Proverbs 4:10-17, The Ideal Parent

February 13, Proverbs 4:10-17

1 Tim. 4:8-9; 1 Pet. 3:10-13 “He hsall give his angels charge over thee” (Ps. 91:11).

The Ideal Parent

Again, we find two opposite paths presented in our verses today, the path of Wisdom and the path of wickedness. Jesus called them the Broad way to Destruction and the Narrow to Life. There can be no neutrality. The unregenerate man makes loud claims to know right, but Paul declares, in spite of all his claims and confidence, he will not accept the Bible’s teaching (1 Cor. 1:20-21; 2:11-14). We must be for the right, but it must be the right as defined by God, who alone can define it.

1. His Deep Affection: Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many (v.10). Once again this loving father’s appeal sounds out. The call to hear is more than a Jewish watchword, as in Hear (Shema), O Israel! This is an entreaty of deepest affection. It reminds us of David’s heart-rending cry on the death of his rebellious son: O my son, Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Hear, O my son! This was not mere emotionalism, but a prayer for his son to receive his words while he still has opportunity. Hear them for they are Living Words, and will add many years to your life.
2. His Dutiful Application: I have taught thee in the way of wisdom (v.11a). What a striking testimony this is! He taught his son the way of wisdom. Such wisdom doesn’t drop from trees or come by human methods or conceit. It is known by the application of teaching, precept upon precept, line upon line (Deut. 6:7). There is need for divine guidance at every step, especially in youth, pointing out the paths to take or what pitfalls to avoid. How dedicated are we as parents in teaching our children God’s way? When we teach good things we can have hope that they will be well and truly learned.
3. His Devoted Addition: I have led thee in right paths (v.11b). His testimony is even better. He says, I have led thee in the right paths. Right means straight paths, safe paths, because they were God-honouring paths. Palestine is hilly and rocky. One can easily get off the poorly marked paths where the going will be rough and dangerous. Here this father shows, by his own example that,

a. Straight paths are not crooked ways of carnal policy. The crooked road is a long, tiring road! Straight paths are always simpler, for thy steps shall not be straitened (restricted).

b. Straight paths are the safest paths. How many parents there are who do well in the teaching department, but fail miserably in leading. It is easier to tell someone the right way than to walk in it yourself. It takes godly parents to bring up children for God. Precept without example is like walking on one leg without crutches. “If our lives exemplify virtue, it is hopeful that they will be imitated.” (Cotton Mather). There must first be precept, but example is the devoted attention.

Thought: “Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat, but they say and do not!”

Prayer: Lord, help me to exemplify what I wish others to imitate.