry. The best quality a young person can have is the respect for their parents, and the wisdom to hear and listen to their parents advice.
The reality is that in our culture there are things that parents are teaching their kids that are ungodly. So, a young person must take what their parents say and check them out with the Scriptures, the final authority, and if the parent is wrong in a certain area, it should be brought up with respect and dignity, in a way that honors God.
The bottom line is that as a child, whether we are 5 or 85, we are to give honor and respect to our parents, listening to their advice, and taking in what they may have to say. We should also always look to our Heavenly Father for advice as well, for He is All-Wise!
- Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton