Listen to Mom and Dad (Proverbs 1:8-9)

It is important for a child to listen to their mother and father. There are certain life lessons that will be taught to the child via the parents. Solomon understood this and had this to say:

"My son, hear the instruction of your father; reject not or forsake the teaching of your mother; for they are a [victor's] chaplet of grace upon your head, and the chains and pendants [of gold worn by kings] for you neck." Proverbs 1:8-9, Amplified

Solomon was a father himself. One would have to assume that Solomon wrote these words for his son Rehoboam. Solomon describes the instruction of a father and the teaching of a mother as two distinct things.

A father is to instruct a son on many different levels. Instruction, I feel, is a lesson through experience. For example a father teaches his son how to fish by taking him fishing, the son learns about camping and hunting and different other manly things through experiencing them himself.

The word teachings used in the Amplified Bible was not the original words used. In the King James Version, it talks about the "law of your mother." This word law is synonymous with the Decalogue or Pentateuch. In other words, a father teaches his son how to live like a man; take this one step further and understand it as a Christian man teaches his son how to live like a Christian. A mother takes on the spiritual aspects of life, for she is the spiritual nurturer in the family dynamic.

But this instruction and teaching are also going to become two things for the boy. In the King James Version they will become an ornament of grace. This ornament is actually more like a wreath. The Amplified version takes it further and calls it a "victor's crown". Notice that the crown is not made of gold. I feel that the gold crown would be a symbol of authority, and that is not what the instruction of a father and the teaching from a mother is about. Following the words of you father and mother is a personal victory, these words will help you overcome obstacles in your own life. And not only will it be a crown, but also be of grace. One might also view this as favor. Having personal victories in one's life brings with it confidence.

The words from your mother and father also become like chains around your neck. These chains are decorations for everyone else to see. When I read this verse I always think of the bling that rapper's wear. Everyone wants to get a closer look. This is what our life should be like. Those around us should want to scrutinize our lives. However, this should encourage us to live an impeccable life. Impeccable simply means "without sin." In living an impeccable life, we will bring honor to our mother and father and our God.