From Father to Son, To You!

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

The Book of Proverbs contains unparalleled wisdom that covers nearly every issue we’ll ever face in this life.  Most of the book was written by King Solomon, whom the Scriptures say is the wisest and wealthiest man to have ever lived.  Solomon was the son of King David – the same David who slew Goliath as a shepherd boy and eventually became the king of Israel.  Although David was very flawed, God considered David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) because he worshipped the God of Israel with all of his might.  The majority of the Book of Psalms is written by King David, who praised God when life was great, and who cried out to God but still praised Him when times were tumultuous. 

Solomon was only around 20 years old when he became the third king of Israel.  Although he witnessed the manner in which his father David faithfully governed - seeking God’s counsel and favor through faith, worship, and obedience - Solomon knew that leading God’s covenant people would be a daunting task.  The young ruler asked God for wisdom rather than material wealth or the destruction of his enemies.  God not only blessed him with wisdom beyond compare, but also gave him the riches and honor that he humbly did not ask for.  Our Lord loves a humble heart.  (Matthew 23:12)

The Book of Proverbs supplies Godly wisdom for all those who study it.  However, King Solomon didn’t just write this book for any and everyone - he also penned these words of wisdom as a loving father to his own child.  One such example of this is Proverbs 3:1-10 (ESV), one of my favorite passages of Scripture:

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

We should never understate or devalue the lessons that we share with our children.  Wisdom from the Scriptures are worthy of being passed down from generation to generation.  Godly wisdom is not only the antidote for foolishness, it also strengthens our faith-walk because we will experience the results of obediently following the Lord’s foolproof instructions.  And the results of being obedient to God’s Word works for our good and for His glory.  Need proof?  Just look to Jesus.  Jesus left the splendor of Heaven to come to this sin-sick world as an act of obedience to the Father (John 6:38; Luke 22:42).  His obedience to the will of the Father resulted in the free gift of salvation, which is immediately available to all those who would believe on His name.  Through faith in Jesus’ act of obedience, one is no longer under the death penalty, which is eternal separation from God and an eternity spent in Hell.  Those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead will have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, where Heaven awaits. 

Godly wisdom is the truth, and the Lord Jesus Christ is that Truth.  Share this Truth with your sons, your daughters, your family and your friends.  The wisdom that is Christ not only saves but breaks generational curses.  This wisdom delivers you from the bondage of sin and death.  This wisdom will give you a new heart – a heart that earnestly seeks to love God, and teaches you how to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.  Don’t keep this wisdom to yourselves, Brothers and Sisters.  Share it with the world!

God bless.