Photo Source: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Proverbs 1:8, 9
8Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
9for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
I love how God teaches us about Himself through His word. Here we have both a father and a mother giving advise to their son, whom they love. Parents are a good gift from God; they are the people who are supposed to love you most. Your mother gives birth to you, your father helps provide for you. They both make sure you have a roof over your head and food in your belly.
In this, they reflect God's love and care for you. But even more so, it is He who created and cares for you (Psalm 139:13, Job 10:12).
Now I know that no one is perfect, parents included. You may be reading this and thinking 'My parents aren't like that at all.' I want you to know that God, through His son Jesus Christ, has adopted many as His own. Me included! If you are Christian, please bask in this truth (1 John 3)! If you are not familiar with the thought that if you are in Christ, then God is your Father, a good source to read is J.I. Packer's Knowing God, the chapter entitled 'Sons of God.' If you have been hurt by your earthly parents, trust that God, our Heavenly Father, is near to those who are brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He knows the number of hairs on your head, and He can be trusted.
Regardless of your relationship with your parents, it is absolutely true that those who love you, warn you. They care for your well-being.
This father and mother give both instruction and teaching; which are likened to a graceful garland and a pendant. Their faithful instruction and teaching are lavish gifts to their son! And a wise child will take heed to such guidance.
And just what are they teaching him? The difference between foolishness and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
