Thoughts on Proverbs 4
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 4:5 NKJV
Key take away from today’s reading for me is hinged on the following verses 13, 20 and 22.
In verse 13, we are encouraged to take firm hold of instruction, to not let go; to keep her, for she is our life!
For a better understanding, the word “Instruction” is from the root word musar in Hebrew.
It means correction, chastisement, instruction, discipline, admonition rebuke or warning.
As we looking at each of these meanings, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which reveals the Word of God (THE BIBLE) as that manual wherein all instructions we will ever need to live a victorious life are contained, comes to light.
Although some of us sometimes rely on other sources to get instruction, any instruction that is not hinged on God’s word may cause a child of God to stumble.
Our call to action then, is not just hear the Word through the various channels the church provides, but to individually Seek (through Reading, Studying and Meditation) to know these instructions for ourselves.
As you do this, give genuine attention to the instructions you receive from it (Proverbs 4 verses 20-21).
Ultimately, your path will be like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto a perfect day. And Life and Health (Remedy, Medicine, Cure, Tranquility, Deliverance, Refreshing) will be yours! Amen 🙏
Commentary 2
Theme: Wisdom The Principal Thing
Main Verse
Proverbs 4:7
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; i have led thee in right path
Supporting Scriptures
Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; .
Deuteronomy 6:6-8
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Proverbs 4:3-5
For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them”.
2 Timothy 1:5
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
In this chapter, Solomon pointed out how his father instructed him in the ways of the LORD. And here is Solomon, doing same to his own children, just the way the father taught him. Just like Abraham did, instructing his children and his children growing up to instruct their own children and so on and so forth.
This proverbs gives us a preview of the family values in the household of David. Many believe that David never had time to teach his children his knowledge about GOD, and relationship with GOD but this chapter totally disproves that.
Every verse in this chapter shows the efforts a father put into teaching and explaining to his child the right way to go and also showing him what happens when he takes the wrong path and why it should be avoided.
Of all the christian values, David chose to teach and expound the value of Wisdom to him because by experience he understood that it was wisdom that gives one access to greatness in life – having the prerequisite knowledge of situations and applying them to solve problems.
And here we find Solomon doing the same to his children. He was particular that the child should pay close attention to wisdom by making all necessary efforts never to forget it or neglect his instructions in that regard.
It is a pity that this special responsibility has now been shifted more to mothers and the church than to the fathers.
Lessons:
It is one thing for a father to teach, it is another for the child to listen but when a father takes time to guide his family aright, it is difficult for the child who listened through, to fall in the journey of life.
Prayer Points:
Dear LORD, please raise fathers who will have passion to guide their children in the way of the LORD.
Dear LORD grant us grace to pay attention to your word and to keep them in the mighty name of JESUS.
