“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
I like how the NIV translates parents for the word The King James translates Father. In Solomons experience both his mother and father loved him dearly. Also, in his community there was a very patriarchal cultural understanding. Today it is expected that both mom and dad speak steady wisdom into their child’s life. It is not always the case. For that reason back when I was doing youth ministry we found that the concept of God the Father was rather off putting to some kids with either bad or missing fathers in their lives. Solomon works off the assumption that everyone could relate to his relationship with his dad, King David. It was a relationship of love that paved the way for instruction that was both wise and trusted. What good father would not be sure that more than anyone else, his child would received his most favored counsel. Therefore we read, “ He is a fool that despises the instruction of anyone superior to him in years and experience; of ministers of the word; and especially of our Father which is in heaven, declared in the sacred Scriptures, which are written for instruction in righteousness;” (Biblehub) Yep, God is the ultimate Father in the true sense of loving us powerfully and wanting only good in our journey. The dictionary defines prudent as, “acting with or showing care and thought for the future.” Exactly. Today accept the wisdom from those in your life who are in authority and be prudent. #BeTheEdge
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalms 119:165 NIV
